What is your opinion on these two generic brands? Which one do you think works better?
Teva vs Actavis clonazepam - which one is better?
Question posted by Anonymous on 25 May 2018
Last updated on 17 February 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.
59 Answers Page 3
Gene toyota
2 Jan 2019
I didn't even know but I was taking the accord brand Clonazepam blue 1 mg. I just filled mine its yellow generic made by Activis 2 days later I was not sleeping and anxiety returned . My Dr. said that he cant write another prescription for me to find a pharmacist who had accord brand . I'm stuck with it for a whole month . I'm not making it up I looked online only because I knew it was not doing anything! My Dr. Says it's in my head because I saw about it online . He said he couldn't give me anything else in the benzos class and deal with it until next month if I can find access brand . Pharmacy cant help me out either I already filled it . I'm scared of running out before 30 days. Bunch of b.s. activis is definitely not the same ingredients.
blue-sky
2 Jan 2019
For anyone that is wondering about switching to Ativan from Klonopin... Ativan works great. I was taking that before Klonopin and it was better than Xanax and I had zero side effects.
Klonz
2 Jan 2019
Thanks for the Ativan idea. TEva is the best clonazepam out there- much better than Roche/Genentech so since there’s no TEva I think I need to switch benzos. Ativan sounds like a good start. Who manufactures a good generic Ativan?
Kayte 0207
2 Jan 2019
Gene Toyota, I really feel for you. I’ve been having similar problems, but the opposite of yours. I was on Clonazepam for about 5 years, and had absolutely no problem with any of the generics. In October, I filled my prescription and it did absolutely NOTHING for me! It happened to be the Accord brand, which is made in China. I contacted my doctor within a week and she then changed me to another Benzodiazepine (Lorazepam), which was better for me than the Accord, but not by much. It lasted me a very short time. At best, it just temporarily took the “edge” off of my symptoms.
I have called around to most pharmacies in my city, and all of them carry either Accord or Actavis. It appears that those are now the only two choices of Clonazepam. Teva bought out Actavis, so there is no more Teva - and Mylan does not produce Clonazepam any longer.
There ARE things that doctors and pharmacists can do. Sometimes you need to be very persistent. I am lucky to have a doctor who I have been seeing for 20 years now, and she trusts me and believes me. At one point, she changed me to Lorazepam (another drug in the Benzodiazepine class), which unfortunately did not help me much, either. I then asked her about the Actavis, and she wrote me a prescription for that. My pharmacist (who carries only the Accord brand) had to special order the Actavis for me. When the Actavis came in two days later, I was given that. Although my doctor eventually had to increase my dosage of Actavis, it is at least helping my symptoms somewhat - but no way am I feeling as well as I did for the past 5 years on other generics.
It seems to me that you need a change in doctors/clinics. If your side effects are intolerable from the Actavis, and your doctor is not helping you, an alternative is to go to the ER or Urgent Care Clinic. I myself came close to doing this several times in the past few months.
Another idea I got from someone on this “thread” was to have my doctor contact my insurance company regarding my problems, and convincing the insurance to cover the brand name Clonazepam (Klonopin) for me. I will be seeing my doctor in less than two weeks, and that will be my next step.
It seems that a lot of people are experiencing the same problems. It’s hard to believe that the doctors and pharmacists are not aware of these issues. In any case, I really wish you the best of luck!
blue-sky
2 Jan 2019
I had 2 different generics of Ativan I guess. Actavis and Leading. I have only been taking these Benzos for 4 months and I had no idea that the pharmacy constantly switches brands and doesn't tell you. I mixed the contents of Ativan bottles so I could have one for purse and one for home. I think one might be better than the other. I wish I knew for sure so I could tell you. They are both white.
I never knew about the changes until Klonopin generics switched colors and I got sick from taking Solco klonopin. Shocked that they are allowed to do this...
Jer69
9 Jan 2019
I don’t know why but I’m afraid to try Ativan. I feel its bad enough to take Clonazepam and they actually had to talk me into it and now I’m on it fir years and they switch me to Actavis w/o telling me. I take it for a few days and start feeling breakthroughs of anxiety not fully but enough to notice and now feels like withdrawals. I’m calling my doctor plus I see her Monday. I called Teva they said they’ll call me back and sent them an email. Called everywhere, no Teva. I’m like what the heck. Don’t mess w my meds!!! Someone said we r at the mercy of pharmaceutical company and they don’t care seems like!!
Collectsdust
11 April 2019
I recently tried switching over to Ativan (which I previously took along side my clonazepam, until my Dr asked me to just take more clonazepam and stop with the Ativan/Lorazepam. I then, very hesitantly agreed - very hesitantly.)
So when I told him of the troubles I was having with Activas, and my heightened anxiety, he went ahead and switched me entirely over to Ativan.
That was the WORST thing I could have ever tried. I ended up dizzy, nauseous, and unable to stand up out of bed. I couldn’t believe this was happening!
Long and short of it, I ended up recontacting my Dr who re-initiated my Activas Clonazepam prescription.
If there was ever a lesson learned here, which is why I am sharing, it is that Most Definitely one’s body grows accustom to both the active and inactive compounds in the make-up of a specific brand & drug.
Benzodiazepines have been the saving grace amongst the concoction of ten pills a day I take to manage my mental health. They also have the Most Pronounced instantaneous AND long term effect on me. It therefore is Quite Noticeable when formulas change: sometimes good, sometimes bad. After 20 years of these... I, just like Everyone else, merely want consistency in our medications so we feel we have some stability and control and reliability with what we take.
