... name working so much better than generic. Brand name is very expensive and my insurance doesn't cover it. Does anyone have experience using generic vs brand name. Has generic worked for anyone??
Depression - I'm taking generic Wellbutrin (bupropion 150 mg xl).. I've read so much about brand?
Question posted by sara301 on 18 Aug 2016
Last updated on 19 October 2018
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
12 Answers
fayfaith
15 May 2017
Yes Generic works! If you start off with Generic there shouldn't be any problems. I've taken both. Some people say when they start out with the Brand name that then switching to generic doesn't work as well for them. They usually want to go back to brand name. They complain about it not being as strong?! So if you start out with Generic it shouldn't be a problem. It didn't affect me like that, but I wasn't on the brand very long. Give it a try?! I hope it works for you. Just don't worry so much about, you'll be okay. Give me an update.. Let me know how it goes.
Bob_FL
12 Jan 2018
Try Canadian Valeant 300XL - more expensive, but worth the extra cost - almost as good as brand.
Mthorne30
15 May 2017
I had just started back on brand Wellbutrin..doc gave me samples for 5 weeks to build up to the correct dose. This is my miracle! Had taken it 5-6 years ago and had to stop after losing insurance coverage..come to find out my current insurance will not cover brand. Bupropion makes me crazy!! I have been on it for a week and i am so agitated and on edge..I feel like I am back to square one. The mnfg. company is Actavis... anyone have any experience?? I know my body and there absolutely is a difference!!! I tried the generic years ago as well and had the same reaction..or no reaction...
BigMama7475
20 April 2018
I switched from Wellbutrin XR 300mg to Bupropion XR manufactured by Actavis, and I thought I was having a psychotic breakdown! Extreme agitation, paranoia, anxiety and bawling my eyes out! I have never experienced symptoms that scary and intense before. It was awful!! I switched back to brand name and the craziness resolved, but now it’s not working very well for depression. So frustrating.
onelodbusdriver
23 July 2018
I do not have depression but my dr. put me on bupropion xl 150 by actavis for smoking but the dizziness lasts most of the day need to change but do not know what to take instead, does anyone know what I can take as I am in my late 70s.
BigMama7475
23 July 2018
Maybe just 75 or 100mg instead of 150mg. I know it comes in those lower doses and the lower dose is typically self fr smoking cessation anyway.
sara301
26 Aug 2016
So I've been taking bupropion 150xl from global pharmaceuticals for 2 weeks. I noticed more energy, less appetite. Thought I was feeling better, than it stopped so I went up to 300 mg xl from teva, it's been 4 days. I don't feel energy, I'm emotional, crying a lot. My social anxiety is still bad. I don't know if I should change antidepressants.. I was on lexapro a few years ago, it seemed to help a little but after a couple of years, it stopped working. Maybe it's the generic Teva that's not working for me. Idk... I see my psych doc on the 6th so hopefully he can give me some answers. Its just frustrating. Sometimes I don't know what I'm feeling.
Inactive
26 Aug 2016
Sara, Teva 300XL was taken off the market a few years ago, and had to go through a rigorous process to be reintroduced into the market. In my opinion, Global also makes an inferior product. There are several generic versions out there, so it sometimes takes a few to find the one that works for your body chemistry. For me personally, that one turned out to be Bupropion SR 150mg made by Mylan Pharmaceuticals. Hope you get relief soon. Please keep in touch. "G"
Hopefrog23
26 Aug 2016
G what do know about prasco?
Dare I ask. lol
Inactive
26 Aug 2016
Lol, Hope!: I googled Prisco Pharmaceuticals-does it have a good reputation?
Part of what I got was this:
"AS RELEASED 6.28.16 Prasco Expands Its Portfolio Through Acquisition of Teva’s Authorized Generic of Adderall XR® (Mixed Salts of a Single-Entity Amphetamine Product) Extended Release Capsules, CII.
Cincinnati, OH, June 28, 2016/PRNewswire/ — Prasco Laboratories (“Prasco”) today announced that it has entered into agreements with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Teva) and Shire LLC, an indirect subsidiary of Shire plc, to acquire the rights to distribute Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate and Amphetamine Sulfate (Mixed Salts of a Single-Entity Amphetamine Product) Extended Release Capsules, CII, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg, the Authorized Generic (AG) version of Adderall XR® Extended Release Capsules, CII.
