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Antidepressant Agents Step Therapy and Quantity Limit Program Summary

Policy Number: PH-91101

This program applies to Blue Partner, Commercial, GenPlus, NetResults A series, SourceRx and Health Insurance Marketplace formularies. 

POLICY REVIEW CYCLE

Effective Date

Date of Origin   

07-01-2025           

FDA LABELED INDICATIONS AND DOSAGE

Agent(s)

FDA Indication(s)

Notes

Ref#

Aplenzin®

(bupropion extended-release)

Tablet

Treatment of:

  • major depressive disorder (MDD)
  • seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

22

Auvelity®

(dextromethorphan and bupropion extended-release)

Tablet

Treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults

29

Celexa®, Citalopram

Tablet*

Capsule

Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults

*generic available

1,4

Cymbalta®

(duloxetine delayed-release)

Capsule*

Treatment of the following conditions:

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults
  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults and pediatric patients 7 years of age and older
  • Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) in adults
  • Fibromyalgia (FM) in adults and pediatric patients 13 years of age and older
  • Chronic musculoskeletal pain in adults

*generic available

13

Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release

Tablet

Treatment of adults with major depressive disorder (MDD)

 

 

18

Drizalma Sprinkle™

(duloxetine delayed-release)

Capsule

Treatment of the following conditions:

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in adults and pediatric patients ages 7 years of age and older
  • Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain (DPNP) in adults
  • Fibromyalgia (FM) in adults
  • Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in adults

5

Effexor XR®

(venlafaxine extended-release)

Capsule*

Treatment of adults with:

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  • Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
  • Panic Disorder (MDD)

*generic available

16

Fetzima®

(levomilnacipran extended-release)

Capsule

Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults

Limitation of Use: Fetzima is not approved for the management of fibromyalgia. The efficacy and safety of Fetzima for the management of fibromyalgia have not been established.

17

Fluoxetine 60 mg

Tablet*

Treatment of:

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Bulimia Nervosa
  • Panic Disorder, with or without agoraphobia

*generic available

3

Fluoxetine Delayed-Release

Capsule

Acute and maintenance treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

 

 

10

Prozac®

(fluoxetine)

Capsule*

For:

  • Acute and maintenance treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
  • Acute and maintenance treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Acute and maintenance treatment of Bulimia Nervosa
  • Acute treatment of Panic Disorder, with or without agoraphobia

*generic available

11

Forfivo XL®

(bupropion extended-release)

Tablet

Treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD)

23

Lexapro®

(escitalopram)

Tablet*

  • Treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older
  • Treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults and pediatric patients 7 years of age and older

*generic available

6

Paxil®

(paroxetine)*

Tablet

Oral suspension

In adults for the treatment of:

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Panic Disorder (PD)
  • Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

*generic available

7

Paxil CR®

(paroxetine extended-release)

Tablet*

For use in adults for the treatment of:

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
  • Panic Disorder (PD)
  • Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
  • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

*generic available

8

Pristiq®

(desvenlafaxine extended-release)

Tablet*

Treatment of adults with major depressive disorder (MDD)

*generic available

20

Remeron SolTab®

(mirtazapine ODT)

Orally disintegrating tablet*

 

Treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults

*generic available

26

Remeron®

(mirtazapine)

Tablet*

Treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults

*generic available

25

Sertraline

Capsule

Treatment of:

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older

24

Trintellex®

(vortioxetine)

Tablet

Treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults

27

Venlafaxine Extended-Release

Tablet

In adults for the treatment of:

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

21

Viibryd®

(vilazodone)

Tablet*

Treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults

*generic available

28

Wellbutrin SR®

(bupropion sustained-release)

Tablet*

Treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD)

*generic available

30

Wellbutrin XL®

(bupropion extended-release)

Tablet*

For:

  • treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD)
  • prevention of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

*generic available

31

Zoloft®

(sertraline)*

Tablet

Oral concentrate

Treatment of:

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD)
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Panic disorder (PD)
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

*generic available

12

See package insert for FDA prescribing information:  https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/index.cfm

CLINICAL RATIONALE

Depression

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), bupropion, mirtazapine, and several newer agents are typically used as first-line medications because their safety and tolerability may be preferable to patients and clinicians compared to those of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.(32) Many clinical features and medication characteristics influence the choice of a first-line antidepressant. There are no absolutes, and relative differences between medications are small, hence, selecting an antidepressant involves an individualized needs assessment for each patient.(33) No antidepressant has been clearly shown to be superior to another. All FDA labeled antidepressant medications should be considered potentially appropriate for first-line treatment.(32)

