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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 2 to 26 of 26. Go back in thread:
Posted by Phillipa on April 23, 2007, at 19:35:01
In reply to Started Emsam today., posted by KayeBaby on April 23, 2007, at 17:33:56
Kaye congratulations to you I also have samples. You're a braver soul than I am but then you do well on stimulants I'm the opposite. I bet it works well for you. Love Phillipa
Posted by greywolf on April 23, 2007, at 21:36:08
In reply to Started Emsam today., posted by KayeBaby on April 23, 2007, at 17:33:56
Just give the Emsam a full shot. It's going to take 6 - 8 weeks, and possibly an upgrade to a higher dose, before you can make a fair call.
One nice thing: almost everything causes me fatigue, but I actually find Emsam somewhat stimulating.
Greywolf
Posted by KayeBaby on April 23, 2007, at 22:23:34
In reply to Re: Started Emsam today., posted by greywolf on April 23, 2007, at 21:36:08
Thank you both for the encouragement.
I have felt better today than I expected to. I actually went grocery shopping something I have put off for days.
I had to take some Excedrin for a slight backache (gardening yesterday)and it has 120 mg caffeine in it. I was worried that it might cause a problem. None at all-if anything it perked me up a bit but then caffeine usually does for me.
Greywolf, good to here about the stimulating factor. Everything tends to make me fatigued or lazy too and I HATE that.
I quite smoking 2 weeks ago (I can't believe I am saying that) and stopped stims yesterday so I am not expecting to feel great. I will settle for awake and alive right now.
I have used stimulants for 10 solid years and had smoked for over 20 just to give some perspective.
I got sick with a virus (parvo b19) in 2001 and was practically bedridden for over a year with a slow climb out of post-viral fatigue syndrom (CFS) ever since. I feel like taking Lyrica from Feb 2006-Jan 2007 is what helped me to really turn the corner in regards to my health. My fatigue has vastly improved over the last year. I was beginning to lose hope that it ever would.
I really do have a good feeling about Emsam.
Peace,
Kaye
Posted by KayeBaby on April 24, 2007, at 19:31:29
In reply to Re: Started Emsam today., posted by KayeBaby on April 23, 2007, at 22:23:34
I put the patch on today and dozed for about 5 hours afterward. Came to life a bit after that.
Noticed a slight decrease in the desire to eat, mood is alright but I am lazyier than I would like. To be expected discontinuing stims. Definately could be worse.
Peace,
Kaye
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 25, 2007, at 0:49:09
In reply to 2nd day, posted by KayeBaby on April 24, 2007, at 19:31:29
I felt an increase in energy as soon as I put the patch on, but it didnt really kick in until week 6-7. Be patient. It takes time. Happy you are doing so well, tho. Michael
Posted by KayeBaby on April 25, 2007, at 1:49:36
In reply to Re: 2nd day » KayeBaby, posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 25, 2007, at 0:49:09
Thanks for the encouragement.
I am goint to put a fresh one on ealier in the morning because it seems like I pick up speed beginning about 5-6 hours after and it keeps improving as the hours pass.
Wellbutrin is this way for me as well.
If I put a fresh patch on early in the am maybe I will be ready to get up and about by at least afternoon.
It was weird-while I dozed today I dreamed of being really busy doing stuff I need to do. This has to be a good sign. At least I am becoming motivated in my dreams. :)
Kaye
Posted by Shortstop on April 25, 2007, at 11:32:20
In reply to Re: 2nd day, posted by KayeBaby on April 25, 2007, at 1:49:36
I just finished week 3 on the Emsam 6's for GAD and, as I noted recently here, I don't feel a thing. No side effects but no benefits either. UGGH, my pdoc's plan is close to what you advised. He said stay on the 6's for six weeks and if there's still no noticeable relief from the anxiety+panic, we'll bump up to the 9's for a try. If even that doesn't produce results, he said, we may as well simply revert to a straight benzo program (klonopin every day, xanax as needed). You may recall I'm trying the Emsam patch b/c my stomach will not tolerate any SSRI pills. They all give me persistent and severe heartburn.
KayeBaby, to be honest, if you're feeling such dramatic results so soon into the regimen, I think there's a good chance what you're experiencing is most likely placebo effect (that is, psychosomatic). Everything I've read about this class of drug says they take quite some time to change your neuroreceptor activity. The effects are never instant or a matter of just a few hours, like they are with benzos. FWIW.
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 25, 2007, at 14:34:35
In reply to Re: 2nd day, posted by Shortstop on April 25, 2007, at 11:32:20
While I have no doubt Emsam gives you energy almost seconds after you put it on, I think mostly what Kaye is feeling is placebo effects, but that is a good thing. Then again, every med affects everybody different and it could be very real.
If she can keep a positive mindset and think that the med is helping her, it can only be positive. Kaye, just wait until this med really kicks in around week 6-7. Im proud of you.
Im excited for you. Keep posting and sharing your good news.
Posted by jealibeanz on April 25, 2007, at 15:56:19
In reply to Re: 2nd day, posted by KayeBaby on April 25, 2007, at 1:49:36
> Thanks for the encouragement.
