I occasionally take .5mg of Teva clonazepam for nerve pain. I find there is quite a lot of variation in the effectiveness of the tablets -- some work 100% well and some only 50-70%. I was wondering if this is due to it being a generic. Any thoughts?
Does generic clonazepam (Teva) work as well as brand Klonopin?
Question posted by PattyP11 on 14 July 2014
Last updated on 22 November 2023
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.
36 Answers Page 2
Klonz
1 July 2018
So... no more TEVA as we all know...
So I went through a lot of hassle to get the brand name Klonopin... and low and behold had my first panic attack in years.
I literally don’t think I’ll evwr try the brand again. Although generics haven’t been great I’ll take them over a panic attack any day.
Thoughts?! Comments?!
Swallowin_Klonopin
1 July 2018
That's very interesting. I have had great results with my brand name Klonopin, but everyone is different.
I'm sorry this is happening. My CVS has a little bit of TEVA 1mg tabs in that I'll be filling then getting the Actavis brand.
What's your second go to generic?
Pete Vleckman
19 July 2018
I’ve been switched to name brand. It was a lot of hassle as well. I experienced panic attacks going from Teva to Accord but haven’t experienced one on name brand. Maybe your panic attack was because you were in withdrawal? That’s what I think happened to me at least, my body was going into acute withdrawal after I was abruptly switched from Teva to accord. It knew something was different. Accord has 15% less tranquilizer in it than Teva brand. It’s also why so many are going into acute withdrawal. (If I’m honest, I think it has more like 20-30% less tranquilizer but I know I will never know the actual numbers.) It’s the sudden change in our brains and body’s from something it is used to to something different (even though these pharmacist claim generics are all the same, they aren’t.
I will be on name brand for a while and will not try to switch to another generic. Reading the reviews on Actavis (even though it’s not being made by Teva) I still am cautious.
I’m thoroughly disgusted about everything in regards to these manufacturers changing these meds. They continue to not listen when we say there is something very wrong here. It’s frustrating. I wish you well and hope you are able to adjust without anymore panic attacks because it truly is hellish.
Swallowin_Klonopin
27 June 2018
Hey everybody! Long time reader, first time poster.
I found this thread because I was wondering if I was going crazy - I have Mylan and TEVA brand clonazepam as well as Roche Klonopin. The Roche works the best for me (as to be expected - but only marginally, and DEFINITELY not worth the 20x price tag) but I've noticed that it usually takes about 2x my dose of the Mylan brand to feel the same affects as the TEVA brand.
I've never tried any other brand clonazepam and I'm nervous that I'll have adverse affects. My pharmacy opens in about an hour and I'll call them then and check what's going on with their stock.
I'm not sure anyone will really care, but as another data point I'll post my findings.
I hope everyone has an anxiety free day!
Cheers!
Swallowin_Klonopin
27 June 2018
I called my Walgreens and they are out of TEVA, but will only ever have Solco or Accord.
I called the CVS by my house and they have a bunch of TEVA left and will be getting the replacement Actavis once they run out (they already ran out of the 0.5mg and 2mg (I take 1mg)) and those that they ran out of they replaced with Actavis.
Do you guys think I made the right choice switching to CVS?
Cheers!
Klonz
28 June 2018
Basically I’m freaking out too.
Mylan is total crap.
Loved TEVA, but let’s be real... Actavis will probably not be the same formulation as the old TEVA.
I’m trying to get brand name but afraid of what will happen if it sucks.
TEVA made me feel normal. How will we know if Actavis will be the same formulation as old TEVA?
Swallowin_Klonopin
28 June 2018
If you can get the name brand Klonopin, I wouldn't worry too much about the effectiveness. They are just pricier.
I'm sure everything will be fine with the Actavis brand but it is scary.
Cheers!
Klonz
28 June 2018
Thanks for ur reply re: brand name Klonopin. I just loved TEVA- took .25 mg at night for years.
Taking ODT .25 Par (qualitest) and I feel happy, but scattered and kinda hyper- basically have to take twice the dose of Teva.
I feel like each type of clonazepam has a diffeeenr effect-kinda like wine tasting-it’s all different and I kind of need the sedating effects.