As a result of this acquisition, Prasco will market an AG version of Adderall XR Capsules, CII in the United States that is therapeutically equivalent and substitutable for prescriptions written for Adderall XR, a CNS stimulant that is indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The Authorized Generic of Adderall XR is being divested by Teva as a precondition to its pending acquisition of Allergan’s generics business. Upon closing of its transaction with Teva, Prasco will immediately take over the distribution of the product, providing a seamless transition for both customers and patients."
I am not a fan of the efficacy of Teva pharmaceutical products. "G"
Inactive
26 Aug 2016
OOPS! "Spell correct (GRRR) changed my typing from "Prasco" to "Prisco" in my first sentence.
sara301
26 Aug 2016
Do I have to go to different pharmacies to ask what generic they use or can I ask my dr to write for a certain generic?
Inactive
27 Aug 2016
Sara, I actually called every grocery store, pharmacy, and Walmart in my area and asked what generics they offered. For example, one store used a different pharmaceutical company for 150mg SR, a different one for 150mg XL, and 300XL. Example: 150mg SR by Mylan, 150XL by Teva or Global, and 300XL by Par. This was all at one store! Some of them offer a couple of generics in each particular category. I wrote it all down so that I would know where to shop for each dosage adjustment. Crazy, huh? Good luck! "G"
Inactive
27 Aug 2016
Sara, and that was just only for Bupropion! All the medications come in various and sundry generics. Argh! "G"
dnpgocats
29 Oct 2016
How do you find out who the maker of your generic prescription is? I posted a question, but in short I accidentally didn't take the generic Wellbutrin yesterday and felt better. I started it in Jan, and felt better for a few months. So, I'm curious to see if maybe the company who makes the meds I get has changed. Just trying to find info so I can make a good decision.
Thanks.
Inactive
29 Oct 2016
Look on your prescription bottle. It should be listed on there in small letters somewhere. If not, call the place where you get your generic wellbutrin and ask them to tell you which company your generic wellbutrin was made by. It made a huge difference for me which generic I took.
AAA1122
25 Aug 2016
There is no way I can take the generic Wellbutrin! The difference is as great as day and night. If you have not taken the brand Wellbutrin, I can understand your questioning to the effectiveness of the generic.
I had always been on brand, changed doctors, put on generic Wellbutrin, made a nose dive downwards in mood and anxiety. It was horrible. After 3 months, asked for brand, fought with insurance, finally won and wow, there was a huge difference between the brand and generic!
Every year it is redundant with insurance, fighting for special coverage, dealing with an inefficient doctor's office staff. However, it is worth every hour I spend.
If you don't feel like you are doing better, please check with your insurance to see what is required for a doctor to specify brand before seeing your doctor next time. It never hurts to ask questions and be in the know. Wellbutrin should give you energy. If I recall, it takes about three weeks for it to get into your system to be effective. Good luck.
Inactive
25 Aug 2016
My insurance will not cover brand name, no way, no how. Cash price for wellbutrin brand name, last time i looked, was $1000/month. There are several different generics. I tried most of them. They are different, but I found one that worked just as effectively as brand name.
dejablaise
25 Feb 2017
Which generic worked for you? I'm running through a list trying to find one that works for me.
Smiling-again
20 Oct 2018
I have found Mylan brand bupropion works best for me, but I have heard from other people that's not the best one for them... Try it for yourself and see. The good news is, is that usually I know in a few days if one generic or another is going to work. It doesn't take a full 30 days to figure out if something has stopped working. Or if one of them isn't working and then you start a new one that is going to work, same story... I notice in a few days that I'm feeling better. I'm so sick of fighting this depression. I guess it's my life battle... some people have worse things to deal with, and other people don't. I just try to help along the way.
ChrisP206
23 Aug 2016
Hello Sara301,
I immediately identified with your experience. Then I was surprised by some of the answers you received indicating that the generic forms worked for them.
I have continued on the brand for several years since having the experience of feeling so much worse when my insurance plan switched me to bupropion. My doctor told me that he was not surprised at my reaction as he knew from the literature that others were having this problem. It took perseverance to get back on the brand, but he was able to convince the company to dispense as written, that is, only with the brand. (I don't know whether the dosage has anything to do with it or not. I'm now taking 450mg a day.) The copay was a lot more, but I have been able to pay it and believe that my ability to function as a normal human is worth it.
Now I am questioning that decision, but I dread having another negative reaction.
I certainly wish you the best in finding relief, and I completely sympathize with your situation.
sara301
23 Aug 2016
I'm definitely going to speak with my pharmacist and pdoc about this. I'm on day 13 150 xl. Still no side effects. Not sure what I'm feeling.. At first I had more energy, not so much for the past 2 days. I'm gonna stick with it until my next appt.