Recognizing the pharm manufacturers don’t make quality control the priority, and the FDA doesn’t seem to have the ability to control quality either, I am
Still Grateful my medications are available at all!! Bumps in the road are to be expected. Some bumps just come with bruises, others with broken bones.
One way to look at it: Be thrilled clonazepam is even still available!!
Bpalienbug
10 Oct 2019
With all due respect for your Dr., it’s NOT ALL IN YOUR HEAD! It’s in your whole body! You are withdrawing (listen to all the comments) and FIGHT FOR YOURSELF. My pharmacist FINALLY BELIEVED ME after I showed her this website and began working with me. Without her help , I now would now have Teva again. Show your Dr. Be persistent. Sometimes we have to step out of that zone that we have an”illness”, “sickness” or whatever. We know our bodies and you just can’t make this ... up!
Carolje22
23 Dec 2018
I have been on Teva brand for insomnia due to depression and PTSD for 15 years. Since they changed to the Actavis formula, I can no longer sleep and my life is disintegrating. I drove over an hour to get to a pharmacy that had some Teva left over. I don’t know what I will do when it runs out. HELP.
KEE33
23 Dec 2018
I 100% understand
I would drive to another state if I could find any green left, but nobody that I have called has them.
I just filled out the form for the FDA and I have called Teva 3 times now to complain AND I have submitted 2 emails to the company so... I guess it's a wait and see kind of thing
Byrjun
25 Dec 2018
All of my emails went unanswered :(
KEE33
25 Dec 2018
My emails did too. I did get an email from the FDA after I filled out their form from the link you posted. I am going to see my doctor sometime this week. I think he is going to probably want to switch me to Ativan. I've never taken it before and I dont know if he would do a tapering down from the clonazepam at the same time or how that works. I just pray it will be what will work for me. This has really been miserable.
The Activas does give me a sedative like feeling but it also makes my chest feel tight and I cant get good deep breaths. I don't know if this is break through anxiety? It isn't a good feeling.
Tomcable
2 Jan 2019
Are you okay... Hope so! Hang in there... I was having the same issue but I am feeling better now and still taking half of Actavis .5
KEE33
2 Jan 2019
I am doing ok but the Activas is still causing me some issues.
I'm not sure if it is break through anxiety, or my body trying to adjust to the change in formula (or both). I wonder how long it should take for it to adjust though. It has been almost 3 weeks and I am still having the chest tightness, feels like an elephant sitting on my chest because I cant get good deep breaths...
Doc tried to switch me to Diazepam but that made me super sick and just felt like a zombie .
I am going in to see him again tomorrow to see what he wants to try.
I read where one lady had issues with a generic (not sure if it was Activas) but it was clonazepam and she had to go to the ER and they gave her Lorazepam (Ativan) and she said he chest stuff all went away so her doctor put her on .5 Klonopin name brand and a low dose of Lorazepam and she is doing good with that.
I will update on what happens tomorrow.
I want to believe that this is just my body trying to adjust.
I did take 1 of the 1mg (which is what I usually take each day) but my anxiety was SO bad with the chest stuff so I decided to take another but I only took a half of it. It actually worked! The chest stuff after about 45 minutes went away. Only problem is I felt really sedated and woke up this morning feeling hung over and my anxiety was pretty bad.
Sorry this response was so long. I really dont have anyone that understands what I am going through. This for sure is NOT for the weak :(
How long did it take you to respond well to the Activas?
Simspn74-19
2 Jan 2019
Same here I have been on teva for 16 years and they switched and I can tell it is changing me.. dont want to go outside anymore,scared,shakey, can't sleep teva was like a good send and these new yellow pills are junk r34 they are nowhere near tea strength. ..something must be done..
KEE33
3 Jan 2019
Saw my doctor today.
He is now going to try me on name brand Ativan (and if they dont carry name brand or if it cost too much he put they could use a generic). I have never taken it before so hopefully I handle it well and I pray it helps me. If not, he said he would call in clonazepam and I could just keep trying to let my body get used to the Activas brand or I can try name brand Klonopin
..
susan27
23 Dec 2018
I don't think it matters which generic brand name that you use. The important thing is that you stay consistent and used the same one.
To those who are used to Teva, they are going to think that Teva is the best because that's what their brains are used to.
Usually the reactions are coming from the different fillers used and the in consistencies with potency found in the generics.
When Mylan stopped manufacturing K this summer, I had to scramble to try to find it because I started going through withdrawals.
I eventually had to go on the brand name because that is the only way I can ensure its potency and consistency
Be very careful when substituting generic brands while taking this drug. Trust your body and if it's having a reaction, honor that information
Questioning25
5 Jan 2019
Hi, I had been on Teva. No other generics work and make me ill. With Teva discontinued, I have name brand (which I used to be ok on), but I still woke up with extreme panic. Did you acclimate ok to the name brand and how? Thanks.
