User Reviews for Emsam transdermal

For over three (3) yrs, I've taken the 9mg dose. I like not having to take one-more pill and the fact you put it on right away in the morning. Currently, my blood pressure & pulse rate is very near the normal levels. To keep skin irratation at bay, you do need to switch the sites you apply it to daily. The only thing I hate is when I apply it to my shoulder and later I want to wear a sleeveless shirt. When others have noticed my patch, reactions have been null. Combined with another depression medication I have done very well on this regimen. Being on other non-depression medication I fine it is hard to tell which side effects are caused directly by this drug.Read More Read Less

I have now been on Emsam patches for about 1 1/2 years. In a previous post, I commented that I was doing well with Emsam. Now my sleep is erratic and my mood is depressed as it used to be. I am now on 12 Mg. patches which I went on because the 9 Mg. seemed to stop being effective. My psychiatrist is at a loss for what to do and things seem hopeless.

After suffering from depression for over 17 years, and trying so many different meds/combos I can't remember them all, Emsam has been the 2nd most effective drug. The most effective was Prozac for the first nine years, but after it pooped out, Emsam has been the next best. I've been on it about two years and sadly it's effectiveness is diminishing. Being hopeless about ever being fairly-well again I even had ECT last fall--another treatment that lasted for a only a couple of months-- but that is another story. Last year I was finally and accurately diagnosed with bipolar I. I haven't had any side effects with the patch, but it is not easy to use. Peeling off the backing and sticking it on your skin without any edges folding under takes time. Also the darn things will not stick if the area is not really clean and dry. I would clean the area with alcohol first. If you get it on good, it will stay during a shower and even swimming. They only stick well on my arms, so sometimes nosey/rude people ask what they are. I would say, "It's a smoking patch," and they would reply that they'd never seen one like that. So I started saying it was birth control which shut them up. But I guess that one won't work for the guys! It's also VERY EXPENSIVE. I had to pay for it one month because of my deductible--$600. I hope Emsam or something else will work for you. This disease is so draining--finances, work (I'm disabled), friendships, just living hour to hour. Wishing you or your loved ones the best of luck. Don't give up!Read More Read Less

very satisfied. Found it to be one of the best drugs I have used for my depression . Been on it for 4 years; depressed for over 30.

I had insomnia so my doctor thought it might be because I was depressed. He prescribed Lexapro which upset my stomach, so I stopped it. He then suggested I use the Emsam patch which would cause no side effects other than some itching where the patch was. That sounded great so I had the prescription filled and started using it that night (it's expensive even with insurance). He was right, it caused some itching which was no problem. After a week or two, I started having ringing in my ears. Since my doctor hadn't mentioned that side effect, and it was listed no where in the literature that came from the drug store or in the box, I thought the ringing must be caused by something else so I continued using the patch for another 2 weeks. BIG MISTAKE. I finally looked on WebMD and found that ringing in the ears is a rare, BUT SEVERE, side effect. It was a weekend and my doctor wasn't in so I talked to the druggest. He said if it were him, he would stop it if it otherwise wasn't helping me feel better. So I stopped it. That was about 2 months ago and I still have ringing in my ears so I'm assuming it's permanent. I don't understand why drug companies are not required to disclose ALL the possible side effects, and especially the side effects that can do long-term damage. I would recommend anyone contemplating using this medication to check all the side effects, not just the ones listed in the literature that comes with it. I sure wish I had. Read More Read Less

Like many others, Ihave medication-resistant and recurring Major Depression. Some antidepressants worked for a a year or so, but eventually stop working. This was my last choice (before ECT) and I am hoping that it keeps working...

I'm on 6mg but it is not working at all after 3 weeks. Doctor says we will raise it up to 9mg after one month on 6mg. I've been on every type of med. for 25 years and dissapointed that I still struggle to even stay alive. Dr. says we should try ECT next if 9mg does not work. Skin rash is not bad and does not pose a big problem with using the medicine.