Anxiety Disorders

Guidelines for treatment of anxiety include several anxiety-related conditions: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD). SSRIs are generally considered first-line therapy for GAD and PD. In the treatment of PD, TCAs are as effective as SSRIs, but adverse effects may limit the use of TCAs in some patients. Extended-release venlafaxine is effective and well tolerated for GAD and PD, whereas duloxetine has been adequately evaluated only for GAD. Due to the typical delay in onset of action, medications should not be considered ineffective until they are titrated to the higher end of the dose range and continued for at least four weeks. Once symptoms have improved, medications should be used for 12 months before tapering to limit relapse. Some patients will require longer treatment.(34) OCD has a highly selective response to serotonergic medications. SSRIs are preferred for initial therapy. There is insufficient evidence to show that one SSRI is superior, and the choice should be individualized, taking into account potential drug interactions and tolerability. Dosage should be increased over four to six weeks until maximum dose is achieved. Trial of therapy should continue for eight to twelve weeks, with at least four to six weeks at the maximum tolerable dosage. It usually takes at least four to six weeks for patients to notice any significant improvement in symptoms and it may take ten weeks or longer for some. If successful, the medication should be continued for at least one to two years, if not indefinitely.(35) Among adult patients with PTSD, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine are appropriate choices, with none showing improved efficacy over the others.(36) For SAD, SSRIs and SNRIs are the clear first-line pharmacotherapy treatment based on demonstrated efficacy in randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. Medications in these classes that are FDA labeled are paroxetine (immediate-release and controlled release), sertraline, fluvoxamine controlled release, and venlafaxine extended release. Other medications in these classes with evidence of efficacy from randomized controlled trials include citalopram, escitalopram, and vilazodone. Fluoxetine has had mixed results in randomized controlled trials. SNRIs should be used with caution in patients at risk for suicide due to greater toxicity in overdose. No individual medication within this class has been consistently shown to be superior to another.(37)

Neuropathic Pain

First-line treatment for neuropathic pain include TCAs, gabapentin, pregabalin, and SNRI antidepressants (duloxetine [most studied], venlafaxine).(38) For patients with diabetic neuropathy, there are only two medications, pregabalin and duloxetine, that are FDA labeled. However, in addition to those two medications, gabapentin and amitriptyline are considered first-line therapy. SNRIs such as venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine are considered second-line therapy. SSRIs such as citalopram, paroxetine, and escitalopram are considered third-line therapy.(39)

Fibromyalgia

Pharmaceutical therapy recommendations depend on the source of the guideline. Guidelines are available from the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR-2016), the Canadian Pain Society (2012) and the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF-2012). Recommendations from these guidelines include amitriptyline, pregabalin, gabapentin, SNRIs (including duloxetine and milnacipran), and SSRIs. Amitriptyline, pregabalin, and duloxetine are used most commonly.(40)

 Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

Antidepressants are options for the treatment of chronic pain. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials indicate that TCAs and SNRIs provide effective pain relief for a variety of chronic pain etiologies.(41) Duloxetine is FDA approved for chronic musculoskeletal pain.(13)

Safety

All antidepressants have a boxed warning concerning suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Since there are small differences between the warnings, they are not listed here. Please see the respective agent’s prescribing information for the warning.(1-13,16-18,20-31)

REFERENCES

Number

Reference

1

Celexa prescribing information. Allergan, Inc. October 2023. 

2

Reference no longer used.

3

Fluoxetine 60 mg tablet prescribing information. Almatica Pharma Inc. August 2023.

4

Citalopram prescribing information. Almatica Pharma LLC. August 2023.

5

Drizalma Sprinkle prescribing information. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. May 2024.

6

Lexapro prescribing information. Allergan, Inc. October 2023.

7

Paxil prescribing information. Apotex Corp. December 2023.

8

Paxil CR prescribing information. Apotex Corp. January 2024.

9

Reference no longer used.

10

Fluoxetine prescribing information. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited. July 2023.

11

Prozac prescribing information. Dista Products Company. August 2023.

12

Zoloft prescribing information. ROERIG. August 2023. 

13

Cymbalta prescribing information. Eli Lilly and Company. August 2023.

14

Reference no longer used.

15

Reference no longer used.

16

Effexor XR prescribing information. Pfizer, Inc. August 2023. 

17

Fetzima prescribing information. Allergan, Inc. April 2024.

18

Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release prescribing information. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. August 2023.

19

Reference no longer used.

20

Pristiq prescribing information. Pfizer, Inc. June 2024. 

21

Venlafaxine Extended-Release prescribing information. Almatica Pharma LLC. August 2023.

22

Aplenzin prescribing information. Bausch Health US, LLC March 2024.

23

Forfivo XL prescribing information. TWi Pharmaceuticals, Inc. May 2024.

24

Sertraline prescribing information. Almatica Pharma LLC. August 2023.

25

Remeron prescribing information. Organon LLC. November 2021.

26

Remeron SolTab prescribing information. Organon LLC. November 2021.

27

Trintellix prescribing information. Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. August 2023. 

28

Viibryd prescribing information. Allergan, Inc. October 2023. 

29

Auvelity prescribing information. Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. June 2024.

30

Wellbutrin SR prescribing information. GlaxoSmithKline LLC. April 2024.

31

Wellbutrin XL prescribing information. Bausch Health US LLC. March 2024. 

32

Halverson J, Beevers C, Kamholz B. Clinical Practice Review for Major Depressive Disorder. Anxiety and Depression Association of America, November 2020. https://adaa.org/resources-professionals/practice-guidelines-mdd.

