I started taking brand name Effexor XR 150mg 5 years ago. About 2 years ago, the insurance company switched me to Aurobindo's version of venlafaxine ER at 150mg. I didn't have any side effects. Roughly 2 months ago, the pharmacy switched me to Teva's version of venlafaxine ER at 150mg. I started feeling panicky and depressed; I was also sweating like crazy. My doctor raised my dose to 300 mg. My mood hasn't picked up and I've been seeing a psychologist. I believe I'm making some progress, but I'm starting to think the change to Teva brand has really messed me up. Has anyone had this experience with generic effexor?
Effexor XR, Aurobindo, Teva?
Question posted by yegshimesh on 12 Feb 2013
Last updated on 13 August 2024 (6 weeks ago) by IndyRhubarb
25 Answers Page 2
I too had taken the brand name for years when my employer switched insurance companies. I "failed" the generic, which was Teva.
I started to feel depressed and anxious again and have been looking for a replacement as I cannot afford $600 a month for the name brand. I am curious if the other generic, Aurobindo, would work better.
I've been taking Effexor for over seven years and used at least that many different generics. I found no difference between the brand and the generics or between the different generics. No side effects and extremely good efficacy.
Me too!
OH MY GOD! I finally found someone with the same situation! The Brand name Effexor XR is manufactured by phillser company. the FDA allows 5% difference between Brand name and genetric! you see Ive been doing alot of work. I had tried all the genetrics to no aval, except for 1 genetric manufactured by an India Company, named AUROBINDO. I still sweat, but not as bad. My OB/GYN & I thought it was HOT FLASHES due to my age. WRONG, it is the GENETRIC Of EFFEXOR XR! I even contacted the co. They cant sell direct to me,and I dont qualify for their discount program. Maybe you can, just call them!
I've been taking venlafaxine for years and have recently gone up is dosage. I was feeling really good, but when the pharamacy couldn't get the drug from one of the manufacturers they use they ordered it from a different one. I would notice that the pills would be different colors every other month and didn't think anything of it until this last time. My recent prescription came from Teva and I also have experienced sweating and don't feel as good as I did. The manufacturer they couldn't get it from was Aurodindo.
When I stopped using the brand name Effexor, I got a notice that I could get the brand name for just $4.00, through insurance of course. Then after being on Pristiq for over a year, the upgraded version of Effexor, I got another notice in the mail for the $4.00 cost just recently. You might check into that, but you will need the doctor to write it for the Effexor brand.
Thank you for this information. My new insurance wouldn't cover the name brand, so I found the choice card you were talking about. I can get the name brand Effexor XR with this card for $30 a month. A lot better than $200 something.
Wow, I'm certainly glad that you were able to find such a good deal.
I have had the same experience with this. The pharmacist and doctor usually act like I am just over reacting. There is a difference in these meds from different manufacturers. Don't let them tell you any different. I never check the manufacturer until I notice the meds are not working and that's when I find out they went to a cheaper manufacturer.
Yes I too felt like you on generic Effxor XR. I asked my doctor to switch me back to the brand name Effexor XR, and all was well. I do not believe the generic is the same, or we would not get these feelings that the depression had come back. I have read of other people who have felt the same.
My doctor told me there was little difference in cost (I live in UK so may be different if you are in another country). Ask to go back on the brand Effexor and insist as I did.
Hello yegshimesh. You are correct .Generics and non generics do differ. Among generics themselves there can be a noteable difference. For example, a colour of a pill amongst two generics alone can mean a difference, as in reaction to the person taking the drug. A persons chemical make up most always determines how one will react to a generic vs non-generic, or a generic vs a generic. Regards pledge
It is entirely possible that there is something in the inactive ingredients that is causing it not to absorb as well. Insurance companies don't usually say what manufacturer you use. Talk to the doc, get his backing to ask whomever you need to ask to get you the one that worked for you.
Thanks for the response. I had to call the pharmacy to check the manufacturer.
I told my psychiatrist that I thought the Teva brand wasn't working, but he wasn't very sympathetic. Maybe I should just go back to brand name Effexor.
I've had times when the pharmacy changed where they got the med, and when they were asked, they ordered it for me from the manufacturer that worked for me.
was on Effexor for several years, was switched to Teva (generic) and last week was switched to Aurobindo. Am experiencing brain shocks, shakiness, extreme anxiety and depression. there is a huge difference between the two. hope my doc can see me very very soon...
Related topics
effexor, effexor xr, venlafaxine, side effect, insurance
Further information
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.