Monitoring and Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder with Emsam

Initial Monitoring and Treatment Response

The American College of Physicians recommends monitoring closely for suicidal ideation, agitation, irritability, or unusual behavioral changes during the initial phase of treatment with Emsam, as the risk of suicide attempts is highest during the first 1-2 months of any antidepressant treatment 1
The American College of Physicians suggests evaluating therapeutic response and adverse effects regularly, beginning within 1-2 weeks of starting Emsam, to assess treatment efficacy and safety 2, 1

The American College of Physicians recommends continuing treatment with Emsam for 4-9 months after a satisfactory response for the first episode of major depressive disorder, and considering longer-term maintenance therapy (≥1 year) for patients with 2 or more prior episodes 2, 1
The American College of Physicians suggests modifying treatment if no adequate response is seen within 6-8 weeks, with options including dose escalation or switching to an alternative antidepressant 2, 1