Emsam is a thin and translucent patch that has been shown to relieve the symptoms of depression. It is a prescription medicine and is a type of antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor.

How does Emsam work?

Emsam works in treating depression by reducing the activity of 2 enzymes, MAO-A and MAO-B, in the brain. When these two enzymes are inhibited, there may be enhanced activity of 3 brain chemicals (norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin). This may improve your depressive symptoms. However, it is important know that it is not fully understood how MAOIs or any antidepressants really work to treat depression.

As a once-daily patch, Emsam delivers its medication through your skin, into your bloodstream and then into your brain steadily over the course of your day.

What is depression?

Depression is thought to be caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals. It can happen on its own, but can also be triggered by a stressful or traumatic event. The good news is that depression can be successfully treated. If you think you may have depression, you should talk to a qualified healthcare professional about your symptoms.

These chemicals are called neurotransmitters and they help nerve cells communicate with each other by sending messages. The 3 key neurotransmitters thought to be involved in depression are serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

Neurotransmitters are released into gaps between nerve cells—called "synapses"—to help nerve messages travel from cell to cell. If not enough of the neurotransmitters are available, certain nerve messages will not be properly communicated. When someone is depressed, the nerve cells cannot communicate effectively. This is thought to result in feelings of sadness, disinterest, and other symptoms of depression.

What are the symptoms of depression?

The symptoms that help a doctor make a diagnosis of depression include:

• feelings of sadness, irritability, or tension
• decreased interest or pleasure in usual activities or hobbies
• loss of energy, feeling tired despite lack of activity
• a change in appetite, with significant weight loss or weight gain
• a change in sleeping patterns, such as difficulty sleeping, waking up early in the morning, or sleeping too much
• restlessness or feeling slowed down
• decreased ability to concentrate or make decisions
• feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt
• thoughts of suicide or death

Does Emsam have any side effects?

The most common side effect with Emsam is a skin irritation where the patch is placed. There may be redness at the site when a patch is removed. This redness should go away within several hours after removing the patch. If irritation or itching continues, tell your healthcare professional. Other common side effects you may experience: headache, difficulty sleeping, diarrhea, dry mouth, indigestion, rash, sore throat, and sinus infection.

Do not stop or change your treatment without consulting your doctor first. Contact your doctor if side effects persist or worsen while using Emsam.

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