>
> I am goint to put a fresh one on ealier in the morning because it seems like I pick up speed beginning about 5-6 hours after and it keeps improving as the hours pass.
>
> Wellbutrin is this way for me as well.
>
> If I put a fresh patch on early in the am maybe I will be ready to get up and about by at least afternoon.
>
> It was weird-while I dozed today I dreamed of being really busy doing stuff I need to do. This has to be a good sign. At least I am becoming motivated in my dreams. :)
>
>
> KayeYay! Good for you. I'm glad you found something to give you hope and happiness. You definintely deserve it.
I've always been curious about EMSAM since it was released. Keep us updated!
Posted by KayeBaby on April 25, 2007, at 16:26:54
In reply to Re: I agree, but it will come » Shortstop, posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 25, 2007, at 14:34:35
You mean that anything that I am able to discern is more than likely placebo effect?
It definately effects my sleep-more dreaming, sleeping lightly. This is not from discontinuing stims although sleeping more probably is.
I am looking for the positive. I have quit smoking, have PMS, and quit stims. I don't have huge expectations.
I am foggy today, slept (albeit lightly) for 12 hours straight. It is 4pm and I have not changed clothers, eaten a decent meal, I have a headache, a backache and feel like a fat, lazy slug.
My optimism in this situation is due to the Kaye effect.I am able to discern this medication in my system physically.
No, it is not doing what it is supposd to yet.
I also respond to 5mg of Paxil within days, Effexor made me high on one 37.5 dose and 2 mg of liquid zoloft helps my PMS and sleep from the first day. Provigil makes me stoned and Ritalin makes me drool. I had to quit dexedrine because it makes me anhedonic and zombie-like. Adderall makes me sleepy, irritable and depressed.
I don't react to drugs typically and usually require a fraction of the amount that is considered a therapuetic dose.
My system is extremely sensitive to light, sound, touch, temerature and much more.
I wish the placebo effect was in full force. As it stands I am alright which is better than I deserve considering the circumstances.
I accept that some people may not feel any effect from this or other medications.
I am also slobberingly inarticualte right now.
I am trying to make the point that it is difficult to accurately analyise what one does not have access to.
Take Care,
Kaye
Posted by KayeBaby on April 25, 2007, at 16:39:56
In reply to Re: 2nd day » KayeBaby, posted by jealibeanz on April 25, 2007, at 15:56:19
Hi JB,
Though I would answer you seperately from my snit I just posted. :)Judging from my past experiences of stim withdrawel I think that any interaction with the world bodes well right now and if I were naive to to effects of stimulants I imagine that I would find this drug to be quite stimulating.
I am forcing myself out of bed today. It's off limits till bedtime. It is painful for me to stay upright, though. I am not sleepy, it's hard to explain. This is usual for me.
I have a few duties today that I feel I will be able to carry out. I put the patch on earlier today and it disrupted my sleep a little bit for the first few hours but I got up after 9 hours and my mood is ok. My appetite is less than expected (GOOD) I am not depressed, just lazy.
I will keep you updated-I don't feel like doing much else.
Peace,
Kaye
Posted by Phillipa on April 25, 2007, at 19:07:30
In reply to Re: 2nd day-Now the 3rd » jealibeanz, posted by KayeBaby on April 25, 2007, at 16:39:56
Thanks Kaye for the comparison to wellbutrin as it was much too stimulating for me and I ended up in the hospital pdoc thinking I was manic. I have lots of energy my problem is not being able to stay still. Thanks again. Love Phillipa and good luck you will do well I'm sure.
Posted by KayeBaby on April 25, 2007, at 22:38:58
In reply to Re: 2nd day-Now the 3rd » KayeBaby, posted by Phillipa on April 25, 2007, at 19:07:30
I can't remeber anything ever being too stimulating for me.
I do have anxiety that is helped by stimulants though. I guess it depends on what is causing your anxiety.
Has Lyrica been ruled out for you, Phillipa? It really helps with sleep. I get quality sleep on it even though it does not really induce sleep.
Thanks for encouraging me. I feel much better tonight that I did this afternoon.
Peace,
Kaye
Posted by Phillipa on April 25, 2007, at 22:42:00
In reply to Re: 2nd day-Now the 3rd » Phillipa, posted by KayeBaby on April 25, 2007, at 22:38:58
Great that you feel better so lyrica helped your anxiety. Could you maybe babble me a bit more about your anxiety as my pdoc didn't seem familiar with it and I've heard good things about it. Thanks and good luck to you. Love Phillipa
Posted by KayeBaby on April 26, 2007, at 17:23:21
In reply to Re: 2nd day-Now the 3rd » KayeBaby, posted by Phillipa on April 25, 2007, at 22:42:00
I slept 11-12 hours last night but it felt like sound sleep. This is more than likely due to stim withdrawal more than anything. My mood is ok and I feel like I am apt to get up and move around a bit more and pretty clear-headed.
My appetite is well controlled which is surprising given the time of the month, not smoking or taking my usual medication.
If I develop some motivation I will be very grateful!I am applying a new patch before bedtime.
Things could certainly be worse so I'm hanging in there for the moment.