KEE33
7 Jan 2019
This post may be long (sorry)
So I was on teva for 21 years. I got my script filled months ago and once I got home I realized the pills were blue and not green. Called pharmacy (CVS) thinking that they gave me wrong med. They informed me it was all they had in stock and was the accord brand. Took it for 4 days and couldn't figure out why I was SO sick. Called pharmcay they told me do not take anymore (I have a medical condition that causes me to have hyper sensitivity to medications and allergies to meds). They transferred my script to another CVS that had the Teva brand so I was good to go. The next month they informed me that they were too now out of the Teva, so.. they transferred me to the previous CVS as they had exactly 30 left of the teva brand. Once I ran out i had to switch to an independent pharmacy that agreed to order the Activas brand for me (since Teva told me over the phone that the Activas had very similar ingredients)
The first 4 days when I would take one I would feel fine and actually more sedated than Teva ever made me feel. I felt confident that the switch would be just fine. Then all of a sudden I began to feel like I had an elephant sitting on top of my chest, heart palps, chest tightness, and like I couldn't get a good deep breath (shortness of breath all day)... I went to see my doc and he wanted to switch me to Diazepam (Valium) & was Teva brand. Went to pharmacy got it only took half of a 5mg and felt SO sick, nauseated and so zombified I could barely keep my eyes open but couldn't sleep because of the strong bouts of nausea and the shortness of breath was worse. Went back to see my doc and he said we could try Ativan (name brand)- pharmacy told me they do not order name brand of any medication because they are such a small pharmacy they cant afford to do so, and they couldn't order a whole bottle of name brand and then it not work for me and be out that $. I said ok generic will be just fine. It was Activas brand 1mg. I only took a quarter the first night and a quarter the next and each time I was very dizzy, anxiety was still there, super tired, and of course nausea. Let me add that when I went to get the Ativan the pharmacist told me he didnt feel comfortable giving me the Ativan unless I returned the Valium. So I brought the Valium back. He counted it in front of me and said, "So, you only took half of one?" I said yes and he took them to the back of the counter and then checked me out for the Ativan.
My doctor had informed me that if the Ativan didnt work, he could either write it for name brand Klonopin (which I was SO nervous to do) because I have seen a lot of people not having luck with name brand and I know it is super pricey too.. or he said I could try another generic of the clonazepam or try to keep taking the Activas brand and see if my body just needs time to adjust or even up the mg each day.
He called to the pharmacy for me the Activas brand clonazepam as I made the choice to stick with it to see if my body needs to get used to it or something or if I might need a little more than 1mg per day. And once again the pharmacist wants me to bring back the other med (Ativan) before he will give me the clonazepam. Which is fine by me, it isn't like I am going to be using it BUT I dont want to be getting charges to my insurance for meds that I am returning and not using. So I plan to being this up to him today.
I have filed a report to the FDA and gotten an email from them saying they are looking into the quality of the med in question which is the Activas to be sure it meets standards and then they gave me a link that they state gives 8 generic options for clonazepam (which cant be up to date as the Teva is on the list). I finally got an email back from Teva just stating that unfortunately Teva brand clonazepam in all mg.s have been discontinued and if I am having problems with other brands to speak with my health care provider.
I just hope and pray that we ALL find relief, that we all find something that works for us so that we can function at our best and enjoy a better quality of life. I take clonazepam for body convulsions, PTSD, and severe panic disorder/anxiety. I dont know it anyone else has had the symptoms from the Activas that I have had and if it got better for them but I would love to hear about everyone's journey thorugh this. I am here to give support and my experience just incase it helps someone else. I did notice that one of the ingredients that isn't in Activas that was in Teva was the providone (a type of iodine) from what I read so I have bought a high quality multi vitamin by Olly for women and it contains iodine and I feel better when I take it too ♡ ok so if you are still reading this major kudos to you. Fingers crossed that the Activas will work for me the longer I take it...
Byrjun
3 Dec 2018
Actavis put me into withdrawal before I even knew what was happening. I contacted TEVA and made a report, I also am putting in a report with the FDA, Please all of you do it as well! They may bring it back if they do, and then I'll have a chance to ween off of it
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm?action=reporting.home
Klonz
4 Dec 2018
Thanks for posting this. I called TEVA and complained about Actavis quality. We can’t control the outcome but it doesn’t hurt to try
Kmj523
6 Dec 2018
Yeah I made a fda report as well hope for the best!
Byrjun
6 Dec 2018
Thank you guys! We may not make a difference but we won't know until we try!! This little episode almost ruined my life
Collectsdust
9 Dec 2018
I have also filled out an FDA report. Thank you for the link.
Tomcable
20 Dec 2018
I filled out a report as well... Actavis pills put me into terrible withdrawal... Had no issues while on TEVA... I think a class action suit is in order...
Klonz
20 Dec 2018
Class action suit... sounds like a good idea. I can’t believe no more TEVA-there is literally no substitute. We need to keep advocating some how
KEE33
22 Dec 2018
What were the symptoms?
How long were you taking the Activas? I have to take this brand now (was on Teva for 21 years with zero issues). Been on the Activas for almost 2 weeks. At first it just seemed to be sedating and made me sleep. Now I am having tightness in my chest, taking deep breaths constantly, and feeling like I cant eat or I will feel sick. I really dont know what to do. I've called Teva, they just say they are sending my statement to the safety department. I've tried the accord brand and NO!! I can NOT handle those at all. I am just confused as to if it is possible for me to develop side effects on the Activas of at first it was ok for me. I hate this-
Klonz
22 Dec 2018
Here’s my experience for what it’s worth... had same issues this summer... switched from TEVA to name brand and other generics... and had a lot of life stress at the time...
Nothing worked as well as TEVA-15 years on .25- low dose but effective. Long story short I had sweating; anxiety; etc. and thought it was withdrawal- went to psychiatrist and he said it was rebound/breakthrough anxiety! I was floored bc my anxiety was so well controlled on TEVA- like a hand in a glove- it worked like a charm.
