Depression Health Center
FDA OKs Generic Depression Drug
May 23, 2006 -- The FDA has approved a generic version of the antidepressant Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate).
The generic tablets will be available in three doses: 5 milligrams, 10 milligrams, and 20 milligrams. The drug is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a family of drugs that also includes Prozac, Celexa, Zoloft, and Paxil.
Brand-name Lexapro -- made by Forest Laboratories, Inc. -- is the No. 2 antidepressant in filled prescriptions and the No. 3 antidepressant for total U.S. sales, as of February 2006, according to IMS Health Incorporated, a pharmaceutical market intelligence company.
The generic version of the drug will be made by Ivax Corp., a Miami-based subsidiary of Israel's Teva Pharmaceutical Industries.
A Teva news release states that "Teva is currently in patent litigation concerning this product" in a U.S. district court.
The FDA has not released detailed information on generic escitalopram oxalate's approval history and labeling.
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Important Safety Information
Vimpat (lacosamide) is a medicine that is used with other medicines to treat partial onset seizures in patients 17 years of age and older with epilepsy. Vimpat is generally well-tolerated, but may not be for everyone. Ask your doctor if Vimpat is right for you. Antiepileptic drugs, including Vimpat, may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have new or worsening symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or suicidal thoughts, behavior, or thoughts about self harm that you have never had before or may be worse than before. Please see additional patient information in the Medication Guide at the end of the full prescribing information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your condition or your treatment. Please see additional Patient Safety Information
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