33

Kennedy SH, Lam RW, McIntyre RS, et al. Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) 2016 Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Adults with Major Depressive Disorder. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. 2016;61(9):540-560. doi:10.1177/0706743716659417

34

Locke AB, Kirst N, Shultz CG. Diagnosis and management of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults. AAFP. Published May 1, 2015. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2015/0501/p617.html

35

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Diagnosis and Management. PubMed. Published November 15, 2015. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26554283/

36

Courtois CA, Brown LS. Guideline orthodoxy and resulting limitations of the American Psychological Association’s Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of PTSD in Adults. Psychotherapy. 2019;56(3):329-339. doi:10.1037/pst0000239

37

Morrison AS, Heimberg RG. Social anxiety and social anxiety disorder. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology. 2013;9(1):249-274. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-050212-185631

38

Gilron I, Baron R, Jensen T. Neuropathic Pain: Principles of Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2015;90(4):532-545. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.01.018

39

Castelli G, Desai KM, Cantone RE. Peripheral neuropathy: evaluation and differential diagnosis. AAFP. Published December 15, 2020. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2020/1215/p732.html

40

Kia S, Choy E. Update on Treatment Guideline in Fibromyalgia Syndrome with Focus on Pharmacology. Biomedicines. 2017;5(2):20. doi:10.3390/biomedicines5020020

41

American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Chronic Pain Management; American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. Practice guidelines for chronic pain management: Anesthesiology. 2010;112(4):810-833. doi:10.1097/ALN.0b013e3181c43103

POLICY AGENT SUMMARY STEP THERAPY

Target Brand Agent Name(s)

Target Generic Agent Name(s)

Strength

Targeted MSC

Available MSC

Final Age Limit

Preferred Status

Aplenzin ; Bupropion hydrochloride e ; Forfivo xl ; Wellbutrin sr ; Wellbutrin xl

100 MG ; 150 MG ; 174 MG ; 200 MG ; 300 MG ; 348 MG ; 450 MG ; 522 MG ; 75 MG

M ; N ; O

M ; N ; O ; Y

Auvelity

45-105 MG

M ; N ; O

N

Celexa ; Citalopram hydrobromide

10 MG ; 10 MG/5ML ; 20 MG ; 30 MG ; 40 MG

M ; N ; O

N ; O ; Y

Cymbalta

20 MG ; 30 MG ; 40 MG ; 60 MG

M ; N ; O

O ; Y

Desvenlafaxine er ; Pristiq

100 MG ; 25 MG ; 50 MG

M ; N ; O

N ; O ; Y

Drizalma sprinkle

20 MG ; 30 MG ; 40 MG ; 60 MG

M ; N ; O

N

Effexor xr ; Venlafaxine besylate er

100 MG ; 112.5 MG ; 150 MG ; 225 MG ; 25 MG ; 37.5 MG ; 50 MG ; 75 MG

M ; N ; O

N ; O ; Y

Fetzima ; Fetzima titration pack

120 MG ; 20 & 40 MG ; 20 MG ; 40 MG ; 80 MG

M ; N ; O

N

Fluoxetine dr ; Fluoxetine hydrochloride ; Prozac

10 MG ; 20 MG ; 20 MG/5ML ; 40 MG ; 60 MG ; 90 MG

M ; N ; O

N ; O ; Y

Lexapro

10 MG ; 20 MG ; 5 MG ; 5 MG/5ML

M ; N ; O

O ; Y

Paxil ; Paxil cr ; Pexeva

10 MG ; 10 MG/5ML ; 12.5 MG ; 20 MG ; 25 MG ; 30 MG ; 37.5 MG ; 40 MG

M ; N ; O

N ; O ; Y

Remeron ; Remeron soltab

15 MG ; 30 MG ; 45 MG ; 7.5 MG

M ; N ; O

O ; Y

Sertraline hydrochloride ; Zoloft

100 MG ; 150 MG ; 20 MG/ML ; 200 MG ; 25 MG ; 50 MG

M ; N ; O

N ; O ; Y

Trintellix

10 MG ; 20 MG ; 5 MG

M ; N ; O

N

Viibryd ; Viibryd starter pack

10 & 20 MG ; 10 MG ; 20 MG ; 40 MG

M ; N ; O

N ; O ; Y

POLICY AGENT SUMMARY QUANTITY LIMIT

Target Brand Agent Name(s)

Target Generic Agent Name(s)

Strength

QL Amount

Dose Form

Day Supply

Duration

Addtl QL Info

Allowed Exceptions

Targeted NDCs When Exclusions Exist

Bupropion HCl Tab 100 MG

100 MG

120

Tablets

30

DAYS

Bupropion HCl Tab 75 MG

75 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

citalopram hydrobromide oral soln

10 MG/5ML

600

mLs

30

DAYS

Duloxetine HCl Enteric Coated Pellets Cap 40 MG (Base Eq)

40 MG

90

Capsules

30

DAYS

escitalopram oxalate soln

5 MG/5ML

600

mLs

30

DAYS

fluoxetine hcl solution

20 MG/5ML

600

mLs

30

DAYS

Fluoxetine HCl Tab 10 MG

10 MG

240

Tablets

30

DAYS

Fluoxetine HCl Tab 20 MG

20 MG

120

Tablets

30

DAYS

fluvoxamine maleate cap er

100 MG ; 150 MG

60

Capsules

30

DAYS

Fluvoxamine Maleate Tab 100 MG

100 MG

90

Tablets

30

DAYS

Fluvoxamine Maleate Tab 25 MG

25 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Fluvoxamine Maleate Tab 50 MG