My best guess is that the TEVA left your system, Actavis is inferior, and you are now experiencing anxiety (since withdrawal is over)
Not sure if what I’m gonna do too... TEVA I think still makes diazepam or Xanax extended release... you may be experiencing anxiety as I did... it feel shocking
KEE33
23 Dec 2018
I talked with a pharmacist yesterday while I was in Target (just to see what she thought). She told me the chest tightness and heart palps is not a normal side effect and that it also shouldn't feel more sedating to me if it is the same mg.
She suggested if it wasn't too bad for me to try to push through and let the Actavis brand stay in my system for at least 1 month consistently and see if my body will adjust. Otherwise she told me maybe this is all anxiety and I may be experiencing anxiety and need to take 1 mg twice a day or 2 mg once a day.
I told her I couldn't even imagine taking that much. I did notice that yesterday when I took my dose it didnt give me such a heavy sedation feeling but instead I felt just find except for a terrible headache :( and I am still having GI issues. Hoping this will all get better given some time.
If not, I will see my doctor. He had mentioned that if I had trouble with this generic, he would either write it for name brand and let me try that out or he would switch me to possibly ativan (which I have never taken before)
KEE33
23 Dec 2018
Also, the Activas makes me feel hung over. I am trying my best to push through. That pharmacist worried me though b/c at one point in our conversation she said, "I mean people get switched to different generics all the time and they freak out and tell us that they need their other medicine when in reality the drug is the same and the only difference is a filler. I guess people could be sensitive to a different dye being used, but chest tightness and heart palps are not a side effect of clonazepam and I would say if you dont have a family history of heart attacks it is just anxiety."
KEE33
23 Dec 2018
Byrjun~ I dont know how this works so I was speaking to my Aunt (she is an RN) about all of this to see what she thought. She told me she feels like it doesnt matter how much I call the Teva company, if the drug has been discontinued it is gone, and will be never again.
This is not what I wanted to hear or believe. This last time that I called Teva to report more side effects from the Activas the gentlemen that I spoke with told me that he had no idea why the last rep I spoke to (a lady) would have told me that this was a simple business decision and that it is a possibility that they could meet again and decide to bring back the Teva formula. He told me this is incorrect info and told me that is was discontinued. I asked him if there was a way for me to request for the company to consider bringing back the Teva formula and he told me I was asking him to predict the future.
After restating this question to him twice he finally understood and told me I could go to tevapharm.com and go to the contact us option and write in an email. I did this 2 times so far with zero response.
I have seen older threads from years & years ago about Actavis and Teva going back and forth but it seemed it was the Activas brand they were pulling and replacing with Teva and all of the people were not liking the Teva brand.
I know everyone is different. I know that the Teva worked wonders for me and I functioned perfectly for 21 years and now I am sick again... I havent filled out the FDA form yet. What will they do about it? Does anyone know?
My hope is that they would make the company offer the Teva formula again, but I am not sure how this works.
Alleyjul
30 Dec 2018
I have taken this the generic brand for probably 20 years. It has controlled my panic disorder with occasional break through every 4-5 years. In October I had what I thought was a heart attack while driving. I pulled off the freeway, pounding heart palpitations , unable to breath, a radiating warmth in my chest. This required EMS to locate me & a trip to the ER with a cardiac work up. This showed nothing. Since October I continued taking my medication until another terrible attack happened at work. Same type of symptoms Blood Pressure 160/112 with a heart rate of 150. I thought I was haveing a heart attack & it was just misdiagnosed the first time. Cardiac work up showed nothing. After I took an additional dose of Clonazepam. Since then I again have had these same blights with another trip to the ER where they gave me Ativan IV & the symptoms subsided finally. I had no idea my medication had been changed until I found your site. I’m miserable daily.
The symptoms are debilitating. I went to the pharmacy at Walgreens & paid the extra my insurance wouldn’t cover (86.00) for name brand Klonopin that is blue with a k in it. Any advice is much appreciated. My Dr. gave me a script for Lorazepam 1
Mg three times a day but this wears off after 5 hours max. So I had to take a Clonazepam .5 with this.
KEE33
1 Jan 2019
I am SO sorry that this happened to you, which generic were you taking when you had these attacks? I am on the Actavis now and I am having AWFUL chest tightness and I feel like I have an elephant sitting on top of my chest. I am MISERABLE. The pharmacist told me that it could just be that my body needs to "get used to the new formula" of the Activas ingredients but My goodness I can't handle feeling like this anymore. My doctor wrote me a script for Diazepam (Valium) and it made me SO SICK and super zombified so I can't use it. I am going to ask him if he will let me try the brand name (which he said he would write me for brand name) but I have seen many people have issues with the brand name too :( I also would like to try Lorazepam to see if this would help me.
KEE33
24 Jan 2019
How are you doing now?
I am in PURE HELL and really dont know what to do
RTphonehome
22 Nov 2018
I have been on Teva 1mg tablets since 2007. I first started with. 5mg x 3day, but my panic attacks were horrible so i went to 1mg, and i only take 2 at the most each day, but i could go sometimes a week without needing it until... this whole Teva mess. I was switched to Socol. Went into withdrawals and a good ole trip to the emergency room. It was horrible. I was able to find a pharmacy that had it, but began hording them just incase. As soon as i took the Teva, all my symptoms vanished. I could eat, felt great, no pain, and i was me.I went ahead earlier this week and got my prescription filled to find out no more Teva. Actavis or accord or i could go OTD by TEVA. I called every pharmacy around my area asking for Teva. One pharmacy had 10 or Nothing. My pharmacist said all you are doing is trying to find a bandaid so lets figure out what works. I asked about brand name.
