Generic Escitalopram Oxalate (Lexapro)

Dear Sir/Madam,
My name is Peter Klinski and I signed up to a support group called I need someone to
talk to. I'm sorry, but I just can't do it. It brings my depression on. Half of their problems
and medications I don't know a thing about. I thought I would be comforting them.
I'm sorry.

> Sincerely,
>
Peter J. Klinski

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> 03/20/2024 9:43 PM CDT Mayo Clinic Connect < nf+f29cb524+3011821@n1.hubapplication.com> wrote:
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> Mayo Clinic Connect
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> @mikeinohio https://connect.mayoclinic.org/member/00-45c09f47c8ecbc38388539/?utm_source=connect.mayoclinic.org&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=greeter&utm_content=greeter_intro_userlink made their first post to depression & Anxiety Support Group.
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> Their discussion:
> Generic Escitalopram Oxalate (Lexapro)
> I have been on Lexapro and the generics for over 10 years. Not necessarily for anxiety or depression but more for anger management, or dark tunnel vision as my mother called it. Never physically violent but extremely angry and overstimulated. The medication has brightened my vision and allowed me to know that, if I am upset about something, it is legitimate. A true life changer!
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> I take 20 mg per day. At the point in which Lexapro became extremely expensive and no longer covered by insurance, I was lucky to be put on the generic made by Accord (a U.S. company). Over the last year or two, they have stopped production in the States. I have since found that every generic of this medication is definitely not the same, as I guess would make sense with chemistry of the brain. I have read other posts by people who have loved Accord and are nowlooking for an alternative. I was given the Solco version (China) and had extreme paranoia and even hallucinations. It’s a shame that most pharmacies currently seem to be pushing this one. I tried Torrent (India) and that had about zero effect, consistent with what I have read from others. I have taken two 10 mg Accord for several months, but that obviously does not have the same release rate of one 20 mg, and now that dose is just about gone as well.
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> I was hoping to find others with a similar issue and determine what manufactures of generic escitalopram oxalate are available in the U.S., as this is not very well publicized. And I’m open to recommendations for another Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) like Zoloft or Celexa and whether folks familiar with those generics have noticed significant variability and side effects between manufactures.
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@mikeinohio Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! It is true that sometimes the manufacturers of generics may use different "carrying agents" of the active ingredient. so they effects may not all be the same. I myself use Celexa, with no side issues. Some people experience weight gain with this medication, but I do not.

What does your prescribing doctor say about what you are seeing for side effects? Do they have any suggestions?
Ginger

The side effects are basically it doesn’t work at all or I get extreme paranoia/jitters/bit of hallucinations. Not anything like weight change or dry mouth or such. Or at least I wouldn’t mind those comparatively. Have you had various generic manufacturers of the Celexa with limited difference?

@mikeinohio I have been on Celexa three different times. in the last 20 years. In my own experience, there has been no marked difference in side effects, nor in efficacy. I am on a low dose of 10mg once a day.

I will be curious as other members chime in with their experience.
Ginger

It’s true that when I was on lexapro that it kept my anger at a normal level. I quit taking it because after over 12 years on it my anxiety and impatience started coming back and after quitting helped it to calm down. I still have little moments that I have to calm down and gather my anger up and cool off. I take propranolol 40g daily to help.

Thank you for sharing. I have read that the chemistry can change over the years.

Hi Mike, I'm having the same experience as you are. I have taken Lexapro and then the generic for over 14 years with no issue and recently refilled my meds. After 3 doses, I started wondering why I am getting brain zaps and other symptoms, similar to withdrawal side effects if I skipped a couple doses in the past. I also have vertigo and dizziness, feverish sweating, etc. When I googled this, I saw many others have the same problem, mostly with the manufacturer Solco (China). I've taken this manufacturer before with no problems, so just a batch batch? I'm on the phone with insurance company now trying to get approval for brand name Lexapro and they said it's not covered but if my doctor submits prior authorization, it may be covered. This is so scary that a med we take regularly could actually be making us sick. I feel especially sorry for teens or young adults who don't have the good experience on Lexapro and think something is really wrong with them that can't be helped. I'm going to see if the pills I have on hand can be analyzed by a lab and submit a form to the FDA (Medwatch) also. I hope you got the help you needed to get a legitimate med. Just wanted to let you know you're not alone with this issue.

Please report this to the FDA and the Pharm that manufactures it. I truly believe that there is a great deal of difference in generics and the companies that manufacture them. You can also look the manufacturer up and see if they have had citations etc. In particular I experienced this with Zithromycin that was manufactured in India only to find out when I researched them, they had numerous citations from the FDA. My questions would be......Why are the major Drug store chains continuing to purchase from them? "cause they are cheaper! At the expense of the patients!

I was on Escitalopram for 5 years and it worked well. Sorry to hear this as I have been off it for 9 months due to a needed change but was considering trying it again. If I can’t get this generic I guess I have no option but to keep trying to find a medication that will work.

I agree there is a difference in the action of generic vs name brand meds. I have experienced the same things in my past. I too take escitalopram 10mg. I began about 2 months ago after horrible constipation effects from duloxetine. Not sure my comments help. Is your prescribing physician a psychiatrist? I seem to do better with an MD or DO personally for my care. Health care is changing so fast some times I can barely keep up in regards to what I may need to address or change in my situation..