50 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Mirtazapine Tab 45 MG

45 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Mirtazapine Tab 7.5 MG

7.5 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Venlafaxine HCl Tab 100 MG (Base Equivalent)

100 MG

90

Tablets

30

DAYS

Venlafaxine HCl Tab 25 MG (Base Equivalent)

25 MG

450

Tablets

30

DAYS

Venlafaxine HCl Tab 37.5 MG (Base Equivalent)

37.5 MG

300

Tablets

30

DAYS

Venlafaxine HCl Tab 50 MG (Base Equivalent)

50 MG

210

Tablets

30

DAYS

Venlafaxine HCl Tab 75 MG (Base Equivalent)

75 MG

90

Tablets

30

DAYS

Venlafaxine HCl Tab ER 24HR 150 MG (Base Equivalent)

150 MG

60

Tablets

30

DAYS

Venlafaxine HCl Tab ER 24HR 225 MG (Base Equivalent)

225 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Venlafaxine HCl Tab ER 24HR 37.5 MG (Base Equivalent)

37.5 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Venlafaxine HCl Tab ER 24HR 75 MG (Base Equivalent)

75 MG

90

Tablets

30

DAYS

Aplenzin

bupropion hbr tab er

174 MG ; 348 MG ; 522 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Auvelity

dextromethorphan hbr-bupropion hcl tab er

45-105 MG

60

Tablets

30

DAYS

Bupropion hydrochloride e ; Forfivo xl

Bupropion HCl Tab ER 24HR 450 MG

450 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Celexa

Citalopram Hydrobromide Tab 10 MG (Base Equiv)

10 MG

120

Tablets

30

DAYS

Celexa

Citalopram Hydrobromide Tab 20 MG (Base Equiv)

20 MG

60

Tablets

30

DAYS

Celexa

Citalopram Hydrobromide Tab 40 MG (Base Equiv)

40 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Citalopram hydrobromide

citalopram hydrobromide cap

30 MG

30

Capsules

30

DAYS

Cymbalta

Duloxetine HCl Enteric Coated Pellets Cap 20 MG (Base Eq)

20 MG

180

Capsules

30

DAYS

Cymbalta

Duloxetine HCl Enteric Coated Pellets Cap 30 MG (Base Eq)

30 MG

60

Capsules

30

DAYS

Cymbalta

Duloxetine HCl Enteric Coated Pellets Cap 60 MG (Base Eq)

60 MG

60

Capsules

30

DAYS

Desvenlafaxine er

desvenlafaxine tab er

100 MG ; 50 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Drizalma sprinkle

duloxetine hcl cap delayed release sprinkle

20 MG ; 30 MG ; 40 MG ; 60 MG

60

Capsules

30

DAYS

Effexor xr

Venlafaxine HCl Cap ER 24HR 150 MG (Base Equivalent)

150 MG

60

Capsules

30

DAYS

Effexor xr

Venlafaxine HCl Cap ER 24HR 37.5 MG (Base Equivalent)

37.5 MG

180

Capsules

30

DAYS

Effexor xr

Venlafaxine HCl Cap ER 24HR 75 MG (Base Equivalent)

75 MG

90

Capsules

30

DAYS

Fetzima

levomilnacipran hcl cap er

120 MG ; 20 MG ; 40 MG ; 80 MG

30

Capsules

30

DAYS

Fetzima titration pack

levomilnacipran hcl cap er

20 & 40 MG

28

Capsules

180

DAYS

Fluoxetine dr

fluoxetine hcl cap delayed release

90 MG

4

Capsules

28

DAYS

Fluoxetine hydrochloride

Fluoxetine HCl Tab 60 MG

60 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Lexapro

Escitalopram Oxalate Tab 10 MG (Base Equiv)

10 MG

60

Tablets

30

DAYS

Lexapro

Escitalopram Oxalate Tab 20 MG (Base Equiv)

20 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Smart QL: 1  tablet daily for 60 days 2 tablets daily thereafter

Lexapro

Escitalopram Oxalate Tab 5 MG (Base Equiv)

5 MG

120

Tablets

30

DAYS

Paxil

Paroxetine HCl Oral Susp 10 MG/5ML (Base Equiv)

10 MG/5ML

900

mLs

30

DAYS

Paxil

Paroxetine HCl Tab 10 MG

10 MG

180

Tablets

30

DAYS

Paxil

Paroxetine HCl Tab 20 MG

20 MG

90

Tablets

30

DAYS

Paxil

Paroxetine HCl Tab 30 MG

30 MG

60

Tablets

30

DAYS

Paxil

Paroxetine HCl Tab 40 MG

40 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Paxil cr

Paroxetine HCl Tab ER 24HR 12.5 MG

12.5 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Paxil cr

Paroxetine HCl Tab ER 24HR 25 MG

25 MG

90

Tablets

30

DAYS

Paxil cr

Paroxetine HCl Tab ER 24HR 37.5 MG

37.5 MG

60

Tablets

30

DAYS

Pristiq

Desvenlafaxine Succinate Tab ER 24HR 100 MG (Base Equiv)

