Posted by medlib on March 12, 2002, at 4:40:21
In reply to Aripiprazole (Abilitat) for depression? , posted by SLS on March 11, 2002, at 13:04:02
Hi Scott--
I'm glad you reposted this Q--I noticed it on the previous board but didn't get to it before it rolled over. I haven't had time to do a definitive search; but, so far, I have not found *anyone* who will hazard a guess about how long the FDA will fool around with the NDA for Abilitat (which was filed last Oct. 31st). BMS is feeling a bit snake-bit, I suspect, because the NDA for the lst of their 5 pipeline drugs filed (Vanlev--cardio drug) had to be pulled and refiled--efficacy Qs, I think. Abilitat (#2 of 5) was developed by their Japanese partner (who also will manufacture it), its trials have been good, and it doesn't hurt to have Stahl on your side. I'm guessing at approval late 4th Q of this year, as they don't expect profits before 2003. They filed for EU approval in December.
I found a nice table listing receptor binding profiles of aripiprazole and the other neuroleptics from the Jan 31st issue of Psychopharmacology Update Alert from Manisses. The table printed without headers and footers, so I'm taking the URL from the fine print:
http://www.manisses.com/2online/PUAlert/PUA.html
If you're interested in this and the link doesn't work, let me know and I'll try to find it again.
I'm probably crazy even to consider another AP after my wondrous/disastrous encounter w. Geodon, but I had no problems w. Seroquel (and no success either) or Mirapex (again, no joy), so maybe. I don't know if I could handle another grieving period (like the one after Geodon) if the same thing happens again; but, I'll probably end up seduced by Stahl's enthusiasm and try it.
WARNING! What follows is middle-of-the-night drivel. Caveat lector!
I'm doing pretty well (though nothing approaching Geodon) with my current combo of Effexor 300mg., methylphenidate 20mg. 2-3/day, and Wellbutrin SR 150-300/day and, of course, Ambien. Any one of my meds causes insomnia; together they produce a kind of eyelids-open-until-impact state.
At 300mg. Well. SR I feel a bit irritable and am more likely than usual to express it (neither is characteristic of me). When I reported that to my pdoc a few weeks ago, he asked for an example. I told him that currently I was p.o.ed about neuroanatomical nomenclature--its internal inconsistencies and unnecessary complexities, yada, et al, etc. When I paused in mid-rant to take a deep breath, I noticed that he had his head down on his desk, laughing hysterically. When *he* could take a breath, he said, "Congratulations! If you weren't before, you are now clinically unique. I'd write it up, but no one would believe me!" All I can recall of what I replied was something about "big words from the cybernetically-challenged"; I was mad enough to get up and walk out. (He actually sent me an email last week; guilt's a remarkable motivator.) I realize how absurd all this sounds, but I never get angry (takes too much energy); and I never would voice such an emotion if I had it (don't have the energy or ego strength to argue).
I've always cycled, but only from "down" to "disastrous", and back; I'm dxed w. "double depression". But, I think I remember that your manic episodes were all med-induced, and , despite that, you're still dxed as bipolar. Is that correct, or am I confabulating? I wouldn't recognize "up" if I tripped over it; and, describing such a state as "tending toward sarcasm and alliteration", is not something even I can imagine. But, adding a second Well. SR for several days definitely produces some "not me" reactions, along with an improved mood. I have trouble remembering afternoon meds, so I'm not sure whether my other Sxs (random large-muscle "zaps", moderate jaw tension, tremors) are from taking or not taking the extra dose. Do you think it's remotely possible that the higher dose W. is pushing me into something anyone would term BPII? I'm getting so tired of the rx treadmill.
If you're still reading this, your tolerance for BS or your cognitive energy level *must* have improved. No one has a longer acquaintance with that state in which *thinking* 2 consecutive thoughts is difficult and reading or writing 2 sentences in a row is impossible. I'm hoping that the hole you're having to climb out of isn't that deep, or that you're no longer at the bottom. (Am trying to refrain from adding the obvious pun, but self-discipline isn't my long suit.) Send us a SLS status report when you can, but don't sweat it in the meantime--just glad you're still around.
BTW, I found one of your earlier Qs that I had missed. (Isn't bad steak in a diner an oxymoron? I've long known that my prose is indigestible, but wasn't aware that its side effects extended beyond the computer monitor.) Since I left coherence behind several paragraphs ago, I'll try to post an answer to your Q (and a reminder of what it was) during my next semi-rational period.
Hang in, misery still loves company---medlib
PS--Sorry if this is error-filled as well as indigestible; if I proofread it, I'll no doubt delete it.
poster:medlib
thread:97462
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020307/msgs/97568.html