Posted by JohnX2 on May 14, 2002, at 22:01:20
In reply to Re: Starting Lithium--should I ask for ER version? » Chloe, posted by Ritch on May 14, 2002, at 21:50:20
> >
> > > There is Eskalith CR (coated release), and it is a scored 450mg tab only (unless they have changed things since I last took it in 1992).
> >
> > Hey Mitch,
> > I take the Eskilith CR. But the CR stands for "controlled release." It's a hard, densely packed, scored yellow pill, that in theory is release gradually in the stomach and small intestine.
> >
> > I find it works very well for me, since I can take a small dose, like 1/2 of the 450 mg pill without effecting the extended release.
> >
> > It's not cheap though. It's a brand name, costs about $20 a month...instead of the $3 or 4 you mentioned.
> >
> > Got to love this lithium trivia!
> > Chloe
>
>
> Hi Chloe,
>
> Thanks for the correction-yes it should be controlled release ("coated release is nonsensical!). From what I remember the Eskalith 450mg CR was a light green colored tab, right? So you are paying $20 for *fifteen pills*?? It surely can't *cost* nowhere near that much to put a few cents worth of lithium carbonate in a controlled release formulation. The stuff has a 24-hr half-life (immediate release), do they claim a longer half-life with the controlled release? Hmm. might be worth investigating. I'll let ya know. Actually, the only kind of lithium I would be interested in is lithium citrate. It is supposed to be easier on your stomach (esp. *less* laxative effect). I wonder how much *that* costs.
>
> MitchI think I paid $20 for 60 lithobid (300mg) tablets manufactured
by Solvay Pharmaceuticals (makers of brand name Luvox).John
poster:JohnX2
thread:80073
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020510/msgs/106433.html