I started on Wellbutrin XL around mid November. I'm up to 300 mg/day. Anyway, when I got a refill two weeks ago, I was told that a generic was available. But since I've been on the generic, I don't feel like the medicine is working as well as when I took the namebrand. Before, it cut my appetite so I wasn't boredom/depression eating like before. It gave me energy so I didn't sleep all day. But since the switch, my appetite is ridiculous, I'm snippy all the time, and I'm constantly tired.
So is it possible that the generic isn't working as well for me as the name brand? My friend said that Rx meds are so strictly regulated, they should just be the same thing. And will Rx insurance allow you to choose the name brand over the generic, if a generic is available?
2007-01-29 07:13:48 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
I wasn't "looking" for a difference. It's just that a week after I took it, I started getting the munchies nonstop. I first attributed that to PMS, along with the fact I was inclined to sleep all day.
But these symptoms have lasted BEYOND PMS and my period and are just getting worse.
I got off SSRIs because they made me lethargic and gain weight. I'd hate for the generic to be doing the same to me.
2007-01-29 07:26:16 · update #1
Usually, your insurance will pay for the brand name if the doctor writes DAW (dispense as written) in the little box at the bottom of the script.
Obviously, there is SOME difference between the two, or there would be no reason for the doctor to tell the pharmacy to "dispense as written"!
My daughter can only have name brand Tylenol and Advil, because she is allergic to the preservatives that are used in the generic brands...which are obviously DIFFERENT than the brand names!
It never occurred to me until I mentioned to the pediatrician that my daughter vomited every time I gave her the generic brand, and she said that she had several other patients who could only take the brand name, and that companies were a LOT more lax about what they put in the generic brands.
I would ask the doctor to write DAW on the script, and not take a chance!!
2007-01-29 07:23:03 · answer #1 · answered by sacanda_trina 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should contact your pharmacist to see if anyone has reported similar problems. Generics should act just as "name brands" do - but there may be some small difference which is affecting you.
Also contact your doctor and let him/her know you're having trouble with the generic and ask about getting a prescription that doesn't allow for a generic substitution. I think this will allow you to get the name brand even it your medical insurance prefers generics when available.
2007-01-29 07:18:51 · answer #2 · answered by fdm215 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generics are the same active ingredients and you were given whatever strength the doctor prescribed. The inactive ingredients may be different. Your friend is right. You may simply be looking for a difference.
2007-01-29 07:21:41 · answer #3 · answered by professorc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generics are the exact same drug as the trade name. I am a nurse, and over the years only saw one person who had a problem with generic vs trade name.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
2007-01-29 07:18:55 · answer #4 · answered by diannegoodwin@sbcglobal.net 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
generic work the same but have a different name and might be not as strong
2007-01-29 07:18:04 · answer #5 · answered by babramsom 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