Posted by Donna Louise on June 25, 2006, at 6:00:51
In reply to Re: Are Family Doctors prescribing EMSAM?, posted by jealibeanz on June 24, 2006, at 21:45:19
> What's the biggest risk for the patient? High blood pressure? I've seen members citing side effects of insomnia and some other odd effects. I am unsure as to whether I am sensive to to medications.
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> I felt nothing but apathy and had weight gain from SSRI's. I had an inital increase in motivation and energy and nausea, followed by extreme apathy and weight gain. Wellbutrin... a little apathy and a lot of weight gain. Straterra... slight nausea and increased energy. So, I'm not sure what to think. It's obviously a very different type of medication.
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> What's the biggest risk in a doc prescribing it? A fear of lawsuit or their tendency to stick to "safe" drugs, those commonly used by their own practice, espcially in the sample closet? I already have an open-ended script for daily Xanax, and the oppotunity to increase the dose, which is considered taboo by many general practitioners. I'm completely certain he does not do this for many patients (he couldn't, the DEA would be after him). But he does see the need to treat me with something "outside the box" because he wants to give me that tiny bit of relief from the hell I live in.
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> I know it's true. We have very fun and light hearted conversations. But he knows me and my family and that I've stuggled terribly with anxiety and depression despite leading a normal typical existance and being a high acheiver.
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> I almost think he'd be willing to try EMSAM if I ask (say, I'm basically suicidal here, gonna drop out of school, cycle though depressions constantly, I need this last ditch effort to help me further my life). But I'm not sure if it's considered soo dangerous that he wouldn't, especially if great success is not being had by many.
Actually the most commonly reported adverse side effect during the trials is skin irritation from the patch. What is showing up on the board as the biggest problem is insomnia and agitation. These can be rememdied with other drugs, in my case it is klonopin and lamictal. I have never felt better with less side effects on any AD and I have tried many. I am on the 9mg patch. Most dr's greatest concern is drug interactions which have been fatal in the past and still can be theoretically. I am ordering a med ID bracelet just in case I am unconscious in the ER and they want to give me demerol or something. Most ER and OR docs know what not give as long as they know you are on an MAOI. My pdoc gave me a little credit card size card to carry that lists drug and food interactions although you don't have to worry about the food interactions on the patch. (I have had some tofu on the 9mg patch which is supposed to be a no-no).
I made it my business to educate myself about which drugs are not safe to take with an MAOI because I think I need to be my own advocate in all my affairs. So, at any rate, what harm to ask and try it if you get yourself informed.donna
poster:Donna Louise
thread:647686
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060623/msgs/661230.html