Let’s hope Roche is ok, and I can get it or I feel screwed. My CVS basically wouldn’t work with me. It depends on the individual pharmacy.
I’m trying mail order for the first time and they are slow. CVS does seem to carry some pretty good generics though so I think you’ll be ok!
Pete Vleckman
20 June 2018
275northwestswell I wrote you a response and the administrators are not allowing it to be published. I don't know if I will be able to comment further on this thread. I don't believe what I'm stating is wrong (my reactions to this medication) in any way, shape or form. It's unfortunate comments are being restricted and deleted. I hope you are all well and getting through this difficult time. No word from my pharmacy on this new Teva clonazepam. I will try and see if this comment is allowed or will be deleted.
275northwestswell
21 June 2018
Pete, I added you as a friend on here. No idea what that means, but supposedly you can private message me now. I did start magnesium yesterday and that actually is helping. Even with just one dose, I did notice a difference. But that still doesn't solve my TEVA problem, as I am not even going to think about weaning down until I am on a version of Clonazepam that my body is used to or is doing roughly what the TEVA did for my dizziness/migraines. I am headed AGAIN to CVS today to find out the status of the Actavis order, or ask them to order it. I went on Sunday and was told to come during the weekday to speak with the pharmacy manager. So today is the day.
Inactive
20 June 2018
Actavis clonazepam is very good one of the best I’m glad it is available again.
PeaceSeeker
21 June 2018
Apparently, the ODT form that I've been getting is from Barr, which is owned by TEVA. So, the reason I got switched to Par is because my local pharmacy that got bought out by Walgreens prefers it, but they said that it's no problem if I want my original back again.
PeaceSeeker
20 June 2018
I have the ODT form, and I was wondering why my tablet blisters looked different than last time, looked at the ingredients on the Par Pharmaceutical (new brand) site and was like nope, called pharmacy and they ordered from TEVA again, but from what I'm reading it seems like I'm going to be getting yet another new brand since they bought out Actavis or whatever it's called from what I've read in previous responses on this post. I'm sensitive to a lot of the sugar alcohols that they put in gum, so I really hope it has the same ingredients as the regular TEVA ones, which only had xylitol in it.
275northwestswell
18 June 2018
For those following this thread, I have been going back and forth between name brand and Solco generic since TEVA became unavailable. And it's rough, really rough. My body was used to the way it felt on the TEVA. I have higher energy, but a lot of anxiety on the Roche brand name. The Solco makes me feel drugged. Lose/lose situation.
Hopefully the new Teva will be out soon and be like the old TEva. I am not doing good :(
Will be starting magnesium and some other supplements as soon as they arrive from Amazon and hope it helps.
SylviaBmab
12 June 2018
I started out in 2005 taking Klonopin brand; then was put on Mylan, then Teva - which I had been taking for the past several years. Teva is by far the best. Was taking that until my last refill when I was switched to Accord. Took it for two weeks and went through withdrawal, including mild seizures. Started with headache, progressed to nausea, insomnia, then numbness and tingling in legs; then a mini-seizure which made my right leg move involuntarily and my toes gnarled; and THEN I prayed for help and got an answer - purse. I remembered I had a very small stash of Teva for emergencies. Lowered my dose to save on the pills, got past the withdrawal symptoms immediately; now I'm out and desperately trying to find Teva. Everyone has Accord, which is useless - no benzos in it, I don't care what the pharmacists say - all generics of Klonopin are not alike.
I have found 9 pills at a grocery store pharmacy and I'm going to get them with a new prescription from my Dr... After that, who knows... I have put in a plea for help to Teva in Israel. I don't want to take those dratted Accord pills and go through what I've already been through. Scary, to say the least.
Pete Vleckman
12 June 2018
Sylvia, I am so sorry you're going through this. I began having withdrawals like you are going through. After that, I called my doctor and made them prescribe name brand only. It cost $200.00 for a months worth. I spoke with TEVA, as did the user Crusader above. Teva has stated that they will no longer be able to make clonazepam. They have instead bought another company called Actavis and are working on distributing and relaunching Actavis clonazepam. She told me mid-June, however, I have been calling my pharmacy daily and no Actavis in stock yet.
