Generic vs. name brand???

[tomskat]

Wondering if anyone has had any noticable changes/experiences between generic drugs and name-brands??? Specifically regarding anti-depressants. I just read an interesting article in "Self" magazine (June '09 edittion) that presented a lot of scary,interesting facts regarding this. To anyone on anti-depressants, specifically Wellbutrin (budeprion) like I am, it is worth reading...pretty scary considering a drug manufacturer in India fudged an omitted some of the test results.

Anyways.....would like to hear back from anyone who has any knowledge/experience of this as I think I am going through something "weird" with being on the generic.Thanks much everyone!!! ~Anne

[jasmine555]

Hi,

I recently took a graduate level healthcare class. My professor is also a physician and we had this argument in class. He taught us that most generics serve the same purpose as top brand medications. The difference being the manufacturing of the drug and how the mixture is created. A good search engine tool is on a site called Medtipster. It will convert top brands to generics. Hope this helps.

J

[Neka340]

I'm definately struggling with the brand for 30 years and now insurance wants generic.  I'm dysfunctional and unable to move on generic.  Has anyone had any luck or helpful information??

[Hensley258]

That's exactly what my Psychiatrist does. For example he has me on generic Lamictal and says that I were on the name brand Lamictal that he would only have me taking 150Mgs a day, but since I am on the Generic he moves it to 200Mgs a day.

In your case you also need to look at how long you have been taking Prozac (fluxotine) because after many years of usage Prozac can lose it effectivness as the result of resistance built up by your body.

Most people only get a good 2 to 4 years from SSRI's such as Prozac before they fade in effectivness.

[serinitynow1]

Do you think the solution might be to save money by using the generic just use it at a stronger dose?  I'm dealing with that problem right now with Prozac and the generic form.  You are spot on with the price differential.  Prozac is way more expensive that the generic form.

[Neka340]

I've tried 4 times over 3 years and I am unable to tllerate it with the side effects under any dose being uncontrollable shaking N/V  there is no regulating doses for that!!  Have you had any luck??

[specialmom]

I'm going to say this . . . I learned first hand that some people are just more sensitive to medications. I am that way to my blood pressure medication. The way big pharmacies work these days is about every three months, they seem to switch the generic they use for my bp pills. And I react like it's a new medication with side effects each time for about 3 days. grrr. Your doctor 'can' write for the prescription brand name saying not to substitute with a note to the insurance company about the reason why. Speak to them. Otherwise, could you pay the difference or use good rx to find deals to get the brand name near you?

[Hensley258]

I know alot of people had that same issue with Effexors generic Venlafaxine.
Sometimes I question the quality of generics because many are made in such places as China.

I have also noticed that Generic Xanax (Alprazolam) is not as strong as the name brand.

Problem is, who can really afford the name brands now days. Thay cost 4 times as much.

[serinitynow1]

Hi tomskat,
I just posted on the depression forum that I noticed a difference in Prozac and the generic form (fluxientine sp?)  Prozac worked wonderfully for me were the generic form didn't do me any good.  I spoke with my doctor (not the one who perscribed either med to me) about this and she agreed and said the generic Prozac is not as effective.  Hope this helps.

[Hensley258]

According to my Psychiatrist, there is a difference between the two. He said that very often Generics will vary in terms of the amount of active ingredient. For example generic Lamictal is known to be 1/3 less potent than it's name brand counter part.

[dominosarah]

Hi Tomskat!!!  Nice to see you posting......I heard a few things about some of the generic drugs had a different time release.......that came from the pharmacist a few years back when my dad was on some meds.  May want to check with him/her on this one.  Hope you had a good 4th!!!      sara