Posted by dr dave on August 31, 2002, at 6:02:25
In reply to dosage/tested improvement » Patson, posted by pharmrep on August 28, 2002, at 1:51:43
Pharmrep - do you have any comments on my presentation of the data about Lexapro's side-effects compared to Celexa's?
I don't think I've ever said Lexapro hasn't been tested - I supplied links to lots of research in a previous post. Incidentally, I've been in touch with Jack Gorman about the conflict between the poster and the paper in terms of end-point LOCF score, and he says the poster is wrong.
> > There seems to be a question here... 10 = 40 This really means that 10 milligrams is equal to the EFFICACY of 40mg of celexa... right? If you can get a greater efficacy with fewer side effects then this would be a benefit... No? Is there such a thing as "too well" or "too much improvement?" This is my interpretation from what I have read so far. SSRIs are usually started low and titrated up to avoid side effects. I guess I'm confused on the 10 = 40....
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> > 10mg can not equal 40mg of medication.... But the results of 10 are greater than the results of 40.....
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> > Thanks for your answers.
> >
> *** I dont get Dr. Dave...he says Lexapro is not tested. Most new drugs go against placebo...Lexapro went again placebo and Celexa! And did show improved efficacy. (If 10mg of Lex can do at least what 40mg of Celexa does...with fewer side effects, and with a cleaner drug-to-drug interaction profile, and with onset of action in 1-2 weeks...I would say that sounds like improvement.) Also, why are we talking about patent protection again? Lexapro is coming out now...3 years before a generic for Celexa is available...this is because Lex is proving to be better, and that's it...otherwise Forest could "milk" Celexa for awhile longer, then pull out Lexapro at the last minute...again...not what Forest is doing. And as far as marketing...I dont know what Lundbeck is doing in Europe, but in the US...it's like this. If a patient is not seeing the results they/or the DR. desires on any antidepressant (including Celexa), then switch to Lexapro, favorable s/e profile, lack of drug interactions, and rapid onset make Lexapro an attractive SSRI. And for new patients...the previous also applies, and since very tolerable, it's a good first try (only 6% of patients discontinued due to adverse events) If doctors usually switch from one AD to another 25+% of the time...6% would be a great improvement for them and of course the patients.
poster:dr dave
thread:109458
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020829/msgs/118333.html