RxNews

Generics First - Antidepressant Program.  The antidepressant market has substantially changed over the last several years and more are now available generically such as:

• citalopram (Celexa®) *
• fluoxetine (Prozac®) *
• fluvoxamine (Luvox®)
• paroxetine (Paxil®)
• sertraline (Zoloft®)
• bupropion SA (Wellbutrin SR®) *
• mirtazapine (Remeron®)

Other preferred brand antidepressants include Effexor XR®,  while Non-preferred/non-formulary antidepressants are Cymbalta® and Lexapro®.
Patent extenders of brand antidepressants:  Paxil CR®, Prozac Weekly®, Wellbutrin XL®

• RegenceRx performed an extensive analysis of the scientific data and relative costs for the available antidepressants.
• For the majority of patients, generic SSRIs provide effective treatment.  (For example: About 70% of patients with depression will likely respond to an SSRI).
• There’s no convincing scientific data that the overall safety/efficacy differences among the various brand and generic SSRI antidepressants.

Prior Authorization

• Prior authorization applies only to new prescriptions for Cymbalta, Lexapro, Effexor XR and Paxil CR and will not impact existing members currently taking these medications.

• Formulary-Preferred Effexor XR -  is covered when at least one (1) generic antidepressant was not effective or not tolerated.

• Non-Formulary Cymbalta, Lexapro, Paxil CR – are covered when at least two (2) antidepressants (generic/preferred brand) were not effective or not tolerated.

• Other exceptions for individual consideration may be made on a case-by-case basis.