100 MG

120

Tablets

30

DAYS

Pristiq

Desvenlafaxine Succinate Tab ER 24HR 25 MG (Base Equiv)

25 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Pristiq

Desvenlafaxine Succinate Tab ER 24HR 50 MG (Base Equiv)

50 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Prozac

Fluoxetine HCl Cap 10 MG

10 MG

240

Capsules

30

DAYS

Prozac

Fluoxetine HCl Cap 20 MG

20 MG

120

Capsules

30

DAYS

Prozac

Fluoxetine HCl Cap 40 MG

40 MG

60

Capsules

30

DAYS

Remeron

Mirtazapine Tab 15 MG

15 MG

90

Tablets

30

DAYS

Remeron

Mirtazapine Tab 30 MG

30 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Remeron soltab

Mirtazapine Orally Disintegrating Tab 15 MG

15 MG

90

Tablets

30

DAYS

Remeron soltab

Mirtazapine Orally Disintegrating Tab 30 MG

30 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Remeron soltab

Mirtazapine Orally Disintegrating Tab 45 MG

45 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Sertraline hydrochloride

sertraline hcl cap

150 MG ; 200 MG

30

Capsules

30

DAYS

Trintellix

vortioxetine hbr tab

10 MG ; 20 MG ; 5 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Venlafaxine besylate er

venlafaxine besylate tab er

112.5 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Viibryd

vilazodone hcl tab

10 MG ; 20 MG ; 40 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Viibryd starter pack

vilazodone hcl tab starter kit

10 & 20 MG

1

Tablets

180

DAYS

Wellbutrin sr

Bupropion HCl Tab ER 12HR 100 MG

100 MG

120

Tablets

30

DAYS

Wellbutrin sr

Bupropion HCl Tab ER 12HR 150 MG

150 MG

60

Tablets

30

DAYS

Wellbutrin sr

Bupropion HCl Tab ER 12HR 200 MG

200 MG

60

Tablets

30

DAYS

Wellbutrin xl

Bupropion HCl Tab ER 24HR 150 MG

150 MG

90

Tablets

30

DAYS

Wellbutrin xl

Bupropion HCl Tab ER 24HR 300 MG

300 MG

30

Tablets

30

DAYS

Zoloft

Sertraline HCl Oral Concentrate for Solution 20 MG/ML

20 MG/ML

300

mLs

30

DAYS

Zoloft

Sertraline HCl Tab 100 MG

100 MG

60

Tablets

30

DAYS

Zoloft

Sertraline HCl Tab 25 MG

25 MG

240

Tablets

30

DAYS

Zoloft

Sertraline HCl Tab 50 MG

50 MG

120

Tablets

30

DAYS

Zurzuvae

zuranolone cap

20 MG

28

Capsules

365

DAYS

*Quantity limit is cumulative for the 20mg and 25 mg strengths.

Zurzuvae

zuranolone cap

25 MG

28

Capsules

365

DAYS

*Quantity limit is cumulative for the 20mg and 25 mg strengths.

Zurzuvae

zuranolone cap

30 MG

14

Capsules

365

DAYS

ADDITIONAL QUANTITY LIMIT INFORMATION

Wildcard

Target Brand Agent Name(s)

Target Generic Agent Name(s)

Strength

Additional QL Information

Targeted NDCs When Exclusions Exist

Effective Date

Term Date

58160034100330

Lexapro

Escitalopram Oxalate Tab 20 MG (Base Equiv)

20 MG

Smart QL: 1  tablet daily for 60 days 2 tablets daily thereafter

58060090000120

Zurzuvae

zuranolone cap

20 MG

*Quantity limit is cumulative for the 20mg and 25 mg strengths.

58060090000125

Zurzuvae

zuranolone cap

25 MG

*Quantity limit is cumulative for the 20mg and 25 mg strengths.

CLIENT SUMMARY – STEP THERAPY

Target Brand Agent Name(s)

Target Generic Agent Name(s)

Strength

Client Formulary

Aplenzin ; Bupropion hydrochloride e ; Forfivo xl ; Wellbutrin sr ; Wellbutrin xl

100 MG ; 150 MG ; 174 MG ; 200 MG ; 300 MG ; 348 MG ; 450 MG ; 522 MG ; 75 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Auvelity

45-105 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Celexa ; Citalopram hydrobromide

10 MG ; 10 MG/5ML ; 20 MG ; 30 MG ; 40 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Cymbalta

20 MG ; 30 MG ; 40 MG ; 60 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Desvenlafaxine er ; Pristiq

100 MG ; 25 MG ; 50 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Drizalma sprinkle

20 MG ; 30 MG ; 40 MG ; 60 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Effexor xr ; Venlafaxine besylate er

100 MG ; 112.5 MG ; 150 MG ; 225 MG ; 25 MG ; 37.5 MG ; 50 MG ; 75 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Fetzima ; Fetzima titration pack

120 MG ; 20 & 40 MG ; 20 MG ; 40 MG ; 80 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Fluoxetine dr ; Fluoxetine hydrochloride ; Prozac

