Posted by Bearfan on November 19, 2007, at 18:07:31
Dx: Atypical Depression, GAD, and mild OCD. Currently taking Cymbalta (and occasional xanax) it is helping relieve the symptoms but has the side effects of weight gain, sexual dysfunction and the upsetting of the digestive system (including bloating) are troublesome. I previously was taking Prozac for many years which was very helpful, but started to lose it’s effectiveness when I took on a more stressful full time job and starting attending grad school full time. The Prozac wasn’t as bad for weight gain and sexual side effects (but they still existed).
Was thinking about giving Emsam a try, although, I had some questions before I get started. The package insert reads that you must “wash out” of any SSRI/SSNIs for 5 days before therapy. I can live with this, but I am concerned (med sensitive), that if Emsam is a bust, that I have to wait two weeks of not taking anything before going back onto an anti-depressant (do I really have to wait that long?) If I only used Emsam for a week or two (and for some reason could not tolerate it) would I have still have to wait two weeks? One of the things that is appealing is that it is a patch so it completely bypasses the digestive system which may help lessen gastro effects and weight gain. Also I like the idea that on the lowest dose there isn’t any food restrictions. But I have never taken a MAOI and was wondering about the side effect profile. Based on the posts here, it appears that some folks had an excellent response with Emsam and they felt “side effect free” and not feeling ‘out of the picture’ as on SSRI type drugs. Do MAOIs generally have less side effects as a class, or is Emsam just unique with its delivery system or drug? Is it true it may not cause sexual side effects and weight gain at all?!
Also I haven’t heard much in if Emsam is effective with those who have anxiety disorders. Another MAOI, Nardil, is supposed to be really good with this. But it appears that Emsam main indication is on depression? It seems that its mechanism of action (increases serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine) that it may be helpful; although haven’t heard much about anxiety relief from it on this board.
In addition I am interested in the possibility of trying Ixel (Milnacipran), which is another SNRI that has supposedly has been available in Europe for many years. It claims that it doesn’t have the sexual effects or weight gain that are associated with Effexor and Cymbalta. I am assuming I have to purchase this overseas? Is this safe and can someone message me a reputable storefront? I am a bit confused why this drug has (apparently from a laboratory that is a sub-division from the Forest Labs) has not been submitted or marketed to the U.S. with its possibility of being a mutli-billion blockbuster drug for depression and/or pain and Fibromyalgia symptoms?
I know this may be a longish post, but I feel that my quality of life has suffered as I am not able to achieve 100% remission because of the side effects these drugs have. If anyone could please share some information, I would greatly appreciate itThanks
poster:Bearfan
thread:796013
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20071115/msgs/796013.html