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Posted 8/31/2006 4:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I am new to this forum. I am 62 and have been depressed since I was a child I think as I cannot ever remember not bieng depressed. I have tried all antidepressants out there and some combinations. I have had 11 ECT treatments. Depression is so miserable and consuming but when it is combined with getting older it is especially hard to take.

I am considering going from lexapro and desyrel to the new patch called Ensam. Has anyone used the Ensam patch and how well does it work. Also how long do I have to be off of the lexapro and desyrel before I can begin using the patch. Would appreciate any help I can get.

Posted 8/31/2006 11:25 AM (GMT 0)

Hi so sad, Welcome to Healing Well forum, we are happy to have you.  Depression is difficult and as the years go by it doesn’t ever get any easier I know.  I have had depression for many years myself and have also tried several different antidepressants some with success and some not.  I have not ever been on Ensam nor have I seen anyone post regarding taking it.  I think that your questions would be better directed towards your prescribing physician as there could be other circumstances to come into play such as if your on other medications and how it would effect those or other health conditions.

Posted 8/31/2006 1:34 PM (GMT 0)

Hi so sad -- I'm so glad you've not given up on treatments for your depression -- half the battle is believing that there are still avenues to try. Have you spoken to your doc about the Ensam patch? Ensam's a MAOI, rather than an SSRI which most presscribed ads are these days, and it may be a thing really worth trying. Funnily enough, there was actually a thread asking about this before (though, like Elisha, I often lose track! -- remembered because I was curious at the time and asked the poster about it and heard this way about it being an MAOI!).

The post is at: https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=19&m=578507

Hope that gives you some extra info -- sounds fairly safe and side-effect light to me. Let us know how you get on if you do go down this route -- I'm sure I'm not the only one who'd be very interested to hear.

Rosie x

Posted 8/31/2006 2:24 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks to els for welcoming me to the forum and to Counter Clockwise for your help and to both for taking the time to write. I have already discussed the depression patch with my phsychiatrist. I understand it is different than SSRI's. I believe that I am going to try it as I am stuck in a depressive episode that has more or less lasted all summer. I know that I have to quit taking my Lexapro and Desyrel for a time before I can begin the patch. I had forgotten how long before.

Guess I will be the first for this and will be glad to let you all know how it works etc.

Also I think I have found a place where there are caring people that understand depression. I have posted to some other sites over the years and never received any answers or if I did they were sarcastic. I will be looking forward to logging on often for some support and to be helping others in any way I can.

Was just diagnosed with pre-diabetes and ataxia yesterday so not sure when I will be able to begin patch with having to deal with these conditions in the best way. Getting older is a challenge for sure. Thanks again for the help.

Posted 8/31/2006 2:33 PM (GMT 0)
Just wanted to add that MAOIs can be *very* effective -- only reason they're not prescribed like SSRIs are is cos of the side-effects and foods you have to avoid when on them -- but with the new patch it seems that these things are no longer factors -- which is *great* news for anyone who's had little success against their depression with SSRIs. All best luck to you with this so sad!!!

Sorry abuot yesterday's diagnoses. :( At least now they've been diagnosed, though, you will have help with these things. And I think there was something about the patch being ok with other meds -- hope so -- would really help if I remembered right!!

So glad oyu found us here. Yes, I was on a different site before coming here too -- and the difference is mind-boggling! :)

Rosie x
Posted 8/31/2006 3:08 PM (GMT 0)

My depression has lessened already today because I have found people who care. My family cares but they do not experience depression (glad for that) and do not know what to do.My husband (43 years) is supportive but is also at a loss for what to do.

I will be beginning physical therapy for the ataxia next week. Also have began a pre diabetic diet today. I feel a little bit like an old shoe as my life has been filled with health problems I never even heard of and some that were difficult to treat. I have had several DVT's and have a blood condition called Leiden V factor, which explains my 11 miscarriages years ago. Many other issues. I have met all challenges so far and will in the future. Only choice we have is to move forward.

Thanks again for caring.

Jeanne x

Posted 8/31/2006 3:26 PM (GMT 0)

Jeanne - so pleased you found Healing Well!  Be sure to check into the diabetes section, too.  If your blood glucose has been out of whack, then that would be a major contributor to your depression and lack of well being.  I've been in that no-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel place, too.

I was "borderline" diabetic for years - finally crossed the line to Diabetes 3 years ago.  Once I got my sugars under good control, all kinds of other things sort of automatically fell into place.  I'm a little older than you, and believe me, there's lots left for us!  Let us know how you do with new patch.   :-)

Posted 8/31/2006 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
wmnak--Thanks so much for your encouragement and advice. I am beginning to realize that there is a connection between higher glucose levels and depression. This could be a real eye opener for me. Something I could do for myself. I did go tom the diabetic forum and found some good advice. For the first time in years I feel like I can conquer this and live a good life. I do appreciate your post--thanks again.
Posted 9/1/2006 11:47 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Rosie for finding that link...I do remember it now... eyes
Posted 9/1/2006 4:33 PM (GMT 0)
Well, today is another day. I was so upbeat yesterday and today deep depression comes back. How I hate that awful and unrelenting feeling of hopelessness.I feel so worthless and not capable of doing anything right. So many years of this--sometimes I think people will remember me as "the person with depression" more than anything else. Life as normal is not possible with the depression always lurking nearby. I really hope that the patch works when I can finally begin it. Of course I hope that about every new med that I start. So far none have been long lasting. Hope everyone else is doing better. Have a nice holiday weekend.
Posted 9/1/2006 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi So Sad,

It's good to have hopes for new meds -- don't let the pessimism that's been left with you from the failure of other meds to help prevent you from feeling this. So far I take it you've been on SSRI meds. Well, you know with the patch you'll be on MAOI meds -- which have a good history of helping people for whom SSRIs have not worked. So let the optimism in. I know that's hard when you've had defeats in the past, but know that this is a *new* experience and not one tied to any preordained pattern.

I'm so sorry today started so low. Take it from me that you're *far* from worthless -- and you can do much right. You've taken a great step for yourself by coming here and reaching out -- I remember how difficult that was for me to do, and -- look -- we're both here, able to tell people how we're feeling and finding that others really do care. That's a *big* step.

Hugs to you So Sad -- and you enjoy that weekend of yours too!!! Hope you get lovely weather and something fun to do.

Rosie x
Posted 9/1/2006 6:07 PM (GMT 0)
Counter clockwise--Thanks so much for the encouragement. It helps a lot to know that someone is listening and cares. Jeanne x
Posted 9/1/2006 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hello so sad! Even though I am not familiar with your recently diagnosed condition, I do know depression. I have suffered with it for sometime. I hope that the PT helps you. Hold on to hope as best you can and take one day at a time....Hope you feel better real soon...
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