10 MG ; 20 MG ; 20 MG/5ML ; 40 MG ; 60 MG ; 90 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Lexapro

10 MG ; 20 MG ; 5 MG ; 5 MG/5ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Paxil ; Paxil cr ; Pexeva

10 MG ; 10 MG/5ML ; 12.5 MG ; 20 MG ; 25 MG ; 30 MG ; 37.5 MG ; 40 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Remeron ; Remeron soltab

15 MG ; 30 MG ; 45 MG ; 7.5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Sertraline hydrochloride ; Zoloft

100 MG ; 150 MG ; 20 MG/ML ; 200 MG ; 25 MG ; 50 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Trintellix

10 MG ; 20 MG ; 5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Viibryd ; Viibryd starter pack

10 & 20 MG ; 10 MG ; 20 MG ; 40 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

CLIENT SUMMARY – QUANTITY LIMITS

Target Brand Agent Name(s)

Target Generic Agent Name(s)

Strength

Client Formulary

Bupropion HCl Tab 100 MG

100 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Bupropion HCl Tab 75 MG

75 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

citalopram hydrobromide oral soln

10 MG/5ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Duloxetine HCl Enteric Coated Pellets Cap 40 MG (Base Eq)

40 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

escitalopram oxalate soln

5 MG/5ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

fluoxetine hcl solution

20 MG/5ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Fluoxetine HCl Tab 10 MG

10 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Fluoxetine HCl Tab 20 MG

20 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

fluvoxamine maleate cap er

100 MG ; 150 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Fluvoxamine Maleate Tab 100 MG

100 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Fluvoxamine Maleate Tab 25 MG

25 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Fluvoxamine Maleate Tab 50 MG

50 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Mirtazapine Tab 45 MG

45 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Mirtazapine Tab 7.5 MG

7.5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Venlafaxine HCl Tab 100 MG (Base Equivalent)

100 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Venlafaxine HCl Tab 25 MG (Base Equivalent)

25 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Venlafaxine HCl Tab 37.5 MG (Base Equivalent)

37.5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Venlafaxine HCl Tab 50 MG (Base Equivalent)

50 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Venlafaxine HCl Tab 75 MG (Base Equivalent)

75 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Venlafaxine HCl Tab ER 24HR 150 MG (Base Equivalent)

150 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Venlafaxine HCl Tab ER 24HR 225 MG (Base Equivalent)

225 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Venlafaxine HCl Tab ER 24HR 37.5 MG (Base Equivalent)

37.5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Venlafaxine HCl Tab ER 24HR 75 MG (Base Equivalent)

75 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Aplenzin

bupropion hbr tab er

174 MG ; 348 MG ; 522 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Auvelity

dextromethorphan hbr-bupropion hcl tab er

45-105 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Bupropion hydrochloride e ; Forfivo xl

Bupropion HCl Tab ER 24HR 450 MG

450 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Celexa

Citalopram Hydrobromide Tab 10 MG (Base Equiv)

10 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Celexa

Citalopram Hydrobromide Tab 20 MG (Base Equiv)

20 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Celexa

Citalopram Hydrobromide Tab 40 MG (Base Equiv)

40 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Citalopram hydrobromide

citalopram hydrobromide cap

30 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Cymbalta

Duloxetine HCl Enteric Coated Pellets Cap 20 MG (Base Eq)

20 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Cymbalta

Duloxetine HCl Enteric Coated Pellets Cap 30 MG (Base Eq)

30 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Cymbalta

Duloxetine HCl Enteric Coated Pellets Cap 60 MG (Base Eq)

60 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Desvenlafaxine er

desvenlafaxine tab er

100 MG ; 50 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Drizalma sprinkle

duloxetine hcl cap delayed release sprinkle

20 MG ; 30 MG ; 40 MG ; 60 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Effexor xr

Venlafaxine HCl Cap ER 24HR 150 MG (Base Equivalent)

150 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Effexor xr

Venlafaxine HCl Cap ER 24HR 37.5 MG (Base Equivalent)

37.5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Effexor xr

Venlafaxine HCl Cap ER 24HR 75 MG (Base Equivalent)

75 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Fetzima

levomilnacipran hcl cap er

120 MG ; 20 MG ; 40 MG ; 80 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Fetzima titration pack

levomilnacipran hcl cap er

20 & 40 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Fluoxetine dr

fluoxetine hcl cap delayed release

90 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Fluoxetine hydrochloride

Fluoxetine HCl Tab 60 MG

60 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Lexapro

Escitalopram Oxalate Tab 10 MG (Base Equiv)

10 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Lexapro

Escitalopram Oxalate Tab 20 MG (Base Equiv)

20 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Lexapro

Escitalopram Oxalate Tab 5 MG (Base Equiv)

5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Paxil

Paroxetine HCl Oral Susp 10 MG/5ML (Base Equiv)

10 MG/5ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Paxil

Paroxetine HCl Tab 10 MG

10 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Paxil

Paroxetine HCl Tab 20 MG

20 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Paxil

Paroxetine HCl Tab 30 MG

30 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Paxil

Paroxetine HCl Tab 40 MG

40 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Paxil cr

Paroxetine HCl Tab ER 24HR 12.5 MG

12.5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Paxil cr

Paroxetine HCl Tab ER 24HR 25 MG

25 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Paxil cr

Paroxetine HCl Tab ER 24HR 37.5 MG

37.5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Pristiq

Desvenlafaxine Succinate Tab ER 24HR 100 MG (Base Equiv)