To anyone else going through this situation (being taken off your regular generic and being switched to Accord and experiencing withdrawal) please contact the FDA and report what happened to you. It matters that the government knows that this medication is not working and is actually causing harmful effects. Accord clonazepam is making a lot of people sick and does not work. There needs to be another generic made available. I asked my pharmacist for Sandoz and she had nothing in stock but Accord. It's not okay.
Inactive
12 June 2018
I am in the same boat but found out that Actavis will be released next week by Teva. It takes about a week for warehouses to restock. You can have the doctor specifically write which generics can be used... Now in the meantime I have taken a brand from CVS from PAR pharmaceuticals and it is good it is the same pill as the discontinued Qualitest. They are very good. PAR bought Qualitest back in 2014 and continued the production of Qualitest. These are made in a very good facility in South Carolina.
275northwestswell
13 June 2018
So sorry to hear this! I am also a TEVA user, and at my last refill they tried giving my Accord and I refused it, because I have also had very bad luck with certain generics for Lexapro. Luckily my insurance paid for the brand name Klonopin. A month supply was only $7. But I kid you not, I actually had to get used to it and it's not working as well as the TEVA brand did, except for one interesting thing, my neck/back inflammation isn't hurting much.
But the first week and a half using brand name Klonopin I had nausea and stomach butterflies, almost like when I started an SSRI, and I also felt almost manic the first few days. And to top it off, the reason I am taking it is for vestibular migraines, and my symptoms have been WORSE on the name brand Klonopin.
So I'm kind of at a loss as to what to do here. I have to get a refill in the next couple days, and I'm not sure whether to try the new TEVA pills (the Activis people have spoken about) or just stick with the name brand and hope I get used to it.
275northwestswell
13 June 2018
I also forgot to say, another lame thing about the actual Klonopin brand name pill is that because it has the giant "K" punched out the middle of it, I am having a terrible time cutting my pills, they keep crumbling. I feel like a stupid junkie scooping up pieces of pills trying to get the correct dose. I am trying to wean off soon and go on supplements for the migraines, so I really need a pill that cuts better, ugh.
Pete Vleckman
13 June 2018
275northwestswell - You’re lucky you have good insurance. I can’t afford to pay another 200 bucks for another month of the name brand Klonopin by Roche. I, too, am at a loss of what to do next. Just hoping this Actavis will arrive soon. I am experiencing the same problems cutting name brand because of the ‘K’ hole. I have found it’s best to not use a cutter since it’s too sharp and instead gently popping the halves apart with my hands or breaking it apart again the palm of my hand. I thought name brand Roche would be similar to Teva brand and it’s been tough getting used to them. My mood has definitely changed. My family has mentioned it too. Wired but tired feeling and having a lot of weird thoughts. Not talking or going out much. I hate being chemically dependent on Klonopin. I have slowly tapered my way down from 4mg to 1mg. It’s been tough this sudden change in generic really throws me off.
Inactive
13 June 2018
My pharmacy seems to only be able to get the old Teva .5mgs I was on Actavis I have 80 days of Teva... I hope they work as well as Actavis. Seems like a lot of people are having problems with the Accord brand I really hope the FDA pulls it off the market.
SylviaBmab
13 June 2018
Hello all - I'm back today 6/13/2018 with good news for me - was desperate yesterday because I couldn't get an answer from my psy's office and and the day wore on I became more and more frightened because I had nothing but Accord to take for my night pills. In desperation I called my PCP, talked with her nurse, who filled in Dr. A with my story. Nurse C. caught Dr. A going out the door for the day - she said she thought I had gone through the worse of the withdrawal symptoms and to take two Accord (my regular prescription had been two Teva) with my night pills and if I thought I needed more, take an extra half pill. She said, "Did you hear me?" and repeated her instructions. Not one to mess with Dr.'s orders, I said yes. Scared, but did it. Wondered if I would be alive in the morning... This morning I woke up at the usual time - had slept all night, no insomnia, sat up slowly wondering if I was going to be dizzy - no dizziness.