He said "you could have the same reactions and have to pay $245 so he said lets do 2weeks ;but call me in a few days to let me know how you are doing and we can make a change if needed since i only filled 1/3 the prescription. So i got 30 Activia 1mg tablets. Im a huge fan of TEVA, and they have allowed me to thrive with my anxiety. I have been on Actavis 2 days. The first pill gave me a headache , little dizzy, but it acted like similar to teva. I actually slept good with zero nightmares. Today has been normal with zero effects... so far. The only thing i dont feel is the euphoria. My pharmacist did look up the binders and it is the same as teva except the one binder that acts as a slow release. The others have a laundry list of stuff. So for me, it is a weight lifted off my shoulders. Now we have a backup plan in a few days for the sublingual clonazepam as an alternative. Hope this adds some light to some folks. Know the struggles, can relate with the worry, and keep working to find what works for you. I still have my emergency stash of teva... learned my leason on that. So if this doesn't workout... plan b it is. Good luck my friends.
zelda2019
16 Nov 2018
I registered just to give my feedback. Had Teva for many years, worked fine same dosage, no increases. Was switched from the yellow Teva pills to the Actavis pink pills and that is when things started going awry. Sleep issues returned (waking up at 2, 3 and 4 AM), muscle aches and some anxiety and agitation which the Teva formula took care of no problem. To me, it is like the Actavis formula is 30-40% less effective, which gave me a rough few months until I mentioned it to my doctor who said he had heard this from other patients which got me investigating. Teva bought Actavis and then discontinued their version of clonazepam to use the Actavis version. My pharmacist also said he had others complaining about efficacy. Long story short, I switched to Solcol brand clonazepam at a local pharmacy (big chain didn't carry it and really doesn't care). I also called Teva to tell them and encourage you to do the same if you are having similar issues.
Maybe some day they will switch back to the original Teva formula which gave consistent relief. For now, Solcol seems to be working nearly as well if not better. Teva Customer Service 800.545.8800.
Dmsanders
14 Nov 2018
Hey everyone, I wanted to add some input based on my experience... I am extremely discouraged as I was on Mylan generic brand for years, and they stopped carrying it and only had Accord... it was terrible! I was experiencing unbearable withdrawal from the same dosage as the Mylan and it interfered with my ability to drive. When I was due for a new prescription I tried sandoz at a different pharmacy, the difference was immediately noticed and I felt so much better! Recently they started carrying Teva and I had heard good things about it so I complied, and was fine with that. Now here I am again, but with Actavis... I am extremely nervous that I am going to experience the same thing I did with Accord, I am agoraphobic and this is the only thing that’s helped me overcome it.
Such a shame that all these brands differ drastically, I believe everyone reacts differently but it seems we are all on the same page about which is best for us which is enough proof for me! I have a friend going through the same thing with their prescription, pharmacists think we are nuts when we are particular about the brand but it is very serious! The withdrawal is dangerous!!! I took my first Actavis about 30 minutes ago, will keep you all updated on how I feel. I really wish Mylan would start supplying again, that is what worked best for me. I would be grateful if I could get Sandoz at least, anyone know if they are they still manufacturing?
Kmj523
15 Nov 2018
I just got activas since teva isn’t making teva so I’ll let u know in about 30 mins as well if it doesn’t work I still have teva wafers but hoping activas will be just like teva it’s only missing one inactive ingredient from the teva version app generics are diff
Elsie Carnes
4 Nov 2018
Teva is the best! There is an ingredient in Actavis that is not good for me. I have no idea what it is.
Lilsweetie2141
15 Oct 2018
So I purposely made a profile just to answer this question as I was one who was freaking out reading this form.ive been on Teva for 5 years and was devastated when I found out they were discontinued.i had a bad experience with Mylan not working for me so I was scared to try the actavis.i finally gave actavis a try as they have the same inactive ingredients beside actavis missing a filler/binder which is provodine 20 and I can say they work exactly the same.they are both good with helping and preventing my anxiety and panic attacks.and I wouldn’t have been able to tell the difference between the two.im so relieved.so Teva or Actavis? I’d say both are great!
Inactive
15 Oct 2018
where you get your meds filled?
Kmj523
16 Oct 2018
I heard activas is nothing like teva, why not change to activas if it’s the same pill of teva? The wafers make me more sleepy but work good not as well as the teva pills imo, I’m gonna call teva and ask them if their going to continue to make wafers, but want to see what pat offers as well. Just can’t get on something that will cause withdrawal.
Inactive
16 Oct 2018
@Kmj523.. I tried to get mine refilled with Teva wafers but ended up with Par again after no pharmacies had it or would order it. Im still having to double the dose of my Par Wafers in comparison to Teva pills. Id love to try the Teva wafers, what pharmacy did you goto that carried the Teva wafers?
Kmj523
17 Oct 2018
@gsh76
I used a independent pharmacy, he ordered par but they sent teva, it’s really different than the pills, the pills would knock my anxiety out, the wafers do to, but make me tired, I thought pat was really good for you, why r u doubling up?
