The psych med cogwheel of approving antipsychotics for depression
https://ir.intracellulartherapies.com/news-releases/news-release-details/intra-cellular-therapies-submits-supplemental-new-drug
This happens with every psych drug that the FDA approves in this drug class. Company A decides to launch a new antipsychotic. They get FDA approval for Schizophrenia and they go to market. The drug is $1200+ per month. They are banking on most patients have Medicare/Medicaid to pay for it, as most Schizophrenic patients are on disability or state assistance. However, that population is a small number of people. Not enough to make the drug company billions.
So they wait a year. Go back to the FDA with a “new study” showing how effective it is for bipolar patients. That is a whole new group of patients to tap from, as most inpatient hospitals over-diagnose bipolar disorder, and they notoriously put patients on expensive brand drugs that insurance will balk at and maybe approve. But no worries, there is a discount card and they will provide your office PLENTY of samples for patients. Which works “great” until they change the discount card. And it is no longer free. It is now $100+ dollars per month with the discount card.
But wait! They aren’t done yet. Numerous antipsychotic medications have been granted approval for depression. This started with Abilify. Which led to every new antipsychotic that has entered the market since the mid 2010’s to do the same thing……get approved for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). That is where they add more to their piggy bank. The criteria most use for MDD is not really MDD, it is other factors. But if the standard antidepressant isn’t working, add the antipsychotic to it. The big name drugs that are antipsychotics already approved for schizophrenia, bipolar, and depression are Rexulti, Vraylar, and now Caplyta. They all followed the Abilify playbook. Bigger population of patients = more $$$.
My biggest issue is these antipsychotics are WAY too potent, they blockade dopamine, cause side effects such as movement disorders, and are riskier than beneficial. And this is why big pharma is focused on adding more antipsychotics to their arsenal of money makers.
The more you know.
I am happy to announce that I have been off of psyc meds for two years now. No depression and no anxiety meds for the PTSD from military service. Diet was a big driving force for getting off psyc drugs. Home raised foods, meats, veggies and such with no added chemicals made me whole again. And the weight loss was another added bonus. No vaccines, no drugs, no processed foods, and lots of natural proteins have worked wonders.
Sounds like all these new "wonder drugs" are solutions in search of a profitable problem. No thank you. I have always been a little resistant to the idea that a pill will cure my PTSD. After all, a pill did not cause the PTSD. I am glad that there are some pills that help me by tamping down the symptoms. I can take or leave them depending on the situation. That makes life better, but it is not a cure. I had a relative by marriage with Schizophrenia. She was quite open with me when talking about her condition. She recognized that none of the medication offered to her was a cure. She taught me a great deal about learning to deal with my condition. She took a more Judo like approach to her Schizophrenia than seeking a cure. I have worked on approaching my PTSD in a similar manner. I am in awe of the grace she displayed. I know I am more contented and able to manage my life now that I leverage my PTSD instead of fighting it. No "wonder drugs" for me. Ignore the Pushers. For guidance, listen to the Steppenwolf song. After all, the Pushers want us dead.