"i tried everything to get over what was first diagnosed as depression (30 years ago).  about 12 years ago i started seeing a psychiatrist who thought i might be bipolar, type 2 (mostly depressive, no full-blown manic state) and started me on emsam.  it took some time-can&#039;t really remember but maybe a month but it works.  yes, there are side effects-insomnia being the worst but that dissipated in a few months.  we all know that what works for one person may not for another but this is not an ssri which can&#039;t &quot;touch&quot; depression associated with bipolar.  and you don&#039;t have to be bipolar for it to work.  i know it&#039;s frustrating but give it a shot-maybe you&#039;ll be like me and never have to try another medicine again!"