100 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Pristiq

Desvenlafaxine Succinate Tab ER 24HR 25 MG (Base Equiv)

25 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Pristiq

Desvenlafaxine Succinate Tab ER 24HR 50 MG (Base Equiv)

50 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Prozac

Fluoxetine HCl Cap 10 MG

10 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Prozac

Fluoxetine HCl Cap 20 MG

20 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Prozac

Fluoxetine HCl Cap 40 MG

40 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Remeron

Mirtazapine Tab 15 MG

15 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Remeron

Mirtazapine Tab 30 MG

30 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Remeron soltab

Mirtazapine Orally Disintegrating Tab 15 MG

15 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Remeron soltab

Mirtazapine Orally Disintegrating Tab 30 MG

30 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Remeron soltab

Mirtazapine Orally Disintegrating Tab 45 MG

45 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Sertraline hydrochloride

sertraline hcl cap

150 MG ; 200 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Trintellix

vortioxetine hbr tab

10 MG ; 20 MG ; 5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Venlafaxine besylate er

venlafaxine besylate tab er

112.5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Viibryd

vilazodone hcl tab

10 MG ; 20 MG ; 40 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Viibryd starter pack

vilazodone hcl tab starter kit

10 & 20 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Wellbutrin sr

Bupropion HCl Tab ER 12HR 100 MG

100 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Wellbutrin sr

Bupropion HCl Tab ER 12HR 150 MG

150 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Wellbutrin sr

Bupropion HCl Tab ER 12HR 200 MG

200 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Wellbutrin xl

Bupropion HCl Tab ER 24HR 150 MG

150 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Wellbutrin xl

Bupropion HCl Tab ER 24HR 300 MG

300 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Zoloft

Sertraline HCl Oral Concentrate for Solution 20 MG/ML

20 MG/ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Zoloft

Sertraline HCl Tab 100 MG

100 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Zoloft

Sertraline HCl Tab 25 MG

25 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Zoloft

Sertraline HCl Tab 50 MG

50 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Zurzuvae

zuranolone cap

30 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Zurzuvae

zuranolone cap

25 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Zurzuvae

zuranolone cap

20 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

STEP THERAPY CLINICAL CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL

Module

Clinical Criteria for Approval

Brand Agents other than Cymbalta/Drizalma

TARGET AGENT(S)

PREREQUISITE AGENT(S)

Auvelity (dextromethorphan and bupropion extended-release)

Any TWO generic antidepressant agents (i.e., SSRI, SNRI, bupropion, mirtazapine, or vilazodone) 

Aplenzin (bupropion extended-release)
Celexa (citalopram)*
Citalopram capsule^
Desvenlafaxine Extended Release tablet^ 
Effexor XR (venlafaxine extended-release)*
Fetzima (levomilnacipran extended-release)
Fluoxetine 60 mg tablet*^    
Fluoxetine Delayed-Release capsule^
Forfivo XL (bupropion extended-release)
Lexapro (escitalopram)*
Paxil (paroxetine)*
Paxil CR (paroxetine extended-release)*
Pristiq (desvenlafaxine extended-release)*
Prozac (fluoxetine)* 
Remeron (mirtazapine)*
Remeron SolTab (mirtazapine ODT)*
Sertraline capsule^
Trintellix (vortioxetine)
Venlafaxine Extended-Release tablet^
Viibryd (vilazodone)*
Wellbutrin SR (bupropion sustained-release)*
Wellbutrin XL (bupropion extended-release)*
Zoloft (sertraline)*

Any generic antidepressant agent (i.e., SSRI, SNRI, bupropion, mirtazapine, or vilazodone) 

* - generic available
^ - branded generic product(s) available

Target Agent(s) will be approved when ONE of the following is met:

  1. The patient has been treated with the requested agent within the past 180 days OR
  2. The prescriber states that the patient has been treated with the requested agent within the past 180 days AND is at risk if therapy is changed OR
  3. The request is for Auvelity AND ONE of the following:
    1. The patient has ONE of the following:
      1. Has a medication history of use in the past 365 days to TWO prerequisite agents OR
      2. Has a medication history of use in the past 365 days to ONE prerequisite agent and an intolerance or hypersensitivity to ONE prerequisite agent OR
      3. Has an intolerance or hypersensitivity to TWO prerequisite agents OR
    2. The patient has an FDA labeled contraindication to ALL prerequisite agents OR
  4. The request is for a medication other than Auvelity AND ONE of the following:
    1. The patient has ONE of the following:
      1. Has a medication history of use in the past 365 days to ONE prerequisite agent OR
      2. Has an intolerance or hypersensitivity to ONE prerequisite agent OR
    2. The patient has an FDA labeled contraindication to ALL prerequisite agent(s)

Length of Approval: 12 months

NOTE: If Quantity Limit applies, please refer to Quantity Limit Criteria.