Thank you Chris
shellybeans
23 Aug 2016
Hi Sara, my psych tons me to watch for increased anxiety and headache (2 of my chronic problems) I can days I had headache the first few days and am anxious but nothing drastic to call her yet... She would look to increasing my Lamicatal or Seroquel for the anxiety but I'm hanging in there since its only been about 8 days... I'm on the generic SR btw
shellybeans
23 Aug 2016
Hi Sara, my psych tons me to watch for increased anxiety and headache (2 of my chronic problems) I can days I had headache the first few days and am anxious but nothing drastic to call her yet... She would look to increasing my Lamicatal or Seroquel for the anxiety but I'm hanging in there since its only been about 8 days... I'm on the generic SR btw
pete amora
22 Aug 2016
The difference between brand and generic in actuality is in the binders and preservatives and the manufacturer must show that no significant difference in the rate and extent it absorbs into the body, the FDA did a study and found the difference in effectiveness to be on average 3 1/2%, essentially no difference with the exception of expiration dates can differ greatly. Some drugs have such a small window of therapeutic and toxic that 3 1/2% can make a big difference but Wellbutrin and to my knowledge no antidepressants fall into that category. People who say they can tell the difference are telling the truth but its a psychological thing. Ask your pharmacist and I'm willing to bet you will get the same response
Inactive
22 Aug 2016
Well, Pete, I DID discuss this with my pharmacist 2 weeks ago, and she agreed with me that many of her customers could NOT switch from one generic of wellbutrin to another and feel the same. I went to pick up my bupropion sr made by Mylan pharmaceuticals (which I have taken over a year with great results and minimal side effects). They had refilled my prescription with Sandoz brand. I told her about the problems I had had in the past with different generics, and she totally agreed with me that they are different. The generics have the same ingredients, but due to the fact that the brand name company would not show the time-release mechanism, it is different in the generics, which is why people have different reactions to them. I am a person who has taken many of the generics in the past: Watson, Sandoz, Anchen, Par, Global, Mylan, and some I can't remember. Many of these are made in dirty plants in foreign countries.
I prefer to take one that is manufactured in the United States. I was trying to find one that worked for me the most like Wellbutrin brand name, the most effective, with the least side effects. So, due to my past experiences, Pete, I can assure you it was not "psychological" on my part. With different generics, I got some intolerable side effects on some, and no side effects on others, but no relief on others either. I had dizziness, headaches, bloating, carb craving, weight gain, lethargy, fatigue, increased anxiety which made me feel like I was going crazy, and fast heart rate, and pains in my chest. On one of the generics, my husband took me to the ER because he thought I was having a heart attack. So, are the generics all the same as the brand name? Certainly not! The time-release mechanism can either dump too much out at once in your system, or not release enough during the day and come out partially unabsorbed in your stool. Of course, yes, some of them can have the same effect as brand name, I agree with this because I found one that worked that way for me! But it was a process. I was determined to find one that worked for me, and that's why I put myself through all this. Yes, my pharmacist agrees that the generic I take is made by a good reputable company, and I am very satisfied with the results! I just resent being told that something as life changing as finding the right generic medication for a person, when some generics of them are not working, can be referred to by someone as "psychological". And by the person who explains it "in theory"?? My answer comes "from my experience". Thank you. "G"
Inactive
22 Aug 2016
Note: When the patent ran out on the brand name Wellbutrin, the company released the list of ingredients, but NOT their time-release mechanism (which they are not required by law to release), which the generic pharmaceutical companies seem to have difficulty trying to duplicate; therein lies the difference in efficacy!
MeggieGirl
26 Aug 2016
Pete, I hear what you're saying, which is basically verbatim from a website. That doesn't change the fact that my pharmacy special-orders Imitrex for me from Sun Pharma because the other brands they get in DO NOT WORK. Is it psychological? I certainly don't think so. I went into this fully expecting to take my Mylan Imitrex and waited and waited and waited for it to work. Over and over again I tried and I tried and I tried. I took multiple doses waiting for it to work - and continue to do so over a period of months, trying over and over again, to no avail. It was just dumb luck that one month the Pharmacy happened to have Sun Pharma in stock, I took that brand instead, and it worked like a dream, though I expected no different result. Therefore, I've been having them order that brand ever since. I don't understand why this is happening because it doesn't meet any of the documentation on the FDA website.
Inactive
26 Aug 2016
If my pharmacist told me it was "psychological", I would report him/her to the manager.
Inactive
26 Aug 2016
If someone here in the support group told me it was "psychological", I would be ticked off.