This has made life much more content, i've tried everything & this is the only one that has helped me. i don't stay in bed and cry all day anymore. They say you shouldnt cut the patch but i have to in order to find just the right dose for me & it seems to be ok. I go through bouts of insomnia, constipation, slight confusion or anxiety, & trouble remembering things. but these are tolerable compared to what i've had to deal with in the last 15 years. I switch the patch back and forth from right upper thigh to left upper thigh, it helps to stick if you hold your palm over it for about 30 seconds, the heat & pressure makes it stay on longer. I get very minor skin irritation but if i did i doubt it would stop me from taking it. Most antidepressants will give you side effects, but for me Emsam has positives that outweigh the negatives. :)Read More Read Less

I had been on 6Mg dose for 9 months. It stopped being as effective, so the Dr. put me on 9 MG dose. Within 4 days my blood pressure went low and I fainted. Also became dehydrated. I am going back to the 6mg for now. It was actually one of the only drugs that has helped me in the last 15 years.

I have been on the emsam patch for a year now and I have had less episodes of crying and feeling depressed am experiencing high levels of anxiety right now.For anyone who is having a hard time keeping the patch on I have found that cleaning the area with rubbing alchohol first and then applying benzoin tencture compound then putting the patch on it will not come off till you take it off.It works very well.

Emsam patches have helped my depression very much but they break me out and cause blisters and then scars. I have been using them for about 1 1/2 yrs. I have tried every kind of tape to keep them on and the only tape that I have used is silver duck tape.lol I saw where one person in their experience with Esman was to cut them in half. The druggist said that was bad as there may be more medicine come out at once and that wouldn't be good. I tried not using them for 1 week and my depression was very bad. Can't take any oral meds. as I have a very nervous stomach and it actually cooks my stomach, even a coated baby asperin hurts. Read More Read Less

the only real change I've noticed with emsam is perhaps an increase in the frequence of depressive episodes.

This is my third month on Emsam 6mg patch. Anxiety down. Depression was mild to start with, but not feeling like I want to cry all the time. More energy. Side effects so far: weight loss, major headaches (Excedrin usually takes care of that), increased heart rate, some restlessness, some dizziness. This is my first MAOI. Lexapro worked but made me apathetic. Wellbutrin caused hives, mania, suicidal thoughts, loss of appetite, etc. Emsam is very expensive without insurance!

i have been on it for 6months my major concern is weight gain, add 30lbs,!

I have had major depression all my life, and been on every drug. EMSAM has alleviated a great deal of the depression--and that is truly amazing. My energy level is way up from previously. I responded very quickly to 6mg. I have not had any skin irritation at the patch site. I alternate arms each day. I have also lost weight! I'm pleased that I don't have to be too concerned about the dietary restriction at 6mg. I have however developed trouble sleeping and started taking Ambien. The worst problem is a terrible restlessness that even yoga, exercise and meditation won't relieve. I even have stress rashes on the backs of my hands. I'm hoping to be able to manage this because the anti-depressive response has been so remarkable--when so little else has helped. Read More Read Less

After trying over a half dozen anti-depressants over the past few years, this is the only drug that has worked well. No problems with skin irritation or any other side effects except some night sweats. Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance does cover the cost minus the co-pay, but with the mail order option, I only have to pay one co-pay every three months ($100). I am extremely satisfied with Emsam.

went from 6mg to 9mg, after 3-days started getting buzzing sound in head, blood pressure 95 over 52 so i pulled the patch off, waiting to hear back from doctor.4-1-08.

Emsam has worked where all other antidepressents have failed - 9mg. I've been down the whole list. One side effect has been an allergic reaction at the point of application. Local itching and redness under the patch and if left for the prescribed 24 hour period - blistering and skin seperation. I need the medication so I do the following. I move the patch to a new location - tape it down with paper tape - every six hours and then only use it twelve hours a day. Selegiline has a half life of three hours so I'm able to sleep eight of the twelve hours I'm not useing the patch. A patch will last me two days. Even then I have minor skin damage that takes several weeks to heal. But I have lots of skin area and just keep moving it around then I can come back and reuse a previously used area. The Emsam/Selegiline medication has saved my life. I would like to hear from others that might have experienced the same reaction.Read More Read Less

I dont sleep as much..My apetite has decreased...dizzy every once in a while. I think its helping some....I dont really know yet..