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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Fischer on May 6, 2006, at 19:15:45
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Time for next refil » RobertDavid, posted by theo on May 2, 2006, at 17:21:05
Until Theo mentioned it I hadn't thought much about placement of the patch. I am on my 9th day and started feeling good after about 4 or 5 days. However, today was a bad day, I thought it was just a fluke but maybe it is because I put it on my thigh. I moved to the thighs because I am getting square red marks on my arms and chest that take a few days to fade.
I haven't had as many meltdowns since I started the patch, I really have to wait until my doctor's appointment on Thursday to evaluate it.
I had insomnia when I began the patch so I started taking ambien with the patch, I am sleeping deeper but not better.
I believe there is hope or else I would have given up a long time ago. I have had about 100 med combinations as well as ECT. I'll try anything to get a life.
Posted by Fischer on May 6, 2006, at 19:25:44
In reply to Re: egas, posted by ravenstorm on May 6, 2006, at 8:33:33
are you all still on the 6 mg patch?
Posted by Donna Louise on May 6, 2006, at 20:58:09
In reply to dosage, posted by Fischer on May 6, 2006, at 19:25:44
> are you all still on the 6 mg patch?
I am still on the 6mg but have only been wearing it, when it doesn't come off, for a week. The last two days have not been good. I have been rageful and sobbing alot. This is not the patch, this is what I am like untreated. I am afraid I am not getting enough medicine. the thigh is the only place it halfway sticks to, I am afraid to try more locations that I already have for fear I will only get a few hours out of it. I see the pdoc on Friday. Maybe she will have some samples i can waste trying different place. I am also a little over two weeks off effexor. I have always had a rebound high when first stopping a drug so I am afraid that is why I had been feeling good emotionally (even though physically sick as a person with bird flu must feel). And like always, the reprieve has passed. I was hoping EMSAM would take over in time to avoid this total relapse (I am never fully remitted in the first place) but it hasn't. Maybe tomorrow will be another day. At least these episodes aren't constant. I do have good moments too. Sorry for the disappointing news.Donna
Posted by Fischer on May 7, 2006, at 0:05:21
In reply to Re: dosage » Fischer, posted by Donna Louise on May 6, 2006, at 20:58:09
I have had the rage and the sobbing, particulary today when I put it on my thigh, not as emotional as before the patch. I just wanted to see if anyone went up to 9 yet and why they did.
Posted by tygereyes on May 7, 2006, at 0:19:59
In reply to Re: dosage, posted by Fischer on May 7, 2006, at 0:05:21
> I have had the rage and the sobbing, particulary today when I put it on my thigh, not as emotional as before the patch. I just wanted to see if anyone went up to 9 yet and why they did.
starting 9 mg on monday - no AD response on 6, have always needed high dose APs to respons.
Posted by strugglingsteve on May 7, 2006, at 1:19:50
In reply to Re: dosage, posted by tygereyes on May 7, 2006, at 0:19:59
> > I have had the rage and the sobbing, particulary today when I put it on my thigh, not as emotional as before the patch. I just wanted to see if anyone went up to 9 yet and why they did.
>
> starting 9 mg on monday - no AD response on 6, have always needed high dose APs to respons.Are you following the maoi diet now?
Posted by ravenstorm on May 7, 2006, at 8:39:38
In reply to Re: dosage, posted by strugglingsteve on May 7, 2006, at 1:19:50
Tygereyes--how can you say you didn't respond to 6mg when you haven't been on it for four weeks? Perhaps I've lost track of time, but I thought its only been a couple of weeks. And didn't you decide to stop it after the first couple of days? Or did you change your mind and keep it on? Perhaps I'm just confused, as you've been talking about Parnate, so I assumed you'd stopped the patch.
Posted by tygereyes on May 7, 2006, at 12:12:14
In reply to Re: dosage, posted by strugglingsteve on May 7, 2006, at 1:19:50
> > > I have had the rage and the sobbing, particulary today when I put it on my thigh, not as emotional as before the patch. I just wanted to see if anyone went up to 9 yet and why they did.
