Posted by jealibeanz on February 8, 2007, at 11:58:23
In reply to Re: Metabolism and Controlled Release Drugs » jealibeanz, posted by Phillipa on February 8, 2007, at 11:03:11
> Well I heard extended release xanax needed regular xanax with it as it didn't hold patients maybe the same with the ADD meds? Phillipa
There are allll sorts of release mechanisms with medications. So we can't really generalize. But I do know that the effects can be unpredictable, especially in certain patients.
A lot of people criticize the XR,ER,LA,CR versions of meds as patent-extenders. I don't, even though I've been less than pleased with my experiences with such medication. I do believe they are beneficial to those who do well with them. They avoid the "peaks and valleys", plus allow fewer doses per day. So I think they're a great option if they work for you!
I think Xanax XR has an "enteric coating" on the tablet, which allows it to be slowly released.Ambien CR is almost like Xanax XR coated by Xanax IR, in terms of release mechanism. There's an immediate release of Ambien, the a coated portion underneath to be slowly released hours later. I hope that analogy makes sense!
Concerta is odd.I don't think there's any other med like it in term of physical release structure...It's a casule... there's 1 initial burst, then within the capsule, there's two compartments. Each is to be released at about 4 hours intervals. I think they both contain a powder form of the drug, which somehow turns into a gel-like substance. This is done to allow it to be released over a long time period, plus there's little abuse potential (i.e. snorting to get high).
Ritalin LA is a capsule. It contains beads. The beads themselves have the enteric coating, I believe, which is responsible for the long-acting nature of the drug. I know the capsules can be opened, and sprinkled on food for those who can't swallow it whole, but the beads aren't to be crushed, or else they release immediately.(I believe this is similar to Effexor XR. I know people open the capsule and count out beads to wean off of the med sometimes.)
Sooo, anyway, enough with the talk about drug release mechanisms and my personal beliefs and experiences. I just get the feeling that my body has a difficult time metabolizing them properly. Hopefully not all.I've never used a stimulant with an enteric coating. I used Ambien CR for a few days... and yes, I was one of those people sleeping-walking/driving in the middle of the night like I was stoned... so I stopped it.
Does Focalin XR have an enteric coating?
poster:jealibeanz
thread:731085
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070207/msgs/731111.html