Peace,
Kaye
Posted by jealibeanz on April 26, 2007, at 17:46:58
In reply to 4th day, posted by KayeBaby on April 26, 2007, at 17:23:21
Kaye,
Have you ever taken Provigil? That could help with the fatigue.
Maybe your body just needs to get used to the medication. I know when I first began Straterra, I was very fatigued for a few days, after which I had more energy than before. This also happened with each dose increase.
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 26, 2007, at 18:54:59
In reply to 4th day, posted by KayeBaby on April 26, 2007, at 17:23:21
In all seriousness, I am so jealous of you. I could never sleep more than about seven hours, and I am upset when I dont get eight. Sometimes I got only 5-6, especially in the beginning.
Kaye, I am very happy to see you doing so well so early on this med. You are right: Every med affects everybody differently, and you could be feeling it much quicker than the average person.
I will be following your daily diary. I will be very interested to see how you feel around week 6-7, when it really kicks in.
Proud of you, Michael
Posted by KayeBaby on April 27, 2007, at 0:08:16
In reply to 12 hours of sleep on Emsam is a U.S, record » KayeBaby, posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 26, 2007, at 18:54:59
Thanks for keeping up with me guys.
JB, I have a bottle of unused provigil right now. It worked well the first few doses then made me feel flat and stoned. I was awake but did not feel alert.
The left over provigil is being kept company by Dexedrine spansules and tablets that cause me the same problem the provigil does but worse.
I do not feel fatigued so much anymore but more amotivated. This is an improvement over the horrid fatigue I had for several years running. I bet I could benefit from some CBT at this point to help me get past some of my habits from being tired. I need to re-learn how to motivate myself and get moving.
So far EMSAM has not hurt my sleep any at all.
I take Ambien to sleep for the last couple of years. I just have trouble going to sleep but not staying that way. I don't think EMSAM is responsible for the excessive amount of sleep though.
TOM will be here soon and I'll bet I will really be able to see some improvements.
It is midnight now and as ususal I feel better than I have all day. This is why I have to force myself to go to sleep. So frustrating.
I am certainly a night owl.
Peace,
KayeI'll bet
Posted by KayeBaby on April 27, 2007, at 0:09:44
In reply to Re: 12 hours of sleep on Emsam is a U.S, record, posted by KayeBaby on April 27, 2007, at 0:08:16
Posted by KayeBaby on April 28, 2007, at 2:25:27
In reply to Now officially day 5 :) (nm), posted by KayeBaby on April 27, 2007, at 0:09:44
Got about 9 hrs last night. Took 250 mg caffien to help me wake up-I had to take Grandma to the dr.s office. Helped alot.
Did well today. Actually spent some time doing something else besides wallow in self-pity.I am doing much better than I have in the past withdrawing from stims.
Chin is up!
Definately a good sign.
Peace,
Kaye
Posted by KayeBaby on April 28, 2007, at 14:50:49
In reply to end of day 5, posted by KayeBaby on April 28, 2007, at 2:25:27
I got a much closer to normal 8 hrs of sleep and probably could have gotten up earlier had I wanted to.
I am feeling alert, my appetite is still well controlled. I still am not very enthusiastic about getting out and about but I can if needed. What more can I ask at this point.
Peace,
Kaye
Posted by KayeBaby on April 28, 2007, at 14:52:19
In reply to Re: end of day 5, posted by KayeBaby on April 28, 2007, at 14:50:49
Posted by Phillipa on April 28, 2007, at 18:54:19
In reply to Re: end of day 5, posted by KayeBaby on April 28, 2007, at 14:50:49
Kaye sounds really great. Expect to hear another good day tomorrow. Love Phillipa
Posted by KayeBaby on April 29, 2007, at 23:59:38
In reply to Re: end of day 5 » KayeBaby, posted by Phillipa on April 28, 2007, at 18:54:19
Today. Had a couple of rough spots with just feeling weird. The bout of sadness today and just now, I had a similar feeling for a short time. It is fading now but I just felt.....afraid and unreal.
Talking to a freind today about this we theorized that maybe I have been rather numb for awhile and that this is just my emotions resurfacing. Similar to what Declan suggested earlier.
I am still lazy but not actually tired. Lazy is probably the habit portion. I will set some goals for myself and see what I can actually accomplish.
I do feel more present and in the moment which is a good thing.
Right now I feel like I have a slight cramp of grief in my heart. Like when you have lost a loved one recently and you can't quite take your mind from it.
I have noticed that I am writing "I feel" more than "I think" which is unusual for me.
I feel (fruedian mispelling changed from I fell-lol)out of my element.
Good Night,
Kaye
Posted by KayeBaby on May 2, 2007, at 23:01:13
In reply to EMSAM end of day 6, posted by KayeBaby on April 29, 2007, at 23:59:38
Seems as though in the last couple days it's starting to kick in and my mood has improved along with my motivation.
Now when I am putting a new patch on I feel an energy surge which is not going to be good for my sleep. I am going to start moving the time earlier, bit by bit.
It was not making me energetic after a new application in the first week, in fact, the opposite.
I feel more optimistic.
Peace,
Kaye
This is the end of the thread.
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