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Re: Starting Lithium--should I ask for ER version? » JohnX2

Posted by Ritch on May 15, 2002, at 9:54:38

In reply to Re: Starting Lithium--should I ask for ER version?, posted by JohnX2 on May 14, 2002, at 22:01:20

> > >
> > > > 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.
> >
> > Mitch
>
> I think I paid $20 for 60 lithobid (300mg) tablets manufactured
> by Solvay Pharmaceuticals (makers of brand name Luvox).
>
> John


Interesting, that Solvay is manufacturing that stuff now. They obviousy picked up making it after CIBA stopped. I suppose the price for Lithobid and Eskalith CR is fairly reasonable in light of the price of other drugs! I really must be starting to get a little depressed-I am starting to concern myself with prices (I am *definitely* over my couple of little hypomanic spells).

Mitch


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poster:Ritch thread:80073
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020510/msgs/106500.html