Anyone tried Emsam patch?

Just wondering if anyone else here has tried the Emsam patch for depression. I was curious about any side effects experienced. I was just prescribed it by my doctor but haven't started using it yet.

Thanks!!
valerie

Okay, I will reply to myself on this one...lol.

I am on day 3 almost 4 of the emsam patch and, of course, it is too soon to tell if it is working. I believe it is like most AD's and takes a few weeks to reach therapeutic levels.

These last two days my depression has kicked back into high gear. I really hope the emsam works. I am also taking lamictal and lithium.

If any of you have had any experience I would really like to hear about it.

--valerie

I've been on emsam since June, replaced prozac which stopped working even at high doses, other antidepressants failed. Emsam has kept me stable since June! I have not had any side effects. My only complaint is that my insurance co-pay is $200 mo., my psych gets me as many sample packs to help supplement my supply as she can. I was told to try it as it has helped many people with treatment resistant chronic depression. I'd give it a positive rating.

I have been on emsam for several months now...It has helped me...I give it a good okay rating....lol No side effects for me...

I took emsam for about 3 months, worked my way up to the largest dose patch (12mg I think?) I don't remember much during this period because it is a blur. I definitely wasn't depressed, so that was solved. But I pretty much stopped eating, sleeping, and functioning normally for the most part. Thank god it was summer and I was out of school.

I should probably specify that I am Bipolar I, and had my lamictal lowered as an experiment before going on the patch as well as being taken off of my abilify. I literally was thrown into full-fledged roaring mania for 3 months. No sleeping except for the few hours every few days when I would pass out for a few minutes. I was so paranoid and angry, lost so much weight, and did so many risky and self destructive (and even some wonderful) things while on it.

But, alas, I was taken off of it and came crashing back down into reality. I can say that it did cure my depression, but since I wasnt on the right 'other' meds to level me out, it took the wrong turn.

But even after all of this, I am now on theraputic dosages of abilify, topamax, and lamictal and am now considering asking my Pdoc about going back on Emsam. I still have full boxes of the patches in my med cabinet even. I've even considered experimenting myself, but wont, I know that's stupid. Fingers crossed, it might help me this time!

Good luck!

I have a supply of EMSAM 6mg. which I have not touched yet - too scared! I am diagnosed with Major depression and GAD, Social Anxiety also. Right now I take a benzo but am afraid to add in an A/D.

Following this thread with interest. I have not heard lots of great results yet from EMSAM doing web searches. Dr. Bob's p-babble folks have mixed reviews, seems a lot are not positive.

Best wishes and let us know how it continues to go for you on EMSAM.

Olivia