1. < Depression & Anxiety

Switching brand name and generic drugs by different manufacturers

Posted by aliali @aliali, Jan 20, 2020

I have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. My antidepressant is a generic that contains the same chemical as Cipralex. It is called Depralex and is manufactured in Saudi Arabia. The manufacuring has ceased. I tried other generic (Citoxal, made in KSA also) and causes me a terrible relapse. I had to get Depralex again. Depralex now is no longer available in the pharmacy. My physician suggested to switch to Cipralex. He said it is highly reputable and safe to use. I am still worried to switch, as the relapse is highly intensive if it were to occur. So how was your experiences with switching from a generic to a brand name? I have to decide what to do within two months i.e. before I consume the remaining quantity of Depralex

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lsittll | @lsittll | Sep 25, 2020
In reply to @jimhd "@Isittll I've never noticed any difference between brands, though I do always read paperwork that comes..." + (show)
@jimhd

@Isittll

I've never noticed any difference between brands, though I do always read paperwork that comes with any medication. But if you've found that one works better than another, good for you. A good pharmacist would probably be a good resource for you in understanding variations.

Jim

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I think there is a misunderstanding here. I can tolerate generic drugs that are made by only certain drug companies, When a pharmacy switches the drug company that manufactures the same drug in a generic form I notice a very big difference. Some of the generic manufacturer drug names are not effective at all for me!

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1 reply
rebeccaperth | @rebeccaperth | May 2 7:54pm
In reply to @aliali "The symptoms were: increased heart rate, los mood, lack of energy and headache. The good thing..." + (show)
@aliali

The symptoms were: increased heart rate, los mood, lack of energy and headache. The good thing is that such symptoms immediately disappear once consuming the previous medication again! @lisalucier

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This is me today, on generic escitalopram! Discontinuation syndrome/withdrawal is kicking my butt. Awful. Back on brand name Lexapro from this morning

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Stage03 | @kidney03 | May 3 11:40am
In reply to @lsittll "I think there is a misunderstanding here. I can tolerate generic drugs that are made by..." + (show)
@lsittll

I think there is a misunderstanding here. I can tolerate generic drugs that are made by only certain drug companies, When a pharmacy switches the drug company that manufactures the same drug in a generic form I notice a very big difference. Some of the generic manufacturer drug names are not effective at all for me!

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Change of mfg names different reactions than others. They claim all are the same but they have different effects. Does anybody notice or is it my body playing tricks ?

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kdalda75 | @kndaustin71 | May 7 11:59am
In reply to @jimhd "@aliali I've become somewhat leery of medications made in such places as Saudi Arabia or India,etc.,..." + (show)
@jimhd

@aliali

I've become somewhat leery of medications made in such places as Saudi Arabia or India,etc., be they brand name or generic. How long have you been taking each of the medications you mentioned?

I was prescribed Myrbetriq, but Medicare switched it to a generic, then to a second generic, Oxybutinin. The generics seem to be as effective as the brand, Myrbetriq. I don't know where it is made. I'm sure that Medicare has substituted generic meds for me, other than that one, including antidepressants. I usually do as much research as I can when I start a new medication. One of the difficulties with Medicare is that they can control things such as medications and doctors and treatments. The patient pretty much takes what's offered. In my experience, the same is true of private insurance.

When I was first diagnosed with depression I tried a number of antidepressants. I had to give each one six weeks. One made me hungry all the time - I gained ten pounds. Another one made me suicidal at precisely the number of weeks the warning stated. Most of them did nothing, but when I landed on Wellbutrin, right after Effexor, I knew that I'd found the right one. I wonder - is Wellbutrin a brand name or generic? Hmmm. I'll look at the bottle when I take them tonight.

I wish you well, finding the medication that will best treat you.

Jim

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Wellbutrin is the Brand name, the generic name is buproprion

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