> >
> > starting 9 mg on monday - no AD response on 6, have always needed high dose APs to respons.
>
> Are you following the maoi diet now?No. There is limited evidence that there is any need for that, even at the higher doses. See the FDA's report with the original studies.
However, I will be very careful and only eat small amounts of cheese, etc.
Posted by tygereyes on May 7, 2006, at 12:14:54
In reply to Re: dosage, posted by ravenstorm on May 7, 2006, at 8:39:38
> Tygereyes--how can you say you didn't respond to 6mg when you haven't been on it for four weeks? Perhaps I've lost track of time, but I thought its only been a couple of weeks. And didn't you decide to stop it after the first couple of days? Or did you change your mind and keep it on? Perhaps I'm just confused, as you've been talking about Parnate, so I assumed you'd stopped the patch.
>I was originally prescribed 9 mg/24 hr. The pharmacy screwed up and I was suicidal and couldn't wait any longer so I just used the 6 mg/24 hr ones they had given me by mistake.
I was on it, then went off, then back on. My doctor wrote me a script for 9 mg since I have needed such high doses of ADs before and since I am suicidal right now. He said we couldn't wait any longer. He is afraid of what might happen if I don't exhibit an AD response soon. (Hence why I want to go back on Parnate ... immediate amphetamine-like effect)
Posted by strugglingsteve on May 7, 2006, at 17:20:53
In reply to Re: dosage, posted by tygereyes on May 7, 2006, at 12:12:14
> > > > I have had the rage and the sobbing, particulary today when I put it on my thigh, not as emotional as before the patch. I just wanted to see if anyone went up to 9 yet and why they did.
> > >
> > > starting 9 mg on monday - no AD response on 6, have always needed high dose APs to respons.
> >
> > Are you following the maoi diet now?
>
> No. There is limited evidence that there is any need for that, even at the higher doses. See the FDA's report with the original studies.
>
> However, I will be very careful and only eat small amounts of cheese, etc.
>
>So have you had any soy or teriyaki sauce yet??
Posted by tygereyes on May 7, 2006, at 17:57:04
In reply to Re: dosage » tygereyes, posted by strugglingsteve on May 7, 2006, at 17:20:53
> > > > > I have had the rage and the sobbing, particulary today when I put it on my thigh, not as emotional as before the patch. I just wanted to see if anyone went up to 9 yet and why they did.
> > > >
> > > > starting 9 mg on monday - no AD response on 6, have always needed high dose APs to respons.
> > >
> > > Are you following the maoi diet now?
> >
> > No. There is limited evidence that there is any need for that, even at the higher doses. See the FDA's report with the original studies.
> >
> > However, I will be very careful and only eat small amounts of cheese, etc.
> >
> >
>
> So have you had any soy or teriyaki sauce yet??Yes. I had tofu teriyaki two nights ago (but keep in mind I am on 6 mg right now, not 9 mg). I also had a mini-pizza with goat cheese, and a feta cheese omelet recently. No problems at all.
Read the studies. There is very limited evidence for the dietary restrictions. When I go on 9 mg, I will be more careful but even the studies are dubious with that dosage.
Posted by strugglingsteve on May 7, 2006, at 20:38:44
In reply to Re: dosage, posted by tygereyes on May 7, 2006, at 17:57:04
> > > > > > I have had the rage and the sobbing, particulary today when I put it on my thigh, not as emotional as before the patch. I just wanted to see if anyone went up to 9 yet and why they did.
> > > > >
> > > > > starting 9 mg on monday - no AD response on 6, have always needed high dose APs to respons.
> > > >
> > > > Are you following the maoi diet now?
> > >
> > > No. There is limited evidence that there is any need for that, even at the higher doses. See the FDA's report with the original studies.
> > >
> > > However, I will be very careful and only eat small amounts of cheese, etc.
> > >
> > >
> >
> > So have you had any soy or teriyaki sauce yet??
>
> Yes. I had tofu teriyaki two nights ago (but keep in mind I am on 6 mg right now, not 9 mg). I also had a mini-pizza with goat cheese, and a feta cheese omelet recently. No problems at all.