Inactive
26 Aug 2016
That's directed to Pete's comment, not yours, Meggie, lol. "G"
Windchimes123
26 Aug 2016
Meggie,
Remember when I found my Miracle Drug!
Imitrex and the first time with no headache since 2002 ordered in the hospital?
I've been so bummed since I was discharged and got a refill.
I could not believe I had become so tolerant so fast ! Only after 9 doses in 2 weeks?
I cut it way down to where I only take it when headaches prevent me from functioning. I took one last night and very minimal response.
I am looking at the bottle now. MFR: Dr Reddy's Lab.
WTF ! These pills are so hugely expensive that insurance covers 9/month.
I'm going to research this mfr. who wants to bet where it was made?
Windchimes123
26 Aug 2016
Check this out:
The company's first international move took it to Russia in 1992. There, Dr. Reddy's formed a joint venture with the country's biggest pharmaceuticals producer, Biomed. They pulled out in 1995 amid accusations of scandal, involving "a significant material loss due to the activities of Moscow's branch of Reddy's Labs with the help of Biomed's chief executive".[10] Reddy's sold the joint venture to the Kremlin-friendly Sistema group. In 1993, Reddy's entered into a joint venture in the Middle East and created two formulation units there and in Russia. Reddy's exported bulk drugs to these formulation units, which then converted them into finished products. In 1994, Reddy's started targeting the US generic market by building state of art manufacturing facility.
Wait there is more !
Windchimes123
26 Aug 2016
In June 2011, certain lots of Dr. Reddy's generic simvastatin tablets were recalled due to tablets having a "musty" or "moldy" smell.[16]
On June 24, 2014, the New York Times published an article "Warning Unheeded, Heart Drugs Are Recalled" in which it said another large Indian manufacturer and "Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, have announced recalls over the past two months totalling more than 100,000 bottles" of "a widely used heart drug, Toprol XL" "because their products were not dissolving properly".
2014 FDA Form 483 Edit
In December 2014 the FDA issues a Form 483 letter over concerns discovered during an inspection of its Srikakulam facility. No specific violations were mentioned in the letter. [17][18]
MeggieGirl
26 Aug 2016
My jaw is dropping right now, because I remember getting Mylan once, so that's what I wrote, but IT WAS DR. REDDYS THAT THEY KEPT GIVING ME, and I recalled it once I saw the name. /screaming loud on the inside
That information is INSANE. I literally suffered with migraines for years, and the Doctor kept telling me "I'm giving you medicine that should work, at a sufficient dose, there's no reason this shouldn't be working for you." Yet every time, it was like I was taking a placebo, or like a baby aspirin, at best.
Then, the first time I took the triangle-shaped pink ones? The ones that Sun Pharma puts out? I got that familiar "brain burn" that is so familiar (and uncomfortable), but it means that the medicine is WORKING. Do you think Sun Pharma had the original patent? Because I remember the original one that came in the 9-box were pink triangles. I always wondered that when I saw the match in appearance.
That's when you know you have a migraine medicine that's working. You HATE taking it because it takes you on a ride that makes you feel like absolute poo for several hours, but when you get to the other side of it, your migraine is gone, and you can pick up and live your life.
shellybeans
20 Aug 2016
I've just started the Wellbutrin SR generic at 100mg and I'm liking it, I'm so sensitive with immediate side effects and none yet 5 days into it plus weight loss is a help which I can use after weight put on from Vybrid! It says decreased appetite, I do have that and liking it! Hope this helps, bests to you!
sara301
20 Aug 2016
I definitely have no appetite, I could go all day and forget to eat.. So I like the weight loss part. My anxiety is worse but I'm gonna stick to it for a while, see how it goes. Thank you
shellybeans
20 Aug 2016
Hi Sara, Lamictal 200mg has helped with my anxiety end... Bests, :}
CFBurris
7 Oct 2017
What brand generic are you taking?
beachgirl21
19 Aug 2016
Hey there, I'm having the same issue. I'm being tapered of of zoloft right now, and am supposed to start bupropion xl in a week or so. There is no way I could ever afford the brand name, and same as you, my insurance doesn't cover it. I've read better things about the brand name, so it's stressing me out a little bit. What brand generic are you taking? Let me know how your experience goes! Wishing the best.
sara301
20 Aug 2016
The brand is global pharmaceuticals.. I've been taking them for 10 days. I have more energy but it makes my anxiety worse. As of now, I still feel depressed. I couldn't leave my house yesterday without taking klonopin. I've heard people say the worst part is the first 2 weeks.. I'll keep u posted.
fayfaith
15 May 2017
What gets me is with the generic, the drug store/pharmacy that I'm using changes the generic constantly. It really upsets me. I've discovered myself there's even a difference in Generic.. especially when you've been using one for awhile and then suddenly it's switched and you're usually not even informed and certainly not asked. I asked them about it when I first discovered this. Their answer was; They make orders to which company is selling the cheapest. I asked; Why was I not told? They said with generic they don't see the need, because it is generic and basically it's all the same. Honestly I was a little T off.
