Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 10, 2010, at 15:01:16
In reply to Re: Lithium / Geodon question..., posted by morgan miller on August 9, 2010, at 21:33:33
Hi there,
>I wonder how Priadel could differ that much from Lithobid.
The formulation of a tablet/capsule can affect the rate at which the drug is released. This can affect the number of times per day that the medicine needs to be taken eg. Wellbutrin SR (twice a day) versus Wellbutrin XL (once a day).
Priadel and Lithobid have different excipients. (Excipients are tablet ingredients other than the actual drug). Excipients have a variety of uses. In the case of modified-release products, excipients are used to control the rate at which the tablets release the drug.
>Are you sure they are not the same exact thing and Priadel is just the name used in the U.K.?
Yes, they are different products made by different manufacturers. Priadel is available as 200mg and 400mg tablets. The second most popular brand of lithium in the UK is Camcolit, which is marketed as 250mg tablets (rapid release) and 400mg tablets (sustained release).
>Maybe it is often prescribed to take once a day, and it works for many, but some need to take all brands/forms of Lithium twice a day to maintain therapeutic levels.
You're right. It is sometimes necessary to give Priadel twice a day. As is the case with all lithium products, there are significant individual differences in response.
poster:ed_uk2010
thread:957629
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100731/msgs/958163.html