>
> Read the studies. There is very limited evidence for the dietary restrictions. When I go on 9 mg, I will be more careful but even the studies are dubious with that dosage.I am at 6 mg right now but probably will go to 9 in about 10 days if I dont get a response from 6. I am afraid of not keeping the diet as I dont want to have a stroke. The fda said restrictions on 9 and 12 as there isnt enough data, are you willing to risk a stroke??
Posted by tygereyes on May 7, 2006, at 22:03:43
In reply to Re: dosage » tygereyes, posted by strugglingsteve on May 7, 2006, at 20:38:44
> > > > > > > I have had the rage and the sobbing, particulary today when I put it on my thigh, not as emotional as before the patch. I just wanted to see if anyone went up to 9 yet and why they did.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > starting 9 mg on monday - no AD response on 6, have always needed high dose APs to respons.
> > > > >
> > > > > Are you following the maoi diet now?
> > > >
> > > > No. There is limited evidence that there is any need for that, even at the higher doses. See the FDA's report with the original studies.
> > > >
> > > > However, I will be very careful and only eat small amounts of cheese, etc.
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > So have you had any soy or teriyaki sauce yet??
> >
> > Yes. I had tofu teriyaki two nights ago (but keep in mind I am on 6 mg right now, not 9 mg). I also had a mini-pizza with goat cheese, and a feta cheese omelet recently. No problems at all.
> >
> > Read the studies. There is very limited evidence for the dietary restrictions. When I go on 9 mg, I will be more careful but even the studies are dubious with that dosage.
>
> I am at 6 mg right now but probably will go to 9 in about 10 days if I dont get a response from 6. I am afraid of not keeping the diet as I dont want to have a stroke. The fda said restrictions on 9 and 12 as there isnt enough data, are you willing to risk a stroke??Have you even READ the studies where people were on 9 mg and 12 mg and showed a minimal increase in blood pressure even when eating pounds of cheese?
The FDA said "there is not enough evidence to approve the 9 mg and 12 mg patche without dietary restrictions." That does NOT mean that it is contraindicated. If you read the studies, perhaps then we can have a conversation about this matter.
Posted by strugglingsteve on May 7, 2006, at 22:43:17
In reply to Re: dosage, posted by tygereyes on May 7, 2006, at 22:03:43
> > > > > > > > I have had the rage and the sobbing, particulary today when I put it on my thigh, not as emotional as before the patch. I just wanted to see if anyone went up to 9 yet and why they did.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > starting 9 mg on monday - no AD response on 6, have always needed high dose APs to respons.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Are you following the maoi diet now?
> > > > >
> > > > > No. There is limited evidence that there is any need for that, even at the higher doses. See the FDA's report with the original studies.
> > > > >
> > > > > However, I will be very careful and only eat small amounts of cheese, etc.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > So have you had any soy or teriyaki sauce yet??
> > >
> > > Yes. I had tofu teriyaki two nights ago (but keep in mind I am on 6 mg right now, not 9 mg). I also had a mini-pizza with goat cheese, and a feta cheese omelet recently. No problems at all.
> > >
> > > Read the studies. There is very limited evidence for the dietary restrictions. When I go on 9 mg, I will be more careful but even the studies are dubious with that dosage.
> >
> > I am at 6 mg right now but probably will go to 9 in about 10 days if I dont get a response from 6. I am afraid of not keeping the diet as I dont want to have a stroke. The fda said restrictions on 9 and 12 as there isnt enough data, are you willing to risk a stroke??
>
> Have you even READ the studies where people were on 9 mg and 12 mg and showed a minimal increase in blood pressure even when eating pounds of cheese?
>
> The FDA said "there is not enough evidence to approve the 9 mg and 12 mg patche without dietary restrictions." That does NOT mean that it is contraindicated. If you read the studies, perhaps then we can have a conversation about this matter.Where would I find the studies to read? I have no idea how to find them on my own. When are you going to be on 9 mg??? babblemail me if you like...
