Posted by pharmrep on August 24, 2002, at 1:24:00
In reply to Re: scoring » pharmrep, posted by Ritch on August 24, 2002, at 1:15:52
> > > > > PharmRep,
> > > > >
> > > > > Why can't most SSRI manufacturer's go for the very low-dose maintenace dosages with scored tablets instead of liquids? I realize that it probably is far cheaper to "tool" for a liquid version, than to create dies and whatnot for low-dose tablets (and add scoring to the costs). However, given that you mention that about 2/3 of the prescribers are on the low-dose end, why not market very low-dose tablet alternatives? With Celexa, the max. I can tolerate every day is nowhere near 10mg. A 5mg tablet of Lexapro that is scored FOUR-WAYS to enable one to take a quarter-tablet would be a fine marketing idea, HINT-HINT
> > > > >
> > > > > Mitch
> > > > >
> > > > ** I think it boils down to this...efficacy just isnt seen at lower doses, and the "majority" of patients see the right amount of effectiveness at the starting doses. In your case, you just happen to be more sensitive and only lower doses are tolerable...unfortunately...you are in the minority. One other thought...have you considered that when you "cut" your own tabs, that since the active ingredients are so trace that you may not be getting a "therapeutic" dose? I know that the scored tablets are ok, but any further splitting might be giving you a placebo sometimes. (I dont know this for fact with Celexa...I am just theorizing with you since all manufacturing is done differently.)
> > >
> > >
> > > I take a low-dose SSRI primarily to help prevent panic attacks and several of them (including Celexa) work rather well for that. It seems that with SSRI's I only need that small amount to make a big difference. Also, at higher doses they (all of them) tend to precipitate hypomania (I am bipolar). That is primarily the "sensitivity" issue. I had a general practictioner who disbelieved strongly that it wasn't doing me any good to take such a small amount, so "why take any at all". That was before a study was done that showed people could take as little as 15mg of Prozac every week as a *maintenance* to prevent panic. Then Prozac weekly came out after that (but not specifically for that condition). I wonder how many people out there on *maintenance* regimes for panic would find the four-way scored 5mg Lexapro tabs very convenient. The data you provide about dosages probably relate to "acute" treatment for depression only (which is the only formal indication for Celexa and Lexapro thus far-here in the US anyhow). There are many people who are being treated for anxiety disorders with SSRI's as well.
> > >
> > > thanks,
> > >
> > > Mitch
> > >
> > >** I am fascinated to hear that such a low dose (of any med) can still work for somebody in an off label application. I know that panic attack studies (for the indication) are being done. It will be interesting to see what mg is recommended.
> > PS You didnt comment on the "scoring" theory.
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> PharmRep,
>
> I have been pill chopping with SSRI's and bupropion for quite some time now with good results. I made my own liquid Prozac for several years. Scoring, just makes it easier to break a tablet cleanly, that's all. It provides a stress relief that makes the resultant dose easy to break with your fingers and more evenly halved or quartered, that's all.
>
> Mitch
>
> *** Maybe I wasnt clear...here is the thought...let's say that the active materials in the tablet comprise 10%, the other 90% is filler. If you make your own additional cuts besides the scored one on the pill, how do you know you are actually getting any therapeutic dose, and not just filler? (you are assuming univeral/even distribution.)
poster:pharmrep
thread:109458
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020821/msgs/117616.html