Inactive
17 Oct 2018
@ Kmj523
That's the strength that seems about equal to me between the two. Even at double dose they don't make me tired which is good if you want to take during the day. I take it at night but I could take it during the day and itd be no problem functioning. Par and Teva has been making the generic wafer since 2005 so there's no reason they will quit making it anytime soon since there is no other competition.
Kmj523
17 Oct 2018
@gsh76
Yeah you should switch to an independent pharmacy, I’m going to call teva Tom and see what’s different in the pill vs the wafer, their is a difference, but a better route than accord qualitiest mylan and all the others I take 2 1mg put them under my tongue but it’s kinda like a Valium anxiety med
Inactive
17 Oct 2018
@Kmj523 I added you as a friend, if you have any more questions feel free to add me as a friend and I can send you an answer directly.
Kmj523
17 Oct 2018
@gsh76
Done you can do the same if u like or even add me on Facebook
Inactive
17 Oct 2018
@Kmj523 I sent you a question
Bamagolds
20 Oct 2018
I found the Actavis to be a little stronger than Teva. Both of these brands work for me to. I also found Mylan to be low dosed. Qualitest and Accord didn't work for me.
Before bedtime, I'll take 10 mg Remeron (third of my tab) and .5 mg Clonazepam (break my 1 mg tab). When I feel myself getting sleepy, I'll take .25 mg more of Klon and will get at 7-9 hours of sleep.
hdisney
6 Oct 2018
Teva has worked great for me; never had any issues.
I completely agree with what RockerJ said below.
"Change comes by numbers and everybody has to do their part. You can contact Teva at 888-838-2872 if within the U.S. or you can also email them and they will call you back. Go to tevapharm.com and go to the contact us page. You can leave your info and send email straight from there."
Inactive
7 Oct 2018
let me know how that goes.
hdisney
7 Oct 2018
I already talked to Teva, and the representative I spoke with said that if they received enough complaints/calls, that they may consider bringing the Teva brand/formula of clonazepam back.
It definitely doesn't hurt to try! :)
Inactive
7 Oct 2018
Last time I checked Customer Service that's based in the US doesn't make production decisions in Israel. There's reason other than customers likes/dislikes that caused them to stop production. It's all about money.
hdisney
7 Oct 2018
GSH76, I saw that you posted about switching from Teva tablets to Par wafers at 1 mg each, is that right?
Do you feel that Par wafers work as well as Teva tablets? Do you take the wafers the same way (times per day and time of day) as the tablets?
I'd actually like to ween (very slowly and gradually) off clonazepam, so it'd be nice to find a good alternative to Teva once they run out so I can still successfully taper (already successfully tapered from 1 mg Teva per day to 0.5 mg Teva per day).
Thanks!
RockerJ
8 Oct 2018
It is all about the money, but if they see enough people are having bad reactions or it’s like a placebo (like the Accord or Actavis that I’ve experienced)... there is a liability there when people come to them in numbers. Especially with the Actavis pills giving me headaches and ringing in my ears. Regardless they still need to know the side effects and I always put please send this to upper management because when someone ends up in the hospital or is suicidal and they’ve been warned numerous times, it definitely leaves a paper trail. This is obnoxious that none of these pills are working the same for people. For me, the Mylan brand has work perfect for the past 11 years for my anxiety and OCD, and yes I did try the Par disintegrating tablets. I didn’t have any side effects but once again it felt like a placebo.
However the Actavis pills were causing major side effects, With heart palpitations, headaches, and severe ringing in the ears which has not gone away in three months since I was taking that particular brand. Teva needs to know about it. And hopefully if enough people complain, they will bring the original Teva brand back. Sometimes it is a lost cause but you don’t know until you fight the good fight.
RockerJ
8 Oct 2018
Thank you very much for listening to me and I hope that we can all get answers to this!
hdisney
8 Oct 2018
RockerJ,
Mylan brand should still be available. They don't have a marketing end date on their clonazepam like Teva does. Here's the website: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=9af9e5de-69a6-48b3-aa53-f0a7898d51e7
Go to "Ingredients and Appearance" towards the bottom of the page. You may want to try name brand Klonopin if you haven't already.
Kmj523
9 Oct 2018
@gsh76
Ok I got teva wafers par sent teva 90 1mg but I only take 2mg a day, have you tried tevA version yet?
Inactive
10 Oct 2018
@ Kmj523
No I have not tried the Teva wafer version yet. My script for the Par version is refillable on the 13th. So the pharmacy gave you Teva or you ordered Par and they sent Teva? How you like ? Whats the lettering on the pill?
Kmj523
11 Oct 2018
@gsh76
Their white says 1 on them I took two about the same as the pill I didn’t know how to let it dissolve under the tongue or let it dissolve and not swallow but it’s still working, hit within 5 minutes, and par sent teva
tantoes
2 Oct 2018
After FINALLY finding a pharmacy (in Coral Gables) that has Actavis clonazepam, as far as it VS Teva clonazepam , I am still not positive.
I also had a change in the other Rx generic of 20 yrs for dystonia, gabapentin. I think I still prefer the Teva ... but it is history. Hope my Cipla Gabapentin is in stock next go round so I can really compare how I feel.
Compared to other brands, I'd recommend Actavis so far.
We are all at the mercy of the pharmaceutical companies, and pharmacies themselves.
tantoes
26 Jan 2019
After awhile on Actavis, I am having break through muscle cramps. It would take another MG of Actavis to possibly help. If that. I'm a longtime (23 yr) veteran of two Rxs for my rare medical problem. Both were TEVA for many years, and Actavis is the lesser of the many bad generics so far, now that Teva is gone.