Posted by tygereyes on May 7, 2006, at 22:50:42
In reply to Re: dosage » tygereyes, posted by strugglingsteve on May 7, 2006, at 22:43:17
click on the link provided there
Posted by jetcity10 on May 8, 2006, at 0:04:54
In reply to Re: dosage, posted by tygereyes on May 7, 2006, at 22:50:42
I was on the EMSAM website and FYI there is a graph that shows a slightly higher plasma concentration for upper body placement vs. upper thigh placement though the wording around the graph says they are the same. So statistically there is probably no difference, but even if it is not statistically significant I am willing to have slightly higher plasma levels by going for the upper torso.
Even though I have bad shoulders I have managed to get the patch on my upper back and it seems to week well there, but it is the first place where there was a rash that lasted more than a few minutes after I took it off. Also it is hard to see how well it appears to be sticking.
But hey, I am going for upper torso for now on. Even if it is statistically insignificant, I will go for all I can get.
Posted by strugglingsteve on May 8, 2006, at 0:05:40
In reply to Re: dosage, posted by tygereyes on May 7, 2006, at 22:50:42
> << http://www.fdaadvisorycommittee.com/FDC/AdvisoryCommittee/Committees/Psychopharmacologic+Drugs/102605_emsam/102605_EmsamP.htm >>
>
> click on the link provided thereThat does not say much about 30 and 40. Is that what you are relying on? I am not that comfortable going to 30 and chancing it. Let me know when you get to 30. I will probably get there a week from this coming Wednesday when I see my doc unless the 20 mg patch starts to work for me
Posted by jetcity10 on May 8, 2006, at 0:19:33
In reply to EMSAM: patch placement, posted by jetcity10 on May 8, 2006, at 0:04:54
I just read a little further and saw this:
Dermal Adhesion
Dermal adhesion of EMSAM was examined after application of 6 mg/24 hours selegiline patches for 10 days
to the upper torso. Approximately 88%-89% of 6 mg/24 hours selegiline patches applied to the upper torso
exhibited <10% lift with approximately 6%-7% of patches becoming detached.OK, at the price per patch, it seems like they should give you an extra one for free for when they fall off...
Posted by Phillipa on May 8, 2006, at 0:28:10
In reply to Re: EMSAM: patch placement, posted by jetcity10 on May 8, 2006, at 0:19:33
Where is the ENSAM website? Can you post a link. thanks Phillipa
Posted by jetcity10 on May 8, 2006, at 0:31:11
In reply to Re: EMSAM: patch placement » jetcity10, posted by Phillipa on May 8, 2006, at 0:28:10
> Where is the ENSAM website? Can you post a link. thanks Phillipa
www.emsam.com
Look under full prescribing information
Posted by spooly on May 8, 2006, at 2:47:50
In reply to Re: EMSAM: patch placement » Phillipa, posted by jetcity10 on May 8, 2006, at 0:31:11
Hi - new here and I've been waiting for emsam for some time. Thanks all for this thread and your experiences.
I have a primary diagnosis of innatentive type ADD with comorbid dysthemia and anxiety although I've never been convinced this an accuratee diagnosis as anxiety (particularly social with some relatively constant (and nebulous) GAD features.
I currently take adderall and it is somewhat effective for concentration and (temporarily) for depression and motivation (of which I have very little). I also take a small dose of xanax prn when I can't deal.
I think my problems are highly dopamine related but when I attempted to use wellbutrin it made me, basically, nuts. More importantly I tried oral selegilene and while the antideepresent effect was relatively dramatic there was accompanying anxiety and a weird agitation that caused me to have to discontinue it. (I wasn't on a benzo at the time - in fact I had just come off one a month prior.)
I'm curious if anyone here has a simialiar set of symtoms and/or has had similiar responses to wellbutrin or, more importantly, oral selegilene and has found emsam to be effecctive. Is response to oral selegilene any indicator of potential successs/failure with emsam?
The antidepressent effect with oral selegilene was rapid and unlike any AD response I've ever had (and I've tried a bunch) - I'm just concerned with the anxiety side effects and whether or not they improve with time.
