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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by bearfan on August 30, 2010, at 23:28:45
Perhaps it could help where SSRIs failed?
Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 31, 2010, at 5:37:05
In reply to Anyone thinking or planning to take Oleptro?, posted by bearfan on August 30, 2010, at 23:28:45
> Perhaps it could help where SSRIs failed?
It might. Have you tried normal generic trazodone?
Posted by proudfoot on August 31, 2010, at 5:50:07
In reply to Re: Anyone thinking or planning to take Oleptro?, posted by ed_uk2010 on August 31, 2010, at 5:37:05
> > Perhaps it could help where SSRIs failed?
>
> It might. Have you tried normal generic trazodone?
>
>I agree with Ed. This looks to be another money grab by Angelini Labopharm to give an older drug a new lease on life by changing its delivery formulation slightly, and voilą we can charge big bucks by then re-naming it (Desyrel, R.I.P.). Generic trazodone can work well taken once daily at bedtime without needing to be reformulated, but whatever...
Posted by bearfan on August 31, 2010, at 6:16:00
In reply to Re: Anyone thinking or planning to take Oleptro?, posted by ed_uk2010 on August 31, 2010, at 5:37:05
Nope, is it somewhere between an SSRI and Tricyclic? Apparently its suppose to have some antagonism like fluoxetine?
Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 31, 2010, at 7:02:18
In reply to Re: Anyone thinking or planning to take Oleptro?, posted by proudfoot on August 31, 2010, at 5:50:07
>give an older drug a new lease on life by changing its delivery formulation slightly, and voilą we can charge big bucks by then re-naming it
We had controlled-release trazodone in the UK. It was discontinued in 2001 due to poor sales. The brand name was Molipaxin CR 150mg tablets.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 31, 2010, at 7:17:49
In reply to Re: Anyone thinking or planning to take Oleptro?, posted by bearfan on August 31, 2010, at 6:16:00
> Nope, is it somewhere between an SSRI and Tricyclic? Apparently its suppose to have some antagonism like fluoxetine?
Trazodone is a strange med. It appears to have various mechanisms of action but the relative importance of each is not known. It is often claimed to be less effective than most other antidepressants for severe depression. A lot of people take a small dose at night (eg. 50mg) as a sleep aid whilst taking other meds for depression.
I am not aware of any reason why controlled-release trazodone would be more effective than normal trazodone, although it will undoubtedly be a lot more expensive. Oleptro is essentially a marketing gimmick which exists to make money, not to benefit patients. The approval of Oleptro was based on a single clinical trial of unremarkable design. No evidence of any special benefits. All the usual trazodone adverse effects were reported eg. drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea and mild dry mouth.
Normal trazodone can be given as a single dose in the evening, or in divided doses (usually as a small dose in the morning + a larger dose at night).
Posted by Phillipa on August 31, 2010, at 10:29:38
In reply to Re: Anyone thinking or planning to take Oleptro?, posted by ed_uk2010 on August 31, 2010, at 7:17:49
I didn't know it was even used as an antidepressant thought just for sleep? Phillia
Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 31, 2010, at 13:02:02
In reply to Re: Anyone thinking or planning to take Oleptro? » ed_uk2010, posted by Phillipa on August 31, 2010, at 10:29:38
>I didn't know it was even used as an antidepressant thought just for sleep? Phillipa
Trazodone was introduced as an antidepressant. It was originally promoted as a drug which was less dangerous in overdose than tricyclic antidepressants, and less anticholinergic. Unfortunately, it also seems to be less effective for depression. Dizziness, sedation and nausea are often quite prominent initially. It isn't much used for depression these days. It can help sleep but it tends to cause a 'hangover'. It has no abuse potential so it's been quite popular for insomnia in alcoholics.
This is the end of the thread.
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