As suggested by the person using the Teva wafers with good results, maybe I'll try them.
Drkatzjr27
1 Oct 2018
Neither. I find the Accord generic clonazepam to be more effective
Inactive
1 Oct 2018
I recently got a script filled with Accord at Walmart after Walmart ran out. I would say it's better then Teva at some things and not as good on other things.
Accord: Makes me go to sleep faster and stay asleep longer then Teva and is more consistent throughout the day (doesnt' poop out like Teva does 15 hours later)
Teva: Feels like it has an antidepressant built into for me. It must be povidone doing this because all the other ingredients are the same. It just makes me feel happier for some reason. Weird I know.
Both Teva and Accord are better then the Actavis versions. The Actavis version kicks in too fast and just knocks you out then a couple our later it you wake up and feel live you haven't taken anything. They need to work on the delivery of how's its absorded in the body.
Kmj523
3 Oct 2018
So what can I expect with wafers from par buddy?
Inactive
3 Oct 2018
Par is good stuff as ive said before. I like it easier on my stomach than Teva was.
blue-sky
27 Dec 2018
Accord brand works great for me. zero side effects.
Solco, which Walgreens and CVS are trying to dispense, is terrible.
Took Solco brand for 3 days and had to stop.
Stomach pain, constant bathroom trips, horrible dreams, when it wore off after 5 hours, my heart would race and felt anxious the whole time. Never again.
RockerJ
22 Sep 2018
Hey everybody just FYI, I called Teva to let them know about the side effects of the new Actavis and how it just does not work. They need to hear from everybody that is having a problem with this. I’m not trying to be mean but just complaining on here is not going to get anything done. They need to hear from people that have dealt with switching over from the good brand Teva, and how Actavis just does not work. They need to hear from everybody that is having a problem with this. I’m not trying to be mean but just complaining on here is not going to get anything done. They need to hear from people that have dealt with switching over from the good brand Teva to Actavis. They called me twice to get my info about what exactly the change has been. I told the truth. Severe anxiety, headaches, and ringing in my ears constantly when taking the Actavis. Change comes by numbers and everybody has to do their part.
You can contact Teva at 888-838-2872 if within the U.S. or you can also email them and they will call you back. Go to tevapharm.com and go to the contact us page. You can leave your info and send email straight from there. Wishing everyone the best! Do your part!
Inactive
22 Sep 2018
Do you think they care?? NO, if they did they wouldn't have change to Actavis and changed even the formula of the Actavis. It too sucks now. Switch to another form such as Wafers as I did.
Kmj523
22 Sep 2018
How do you get wafers? And what’s the difference?
Inactive
22 Sep 2018
@Kmj523
You have to get a script for klonopin wafers instead of tablets. The benefits is that it melts in your mouth (no water required) kicks in almost immediately and has none of the fillers that the pills do. It goes directly into your bloodstream via your saliva and doesn't have to pass through the stomach before being broken down like pills do. In other words you get the entire dose not whats left over after passing through the stomach. It's also better quality pills and made in the USA
Kmj523
22 Sep 2018
Ok sucks I just can’t get them from the pill form if my dr won’t do it what genetic should I go with I got 140 tevas left I only take 2 a day
Inactive
22 Sep 2018
Your Dr should have no problem prescribing the wafer and your insurance will cover them. Just tell your Dr that they quit making the pill brand you been taking and that the other brands don't work and you'd like to try the wafer form. That was the case for me, I tried the Brand Name as well as Mylan, Accord and Actavis and none worked as well so I went this route.
As far as the which generic?? I wouldn't take the pill. You never know from one visit to the next which your getting. With the wafer version there are only 3 manufactures and they are all in the US.
TKMarsh711
22 Sep 2018
Is the wafer brand name? I think I asked my doctor and he told me they don't make them anymore. I'd like to know if they do.
Inactive
23 Sep 2018
The wafer or (oral disintegrating tablet) is generic. Roche the manufacture of the brand name no longer makes the brand name. 3 generic US manufacturers make the generic - Par, Teva and Sun. Locally where I live the CVS and Walgreens stocked the Par version and that is what im taking. The Walgreens said they could order the Teva version and have it the next day. I will try Teva next refill. I am really happy with the Par brand though. I take 2 -.05 mg a day and my insurance covered it. I looked on the receipt and it said my insurance saved me 87.50. So if someone insurance won't cover it for some unknown reason you can pay cash for it.
Kmj523
25 Sep 2018
Ok @shj76
My insurance covers wafers I go see my dr Tom my pharmacist said that he can get par Barr and I don’t know the other one but will it last as long as the pill? Hopefully my dr will write it that’s all I’m waiting for
Inactive
25 Sep 2018
Kmj523 The I take the oral disintegrating tablet twice a day and it last.
WalkDontRun
25 Sep 2018
I’ve used clonazepam sporadically for years. Recently I tried the 2mg wafers from Teva, but didn’t feel they worked as well as the Teva tablets... Actually I was very surprised they didn’t give the same relief as the tabs. Luckily, I’m only using clonazepam Infrequently and not having the problems others are experiencing with the generic fiasco that’s going on. That said, I did get a script for 1mg tablets filled yesterday at CVS and they are the older green Teva 883.
KayRKen
29 Oct 2018
Called today, left message, very upset.