It's now 1:05 p.m., have taken one Accord with my a.m. pills and feel 100%!!! The power of prayer! It's like a miracle and I feel better than I have in three weeks! Still don't know the difference in the Teva and the Accord, but if you have withdrawal symptoms... I don't recommend self-medication, so my last resort was to call my PCP and she was right on - you've done the withdrawal in a big hurry so go ahead and start over with the Accord. I just wanted to share this experience with all of you today. It's going to be a great day for me!
Inactive
13 June 2018
That is good to hear... it may have been that your body just had to get used to it. I was looking at the ingredients in the different brands and I noticed that Accord has the exact same inactive ingredient profile as brand name Klonopin. Now being a Science teacher I thought let me do a small experiment, so I have Actavis .5 Teva .5 and Accord .5 I lined up 3 beakers of vinegar closest thing to stomach acid. So I noticed it took less that 2 minutes for the Actavis to dissolve 4 minutes for the Accord to dissolve and a whopping 15 minutes for the Teva pill to dissolve. Now weather or not this has any impact on efficacy I do not know. But the accord brand was the only one that still had clumps of the pill floating around.
275northwestswell
14 June 2018
Wow Crusader, I wish we knew what that meant. How did you get an Actavis one?
I am having a really bad day. Taking brand name Klonopin is definitely NOT the same as TEVA, think I am going to have to take a higher dosage of the name brand, which is crazy. And it seems to make me dizzier as well than TEVA. I'm super bummed, this is not the way I had planned to start my summer, and I am finding myself snapping at my kids and husband so quickly because I am so agitated. I am headed to the pharmacy now to refill my prescription and will update what options there are. I go to CVS in Los Angeles area.
Pete Vleckman
14 June 2018
Crusader when you said "I noticed that Accord has the exact same inactive ingredient profile as brand name Klonopin." It makes perfect sense now why I still feel horrible on the name brand Klonopin. Thank you for connecting those dots. I believe Teva brand takes longer to dissolve in the body because of the Aluminum Oxide (but feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.)
275northwestswell - I'm sorry you're having a rough time today. I'm incredibly irritable too since this whole thing started. Acute withdrawal is not a good place to be in. I wish you luck on getting a new script filled.
Inactive
14 June 2018
I have an old bottle of the Actavis I’ve been taking it’s almost gone . It should be available again soon. I have 40 of the Teva brand I have not started yet was kinda hoping the Actavis would be back by now. The povidone tends to slow the dispersion in the Teva pill no other manufacturers use povidone in their clonazepam.
275northwestswell
14 June 2018
Pete, thank you for the empathy and understanding. I prayed for you specifically and the others going through this. This is so awful that we have to deal with this, just because a certain label suddenly went off the radar. It's hard enough trying to wean down, but now we have to take something that metabolizes differently and throws the whole weaning process off. I am taking this for anxiety due to vestibular migraines (I have them 24/7). After years of just kind of dealing with being functional but not well (functional thanks to subtherapeutic doses of Lexapro and Klonopin), the doctors finally said, you need to start weaning off the Klonopin, it's not safe. And go on supplements.
I won't share my thoughts about THAT whole thing yet, but what awful circumstances to just be starting to wean and then have this whole debacle with having TEVA unavailable.
At any rate, I was given Solco brand last night. I asked for just a few tablets (because I only take 1/4 tablet of a .5 mg, once in the morning, once at night), so if the Solco is lame I don't have to get a new prescription written, which is getting harder and harder, and doctors get red flagged for prescribing Klonopin now.
I just took the first Solco this morning, and within 20 minutes felt VERY different than the name brand. It feels more like the TEVA, but it's a bit of a shock to the system right now because it's been a few weeks of being on the name brand. I feel pretty sleepy now, but definitely the vestibular migraine symptoms are immediately a bit better.
Inactive
15 June 2018
I called Teva today and was told tomorrow is the release day of the Actavis . I was told this will be CVS preferred brand . I called CVS and was told they have to run out of there current stock of mylan then they can order the Actavis but they can not order a specific brand at a customer request. I think smaller pharmacies have better purchasing power. If you are having trouble finding a med I suggest finding any pharmacy that purchases through EPIC they have the largest network for medication.
downsmarty
26 May 2018
My Cvs ran out of TEVA clonazepam which I've been taking for years. On May 23 2018 They gave my "Mylan" instead and I swear it's a sugar pill. I have NEVER had a problem with the TEVA generic. I hope you are right about them getting it back by the end of May, I'm freaking out!!!
