Have others had adverse reactions changing brands of citalopram and what could be the reasons?
Question posted by Anne13 on 1 Feb 2017
Last updated on 29 March 2021
I have been on citalopram for many years (previously Celapram). Recently the supplier in NZ for citalopram has changed and I feel the change has had an adverse effect on me. I had a similar occurance changing from Celapram to Arrow Citalopram years ago (still believe Celapram was a better product for me.) Because the names of the drugs may be different in other countries I have listed below the ingredients of my new Citalopram (manufactured by PCA Laboratories Ltd, India) first and secondly the Arrow Citalopram.
Can anyone identify what could be causing the effects given that the main ingredient has not changed. And have others had issues changing brands of "citalopram" Thanks
The active ingredient in ARROW - CITALOPRAM is citalopram (as hydrobromide). Each ARROW - CITALOPRAM tablet contains 20 mg of citalopram. The tablets also contain: mannitol microcrystalline cellulose silica colloidal anhydrous magnesium stearate hypromellose titanium dioxide (E171) macrogol. The tablets do not contain gluten.
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3 Answers
JE
Jennie Nelson
28 March 2021
I did not know I'm not alone in that because I thought I'm crazy when Parmacy changed manufacturer. I feel like I was before taking citalopram, new brand does not work at all. At first I thought it just minor thing but after a week it got worse. I had last 2 pills of my older brand and took them. My condition stabilized for next 4 days but since I ran out I had to take new pills and again started feeling depressed. I want to talk to pharmacy and psychiatrist if there is a chance to come back to previous brand.
Votes: +0
WI
WildcatVet
28 March 2021
@Jennie. You can ask your pharmacist to special order whatever brand you were using... most pharmacies will honor this request. You may have to get a new script and you may pay a few cents more but it'll be worth the effort to get back on what you know works for you. Best regards,
JE
Jennie Nelson
29 March 2021
Thank you much!
CH
chuck1957
2 Feb 2017
Anne13, The easiest way is to tell you that this is one of the generics there are not that many but I have seen some people have problems adjusting to the change where others no problems at all. The active medication is the same But the binders or inert ingredients are what some people have problems with which they really don't know why these are the inactive ingredients.Now some people with continued use your body could adjust to the different binders. But if you continue to have a problem let your Pharmacist know and ask when can you get the brand you're used to getting. And if it's going to be to long call your doctor and see what else can be done.kEEP Taking this medication UNTIL this is resolved or you could get withdrawals of the active medication and you sure don't need that.Good luck
Votes: +0
JA
janiebme
2 Feb 2017
Hi Anne- You are not the only one that has had issues with the change in manufacturers. The generic are made in foreign countries. They are not regulated to the same standard. Each manufacturer can add other ingredients that can cause issues with people.You may be having a reaction to the added ingredients. As you have shown in your post the ingredients are different. Great example, as some people would say there is no difference in generics. Unfortunantely you have to find the one that works best for you and stay with that one. If your pharmacy does not carry it or keeps changing to another manufacturer, you can request they order the one that works for you if that works in NZ. You can also call other paramcies to see if they carry it. The percentage of Citolapram can vary also.
Votes: +2
CH
chuck1957
2 Feb 2017
Annie; One other thing is to ask your Pharmacy if they have another brand you can try also. And when it comes to what works for you, it's good to keep a record of them, Just for the record Janie and Annie I don't worry as much with the Generic drug to very Both the Brand and Generic BRANDS ON THE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS ARE ALLOWED THE SAME difference which is 3.5% to 5% by the FDA and that includes any outside country selling to the USA has to meet that. it's really the darn inert ingredients and the rumors that the brand name companies spread. Chuck1957 Hope you ladies both have a great day.