Thanks!!
Posted by lymom3 on May 8, 2006, at 6:30:48
In reply to Emsam, ADD-Anxiety-Dysthemia, posted by spooly on May 8, 2006, at 2:47:50
For what it's worth, I am ADHD also. I have been on Wellbutrin twice...both times with disatrous results so I'm with you on that. I also have had anxiety problems and obviously the "turd" as I call it (treatment resistant depression).
I totally remember the days of constant anxiety and just how crappy it can make you feel. My particular problem was agoraphobia and there were a lot of years that I didn't take a stimulant because I couldn't handle the extra "kick".
I am still in my first week of Emsam, but I have not had any anxiety symptoms. I know from reading here that others have though. I'll give you one vote for no anxiety. In fact, I've had no negative symptoms at all except the darn rash where the patches are. Mine last for about 2 days. They don't hurt, but the site is red.
Posted by lymom3 on May 8, 2006, at 6:34:59
In reply to EMSAM: patch placement, posted by jetcity10 on May 8, 2006, at 0:04:54
I'm only on my 5th day of Emsam, but the first 4 days I put the patch on my breastbone area and the area breastbone area. The patches stuck great. Yesterday I put the patch on the outside part of my arm slightly down from my shoulder and it didn't come off, but it didn't stick as well there so I'm back to the chest area.
No matter where I put it though, I end up with a red rash that lasts 2 days. It stings to remove the patch too, that's for sure, but I'm not giving it up. I've actually started using my treadmill again which is big for me...
Posted by Donna Louise on May 8, 2006, at 6:36:16
In reply to Re: dosage, posted by tygereyes on May 7, 2006, at 22:50:42
> << http://www.fdaadvisorycommittee.com/FDC/AdvisoryCommittee/Committees/Psychopharmacologic+Drugs/102605_emsam/102605_EmsamP.htm >>
>
> click on the link provided thereThank you for providing this link, Tigereyes. I seriously doubt that there would be diet problems with this delivery system but just in the small small chance that you do would you please let us know? The only food that would be a remotely possible problem is soy and the occasional pizza, I can't have alot anyway or I would eat nohting else and get big as a house. I have no intention of going to 9mg yet, just can always use all info.
thanks so much for your contibution,
donna
Posted by Donna Louise on May 8, 2006, at 6:43:22
In reply to Emsam, ADD-Anxiety-Dysthemia, posted by spooly on May 8, 2006, at 2:47:50
> Hi - new here and I've been waiting for emsam for some time. Thanks all for this thread and your experiences.
>
> I have a primary diagnosis of innatentive type ADD with comorbid dysthemia and anxiety although I've never been convinced this an accuratee diagnosis as anxiety (particularly social with some relatively constant (and nebulous) GAD features.
>
> I currently take adderall and it is somewhat effective for concentration and (temporarily) for depression and motivation (of which I have very little). I also take a small dose of xanax prn when I can't deal.
>
> I think my problems are highly dopamine related but when I attempted to use wellbutrin it made me, basically, nuts. More importantly I tried oral selegilene and while the antideepresent effect was relatively dramatic there was accompanying anxiety and a weird agitation that caused me to have to discontinue it. (I wasn't on a benzo at the time - in fact I had just come off one a month prior.)
>
> I'm curious if anyone here has a simialiar set of symtoms and/or has had similiar responses to wellbutrin or, more importantly, oral selegilene and has found emsam to be effecctive. Is response to oral selegilene any indicator of potential successs/failure with emsam?
>
> The antidepressent effect with oral selegilene was rapid and unlike any AD response I've ever had (and I've tried a bunch) - I'm just concerned with the anxiety side effects and whether or not they improve with time.
>
> Thanks!!
>
>
>I absolutely cannot take Wellbutring under any of its extended or non extended release forms and I have tried over and over expecting different results out of despiration to get off the couch and it always made me rageful and socially paranoid. But this is so not the case with the Patch. If anyone can go by my personal experience, please don't let a wellbutrin failure/disaster stop you from trying the patch. I had the same worry and it is groundless for me.
donna
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