Posted by Sunnely on March 6, 2001, at 19:33:39
In reply to Prozac Zyprexa Study, posted by Neal on March 6, 2001, at 1:06:13
Neal,
I'm with Cam on this (see his post above). Since this study was funded by Lilly (maker of both Prozac and Zyprexa), not surprise with the result. In fact, one of the researchers is in the payroll of Lilly (Tollefson).
Lilly is trying to squeeze everything it could from Prozac and Zyprexa. Prozac's patent has expired and generic Prozac (fluoxetine) will soon be available (much cheaper). Zyprexa is sure to face stiff competition from the now available ziprasidone (Geodon), not known to cause weight gain, diabetes, elevated triglycerides.
How do you think Sarafem and Prozac Weekly came about? Weekly Prozac capsule, which contains 90 mg of fluoxetine is supposed to be the equivalent of 20 mg Prozac daily. Using pharmacokinetic modeling to select an optimal dose for once-weekly regimen, investigators discovered that 90 mg weekly resulted in a mean steady blood concentrations of Prozac comparable to those achieved with daily doses of 20 mg. Lilly then formulated an enteric-coated preparation that delays release of Prozac to minimize stomach distress. You will save a bundle if you can tolerate (no stomach distress) taking 90 mg of generic fluoxetine weekly instead of taking Weekly Prozac of Lilly. (Note: Weekly Prozac is not indicated for the treatment of acute depression but as a maintenance treatment of depression in remission.)
This kind of ploy is nothing new to the pharmaceutical companies. Ever heard of Depakote or divalproex sodium by Abbott? Except for the coating and the generic name (divalproex sodium) being registered so it could be patented (and no switching allowwed), no difference from Depakene (valproic acid), except the latter is much cheaper. The coating in Depakote is supposed to minimize the GI distress, although most patients generally tolerate Depakene (valproic acid).
Sarafem is another ploy of Lilly to squeeze more money from the loss of revenue from Prozac's eventual demise. Sarafem is Prozac (fluoxetine)! If your doctor prescribes Sarafem for PMDD, pharmacist can't switch it to generic Prozac (once available). On the other hand, a prescription for Prozac can be switched to generic fluoxetine.
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> A Vanderbilt study has found that Prozac and the antipsychotic Zyprexa work better together on treatment-resistant depression patients than either drug alone. Twenty-eight patients were given either Prozac and a placebo, Zyprexa and a placebo, or the two drugs together. After eight weeks, researchers found a "minimal" improvement with Prozac, a "modest" improvement with Zyprexa, and a "significant" improvement with the combination.
poster:Sunnely
thread:55673
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010302/msgs/55772.html