Switching From the Oral to the Depot Formulation of a Medication: Clinically Relevant Pharmacokinetic Concepts and Considerations.

This column presents principles that will aid the prescriber in transitioning patients from an oral to a depot antipsychotic medication. The column covers the differences in the pharmacokinetics of oral versus depot formulations that are critical in making a smooth transition. Also discussed are some of the reasons to use these medications, which, in the author's opinion, are currently underutilized. This column focuses on the big picture and the fundamentals of oral versus depot formulations rather than comparing the relative merits or potential advantages of the various marketed depot formulations.