Shane1072
26 May 2018
My pharmacy gave me some odd brand I posted below... Awfulllllll! I typically take the .5 Teva brand as needed twice daily for PTSD. On a different brand, nightmares we're back, no sleep, sweating, anxiety through the roof, and migraines. I've switched brands before and just got stomach upset. My doctor says there is a difference in additives, so I think that's it. Teva... not sugar pills. Work great! Good luck. Call your pharmacy, they'll switch them, mine did.
Inactive
27 May 2018
Here is the response I got from Teva.
Thank you for contacting Teva Pharmaceuticals Customer Service. We wish we had better news, but Clonazepam 0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg Tablets are on backorder until the beginning of June but this date could change. We apologize for any inconveniences you have experienced with the availability of this product. Please feel free to contact us for an update on this product.
Inactive
31 May 2018
So I found out today from the manufacturer that TEVA clonazepam has been obsoleted. It is going to be replaced by Actavis brand now owned by TEVA. It will launch mid June . I have been on the Actavis for several years now and it works very well not sure if anyone can chime in on the effectiveness of the .5 mg yellow TEVA how well did they work for you.
Pete Vleckman
17 May 2018
In April of 2018, my pharmacy switched me from TEVA generic clonazepam to Accord. The Accord Brand in ineffective and does nothing. I called the pharmacist and they told me they have to tell customers the same thing - that there is no difference, but she said there is a difference and that they are getting many calls about it. In the past 3 weeks taking Accord brand clonazepam, I have had numerous panic attacks, I only sleep a few hours a night (on Teva I slept 6-8hours straight,) I'm grinding my molars on the right side of my mouth when I do sleep, I'm shaking like a leaf and my startled response feels like it's been hijacked, incredibly depressed. I called every pharmacy in my town and they all said the same thing "TEVA brand is backlogged indefinitely." I don't know what to do at this point. I can't leave my house. Been online looking for help trying to see what other people are doing and how to feel better. This feels horrible. It should be against the law for them to switch brands.
Inactive
25 May 2018
What mg TEVA do you take? I take the .5 yellow pill. They should be available in early June according to there customer service. I was on Actavis for several years but thats not available now. I have a whole bottle of the Teva and am anxious about taking it because I dont know how good Teva Clonazepam is.
Pete Vleckman
25 May 2018
I have never taken Actavis brand clonazepam and I know each generic is different and everyone reacts differently. I normally take 0.5mg TEVA. They are the same yellowish pills you take. I was switched to the red Accord brand in April. When I saw your message, I called my pharmacy and they said the TEVA should be back in stock 5/30. I’m happy to hear this since taking the Accord clonazepam has been difficult. I just want to get back on the Teva so I don’t have to go through anymore panic attacks and so I can start sleeping again.
Inactive
25 May 2018
I had the same problem. I am in the Army and the military pharmacy only carries Accord now and it is horrible. I had to go to a civilian pharmacy to get the Teva I haven't taken it yet because I still have some Actavis left. How do you like the TEVA?
Pete Vleckman
26 May 2018
I’m sorry you have to go through such a hassle to get your medication. I’ve tried name brand Klonopin, Teva brand, Mylan brand and Accord brand. Teva, in my opinion, is the closest to the name brand Klonopin. I have heard others say Actavis is also very good. I feel less anxiety and it lasts for a good amount of time. I don’t experience panic attacks on Teva brand and I can sleep through the night on it as opposed to the other generic brands. Teva brand takes about 30-40 minutes to kick in, for me.
Inactive
31 May 2018
So I found out today from the manufacturer that TEVA clonazepam has been obsoleted. It is going to be replaced by Actavis brand now owned by TEVA. It will launch mid June . I have been on the Actavis for several years now and it works very well not sure if anyone can chime in on the effectiveness of the .5 mg yellow TEVA how well did they work for you.
sooverit1223
19 July 2018
Has anyone found a replacement brand for Teva? I tries Northstar with no luck, and then was switched to brand name Klonopin. I started the Klonopin 2 days ago and feel awful. Does it take time to get used to, or is this the way it will be? I’m wondering if anyone has tried the Activis since being on Teva and if so how are you feeling? Thank you for any help you can give me. This has been a terrible roller coaster.