Tomcable
3 Nov 2018
I called them! I'm having a terrible time... Heart palpitations, ringing in one ear, INSOMNIA!!! Horrible...
Tomcable
5 Nov 2018
I just called them a second time... They really need to hear from others... I also have been taking TEVA .5 once a day for years... I have been "fairly" stable and well... Since starting the Actavis I have been having incredible anxiety, hard heartbeat, ringing in ears, weird mood and the worst of all INSOMNIA! When I lay down to sleep NOTHING HAPPENS! 2, 3, 4, 5 in the morning and my body won't "throttle down" What the heck! It's like i just drank a cup of coffee and it's 1:00 PM instead of 1:00 AM... What a terrible feeling being wide awake and not being able to sleep... I only got 3 hours, then 4 the next night and then only 2 last night... All this from not taking TEVA anymore...
Byrjun
6 Dec 2018
I've had all the same problems. Called them and complained. I could lose my job over this
dejaview
4 Oct 2019
I called and left info + contact info on recording at Teva. No answer. I also filled out complaint form to FDA. No response yet. (Weeks ago)
allsugar50
21 Sep 2018
Now they are both the same. Per call to Teva they are no longer making their formula brand. Since they bought out Actavis they are using that brand. Which is WEAK! I got Teva, so I thought to control seizures on recent script, It was not the same, It was WEAK! After taking it for years of effectively controlling seizures, now it's not. Teva said they are using Actavis formula now.WEAK Doctors are trying to get people off benzo... This isn't right when it was helping so many people.
srichey
21 Sep 2018
I don’t understand how they can just switch me from one generic to another without even giving me notice. I’m going to try to get the brand Klonopin that I took years ago it worked well for me I just don’t know if my insurance will cover it and I hear that the brand Roche is hard to find. I was also told that if I double the dose on Actavis it would work. the 0.5 I took with Teva. I would need a 1.0 of actavis To have the same effect. I’m not sure if this is true
plant_waterer
22 Sep 2018
srichey: Pharmacies switch manufacturers on generic drugs usually because of a price issue and are not required to give you notice, but almost always place a “this is the same medication you have been receiving; color, shape or size may be different” sticker on the prescription bottle. If you’ve previously requested a specific generic manufacturer & your pharmacy is suddenly unable to order it, then they should make a point to personally inform you.
Roche brand name Klonopin is unlikely to be covered by insurance unless specifically requested by your physician.
It’s also considerably pricier. 60 tablets of generic 1mg clonazepam average between $8-10. The Roche equivalent averages around $180.
Simspn74-19
19 Dec 2018
I just got cut off mine and been feeling sick.. I think it's a bunch of crap that they can just do this... something needs to be done...
beckycarter
21 Sep 2018
Actavis was the best until Teva bought it and drastically changed it. Do not believe Teva when they say they did not change Activas. Before Teva's change in July 2018, Activas lasted 16 hours in my system with NO discomfort or side effects. I took two pills a day. Life was good. Then when they gave me the new Teva constituted Actavis all hell has broken lose. The pill only lasts five hours before withdrawal symptoms start. The dosage acts like it is less than half which is causing terrifying, unbearable withdrawal and having to take 6 pills a day and need more. I've been supplementing Teva's Activas with my old original Activas which has saved my life. But the old Activas pills are running out and when I tried to taper back to only Teva's Activas, I have never known such suffering and don't believe I will survive it. My Dr upped my 2 pills a day to 6 pills a day so I could take it every five hours it ran out.
But now I need four more pills a day added to stop the withdrawals from my tapering off my original Activas supplement. The government won't allow that. I know I sound melodramatic, but I cannot survive any more withdrawals from this fake clonazepam by Teva. We made Teva rich with our money and our good advertisement for them and they repay us with a new medication that will cause children to have siezures every five hours and kill people through benzo withdrawal. This pill constitutes mass poisoning for some of us. If you are enjoying the pre-Teva Actavis left in the pipeline, you are so blessed, but please don't counter the rest of us who are suffering on the new Teva Actavis. Millions of people will start enduring it at least by this fall. I believe It was designed to force people to get off benzo's since our type of medicine is being abused and hated. I am taking it for autism co morbids and sensory pain and spasms. Klonopin gave me my life back when I was ready to die at age 29. The government in Tennessee is banning it now and has forced thousands of people to get off against their will so the state's numbers of controlled substance prescriptions will go down. We, the truly sick, are sacrificial lambs keeping the government's prescription numbers low because they can't manage the criminal abusers. If any one knows how I can access an assayer who would prove the extreme difference in medicine dosage amount between the old Actavis and new Teva Actavis I might be able to get my my doctor to increase the dose to stop the withdrawals. I need an assayer who would do this service for me or any one as an individual (all of them only serve companies). Can any one please help me find an assayer soon!!! I'm not ready to die as my sister did from government induced withdrawals.
Inactive
21 Sep 2018
Switch to generic Klonopin wafers I did so and they work great. They are made by Teva, Par and Sun. The brand I switched to is made by Par. Just place it on your tongue and let it dissolve, no water needed.
Tenxsuxplus9
23 Dec 2018
See if your doctor will give you doxepin to take in between your Klonopin. Ive been on 25mg doxepin as a helper for a few years and only take it when I need it. It works very well.
Related topics
anxiety, clonazepam, generic, brand, actavis
Further information
- Clonazepam uses and safety info
- Clonazepam prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Clonazepam (detailed)
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