Smiling-again
20 Oct 2018
Yes, I agree. I have found one generic brand that seems to work best and the others don't work nearly as well and I slide into my hole of depression again. I lose a month of my life every. time it happens and pharmacists and doctors... just. don't. get. it.
Its depressing (literally).
WildcatVet
18 Aug 2016
I took the generic for years and it worked just as well ~ or better ~ than the brand.
Good luck to you!
sara301
19 Aug 2016
Thank you! I'm glad it's working for you!!
Windchimes123
18 Aug 2016
Hi Sara,
I was on Wellbutrin but didn't provide any relief but good part was no side effects.
I've never had any relief with antidepressants.
I did want to tell you about Ritalin. I checked the forums and it's a common complaint about generics
The generics have to be of the same chemical structure as the original. It is mandatory to be issued a license to distribute the generic equivalent. This is not inexpensive !
One trick the formulators use is to "tweak" the chemical structure prior to patent expiration to make it "better". If the FDA approves it then the drug remains under the original company for many years which adds up to huge amounts of money.
The generics get ready to apply for distribution but this tactic changes everything.
If anyone can explain the politics I'd appreciate hearing from you.
I think the feeling that you are describing is the coating (or lack of) that changes its consistency.
Ritalin seemed to last longer with its positive effects.
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) generic disintegrates in my pill bottle by the end of the month. It feels cheaper to touch and is affected just by the moisture of my hands.
It makes sense to me that the absorption rate is changed just enough to make me tell the med is not the same or as good.
I know it is the same chemicals but it's different !
I also can tell which generic is better than another.
I know there are pharmacists on this site who offer great advice.
Perhaps they could answer this question because I've not been able to get an answer when I've picked them up from the pharmacy. They say my observations are interesting but it is the same drug.
If there are any pharmacists reading ...
Is it the med COATING that can make the difference ?
I know enteric coated drugs won't break apart just by handling them plus they are better on the lining of the stomach.
Why isn't that part also mandated by the FDA to be the same as the original formulation ?
Thanks...
sara301
19 Aug 2016
Thank you for the information, I appreciate it.
Inactive
18 Aug 2016
Hi Sara: I took brand name Wellbutrin SR for years. Then I was switched to generic bupropion SR. The different generic ones work differently, with varied effectiveness, as well as varied side effects. So you might have to try a couple to see which one works best for you. I tried a couple years ago to go back to brand name for efficacy, but was surprised and disappointed that it no longer worked the way it did in previous years. So I stuck with one of the generic ones and it worked just fine. The cost for brand name is astronomical these days, which is ridiculous that the pharmaceutical companies can get away with this! G
sara301
19 Aug 2016
Yes, brand name is so expensive. I couldn't believe the price I was told. It's not right! Ive been on generic for 10 days, seems to be working so far. Thank you for your response.
fayfaith
18 Aug 2016
Yes, I've taken both and it works relatively the same. My daughter has taken both and says it works exactly the same. I started out with the brand name and switched to the generic. I think she started out with the generic. It really has been an uplift for me with depression and helps some with anxiety & panic. Doesn't take care of it all completely, but makes a tremendous difference. My daughter has been more so satisfied with it than I. It's more of a daytime antidepressant to me. My daughter prefers taking it at night. I have "insomnia"so I need an antidepressant that helps with sleep as well as my depression, anxiety/panic. For any smokers out there, Willbutin also does Well with helping to curve your appetite for smoking. It works if you aloud it to work. Neither one of Us have experienced any serious or bothersome side affects. I think she mentioned a little bit of a dry mouth, only.
I'll double check with her?! Just don't forget.. taking these "meds" are and or can be different for each of Us. Wishing you well ... god bless
sara301
19 Aug 2016
Thank you. I have to take it early in the morning, otherwise I can't sleep. I also take trazadone to sleep, I have insomnia as well. I ve been taking bupropion for 10 days now. I do have more energy. No bad side effects.
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wellbutrin, depression, bupropion, generic, insurance, brand
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