Inactive
19 July 2018
Actavis has replaced Teva, it works very well and is available at CVS.
sooverit1223
19 July 2018
Thanks for your reply. Do you know if our bodies have to get used to a different type of Clonazepam, or should we feel the same switching because it has the same active ingredient?
Inactive
20 July 2018
All generic drugs have to be bio equivalent to the name brand. There should be no difference. Some inactive ingredients may differ. Clonazepam is not time release so it should dissolve relatively quickly typical onset is 20 minutes and with a half life of 18 hours after 3 days of taking the same dose blood levels will be higher than your daily dose. At about the 3 day mark the blood levels of Clonazepam will plateau and merely switching from one brand to another will not cause a withdrawal. Clonazepam is actually not an as neded benzodiazepine due to its long half life. Clonazepam is also in a subgroup of drugs known as nitro-benzodiazepines meaning it is only one isomer of another benzo. It is probably the most effective drug for anxiety and seizures but not as effective for as needed basis.
susan27
30 Aug 2018
My pharmacy CVS switched from Mylan to Activas last month because they say the Mylan is back ordered. I feel like I'm in horrible withdrawals and don't know what to do! No one around has the Mylan brand. I found one left in my bottle today and after taking my usual 0.25 dosage, I felt normal again. What do you all do?
Burgundy1996
16 April 2018
I just received generic by the manufacture Teva. It is the first time I have received it and it does not work nearly as well for me.
Mazaak
26 Oct 2017
I have been taking generic 1mg x3 Klonopin for 7 yrs now for Anxiety and Panic Attacks. From my personal experience I have taken several different brands. Hands down Teva and Qualitest are the best generics I've taken. My Pharmacy quit carrying Qualitest so they gave me Accord brand = C-1 which was horrible and gave me side effects so my Dr had to rewrite my Prescription. Mylan = C-14 worst ever, headache for a week and no appetite, major Anxiety. Activis and Watson bought out Sandoz e-64 which I was on that brand for awhile they were ok. My Pharmacy could no longer get Qualitest but could get Tev a brand. I took the Teva 833 and it made me feel like I was taking it for the first time like 7yrs ago. Calm Relaxing feeling with no Anxiety. This is my opinion based on my experience with most brands. Everyone is different but the Mylan and Accord brand almost put me in the hospital.
Beautiful63
16 July 2017
I liked Teva brand but again who knows what they put in these generics. I can't really find Teva anymore. So I take this yellow pill with 63 written on it. I want my brand name drugs back!!!
chuck1957
2 Dec 2015
I pay no attention to the brand or company; But if there is any problem for some people it has the same active medication the only difference is the binders or inert ingredients.
fragydig529
2 Dec 2015
I've been taking 4MGs Clonazepam daily for 5 years; I've been through every generic but haven't had the Brand Name (KLONOPIN), however, recent price hikes (mine went from $9 for 60ct to $36 for 60ct; same brand), has gotten me wondering how much brand name is?
I've found; that Mylan brand is by far and leaps and bounds the WORST ONE ON THE MARKET (for me), I went through an entire 60 in just 2 weeks because after 5 days I started going into psychosis.
TEVA brand is THE ONLY ONE that works correctly for me. I've gotten Mylan twice; and now make sure it's TEVA before I even leave the counter. With the TEVA brand; I can sometimes just take 2MG a day. I'm curious now, if I did happen to switch to name brand, could I cut down even more?
I'm trying to get off this horrible medication, the doctor that initially RX'd it to me for Anxiety apparently had NO IDEA about any information about it, I didn't either honestly. I knew I didn't like XANAX as I've seen to many XAMBIES from taking Xanax, so he gave me KLONOPIN instead.
This is, by FAR, the worst medication/drug/anything to try to stop taking.
Adirondack44
25 Sep 2015
I have a patient that was forced to switch to this generic due to pharmacy contract. It is prescribed for sleep She finds that it doesn't work and it also makes her very agitated and causes stomach issues such as nausea.
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