Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2006
Emsam
Taking pills is never easy, and keeping up with meds is especially difficult for those suffering from major depression. That's why the FDA approved the first skin patch treatment for the disease; the Emsam patch slowly releases selegiline, part of an older class of anti-depressant medications. Earlier pill forms of selegiline-like anti-depressants interacted badly with favorite foods like cheese, pepperoni and even beer, causing a dangerous spike in blood pressure. But the gradual release of the drug in the patch allows wearers to be free to eat what they like.