Cymbalta/Drizalma

TARGET AGENT(S)

Cymbalta (duloxetine delayed-release)*
Drizalma Sprinkle (duloxetine delayed-release)
* - available as a generic ; included as a prerequisite in the step therapy program

Target Agent(s) will be approved when ONE of the following is met:

  1. The patient has been treated with the requested agent within the past 180 days OR
  2. The prescriber states the patient has been treated with the requested agent within the past 180 days AND is at risk if therapy is changed OR
  3. The patient has a medication history of use in the past in the past 365 days that includes use of a generic antidepressant agent (i.e., SSRI, SNRI, bupropion, mirtazapine, or vilazodone) OR
  4. The patient has a diagnosis of neuropathic pain and ONE of the following:
    1. The patient has ONE of the following:
      1. Has a medication history of use in the past 90 days to ONE prerequisite agent (i.e., duloxetine delayed-release, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, or gabapentin) OR
      2. Has an intolerance or hypersensitivity to ONE prerequisite agent (i.e., duloxetine delayed-release, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, or gabapentin) OR
    2. The patient has an FDA labeled contraindication to ALL prerequisite agent(s) (i.e., duloxetine delayed-release, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, or gabapentin) OR
  5. The patient has a diagnosis of fibromyalgia and ONE of the following:
    1. The patient has ONE of the following:
      1. Has a medication history of use in the past 90 days to ONE prerequisite agent (i.e., duloxetine delayed-release, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, cyclobenzaprine, gabapentin, or tramadol) OR
      2. Has an intolerance or hypersensitivity to ONE prerequisite agent (i.e., duloxetine delayed-release, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, cyclobenzaprine, gabapentin, or tramadol) OR
    2. The patient has an FDA labeled contraindication to ALL prerequisite agent(s) (i.e., duloxetine delayed-release, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, cyclobenzaprine, gabapentin, or tramadol) OR
  6. The patient has a diagnosis of chronic musculoskeletal pain and ONE of the following:
    1. The patient has ONE of the following:
      1. Has a medication history of use in the past 90 days to ONE prerequisite agent (i.e., duloxetine delayed-release, acetaminophen, oral NSAID, topical NSAID, tramadol, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, cyclobenzaprine, or gabapentin) OR
      2. Has an intolerance or hypersensitivity to ONE prerequisite agent (i.e., duloxetine delayed-release, acetaminophen, oral NSAID, topical NSAID, tramadol, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, cyclobenzaprine, or gabapentin) OR
    2. The patient has an FDA labeled contraindication to ALL prerequisite agent(s) (i.e., duloxetine delayed-release, acetaminophen, oral NSAID, topical NSAID, tramadol, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, cyclobenzaprine, or gabapentin) OR
  7. If using for a diagnosis other than neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, or musculoskeletal pain, then ONE of the following:
    1. The patient has an intolerance or hypersensitivity to a generic antidepressant (i.e., SSRI, SNRI, bupropion, mirtazapine, or vilazodone) OR
    2. The patient has an FDA labeled contraindication to ALL generic antidepressants (i.e., SSRI, SNRI, bupropion, mirtazapine, or vilazodone)

Length of Approval: 12 months

NOTE: If Quantity Limit applies, please refer to Quantity Limit Criteria.

QUANTITY LIMIT CLINICAL CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL

Module

Clinical Criteria for Approval

QL

Quantity limit for the Target Agent(s) will be approved when ONE of the following is met:

  1. The requested quantity (dose) does NOT exceed the program quantity limit OR
  2. The requested quantity (dose) exceeds the program quantity limit AND ONE of the following:
    1. BOTH of the following:
      1. The requested agent does NOT have a maximum FDA labeled dose for the requested indication AND
      2. There is support for therapy with a higher dose for the requested indication OR
    2. BOTH of the following:
      1. The requested quantity (dose) does NOT exceed the maximum FDA labeled dose for the requested indication AND
      2. There is support for why the requested quantity (dose) cannot be achieved with a lower quantity of a higher strength that does NOT exceed the program quantity limit OR
    3. BOTH of the following:
      1. The requested quantity (dose) exceeds the maximum FDA labeled dose for the requested indication AND
      2. There is support for therapy with a higher dose for the requested indication

Length of Approval: up to 12 months

 

This pharmacy policy is not an authorization, certification, explanation of benefits or a contract. Eligibility and benefits are determined on a case-by-case basis according to the terms of the member’s plan in effect as of the date services are rendered. All pharmacy policies are based on (i) information in FDA approved package inserts (and black box warning, alerts, or other information disseminated by the FDA as applicable); (ii) research of current medical and pharmacy literature; and/or (iii) review of common medical practices in the treatment and diagnosis of disease as of the date hereof. Physicians and other providers are solely responsible for all aspects of medical care and treatment, including the type, quality, and levels of care and treatment.

The purpose of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s pharmacy policies are to provide a guide to coverage. Pharmacy policies are not intended to dictate to physicians how to practice medicine. Physicians should exercise their medical judgment in providing the care they feel is most appropriate for their patients.

Neither this policy, nor the successful adjudication of a pharmacy claim, is guarantee of payment.

ALBP _  Commercial _ PS _ Antidepressant_Agents_STQL _ProgSum_ 07-01-2025  _  © Copyright Prime Therapeutics LLC. March 2025 All Rights Reserved