I have received several different generics from my pharmacy, and some don't seem to work. I know one brand was recalled, so I'm curious as to which ones have been noted as "good"
Wellbutrin - Which generic brand hs been noted as the best equivalent to name brand welbutrin?
Question posted by kaw06 on 16 Feb 2014
Last updated on 12 January 2018
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4 Answers
Inactive
8 Feb 2017
I say "Amen" to Bob's answer. I have heard many people comment positively about Sandoz brand of bupropion sr 150mg twice a day.
I tried many of the generics to find the one most like the brand name med for me. I take Bupropion SR 150mg twice a day manufactured by Mylan Pharmaceuticals. We are all different, so you might have to try a couple to find what works for you. From being on this site for a couple of years, I have seen successful reviews about both the Sandoz generic and the Mylan generic.
Bob_FL
12 Feb 2017
G Mac - have you tried the Mylan 300xl? I've read many good reviews about it. I like the Sandoz 150sr, but a slower release would be preferable - that's why the original worked so well for me. Any insights will be appreciated.
Inactive
12 Feb 2017
Hi Bob: I have tried Mylan 300xl. I tried it twice. I couldn't get past week two, then week three on the next try, because I couldn't tolerate the side effects. Same company, completely different reactions for me from Mylan 150sr than I had to Mylan300xl. The worst intolerable side effect for me was the extreme anxiety and irritability, the headache, the stomach upset. I felt like crying at the drop of a hat, and I am not a "cryer" by nature. I thought it would work as effectively as the SR because it was made by the same company! But NO, since it was on a 24hr extended release, it gave me extreme insomnia as well. It might work better for you. It might agree with your body chemistry much better than it did mine. The only way you will know is if you try. I wish I could have had more positive results. But I still like my Mylan 150sr.
Bob_FL
17 Feb 2017
Just found out that Valeant has a discount card that they will mail to you for activation. If you have health insurance - you're eligible for this program through 12/17. I think the co-pay is around $100. I'm checking this out right now - thanks for the info on Mylan.
Bob_FL
8 Feb 2017
Best by far: Sandoz 150sr (slow release) twice per day. I've spent the last few months researching and experimenting due to Valeant's ridiculous price of $1300 for 30 original brand pills. Valeant's Canadian "brand" for 300xl is not the same as the original by Glaxo - it's just like any other cheap generic. Valaent's pricing has caused millions of people (worldwide) to search for a viable replacement. It's a major problem for those of us who were on the brand when health insurance covered the drug. Now, no insurance company covers the brand, but Sandoz is an excellent alternative. The major pharmacies will not order it for you, so you'll need to go to an independent.
Bob_FL
12 Jan 2018
Revised answer - Canadian Valeant 300xl & Mylan are both excellent for extended release. Sandoz does not make ER and is similar to Wellbutrin before XL.
chuck1957
16 Feb 2014
Hi Kaw06 i believe you had this or something about this the other day this is what i would normally say because the drug store has a record of each brand they have dispenced figure out which bottle or months worth was the one that workd for you and have them order that brand..some chain stores wont do this..OTHER wise here is a answer if you can't remember find out if on your generic wellbutrin if they can order,,, either of these brands DR.Reddy,or Aspen company both of these generics are made by the same company as wellbutrin gsk. IT took me awhile but i got all this infor off of google.But whoever wrote most about the manufactures most work for them because i would have to say at least 1/2 of what they are saying is bs...
like they were saying alot of this stuff started in 2012 about brand names making generic this is so fause it makes me sick.They have been doing this sence the begining of time..A good example is nothing to do with your med but a pain reliever which i looked up for someone else NORCO 10/325 THEY clamed they just made a deal with WATSON COMPANY to make there brand company generic last year..i have been medically disabled from pharmacy for over 10 years this month and i was dispening Watson brand and to my supprise it was even NORCO/325 IN THE WATSON bottle..there is too much room for ripping off customers this way they buy watson and sell it for brand name drug and nobody would know now of all the generic i have seen this is the only one that this was the case. Now go back to the start of this and do what you perfer i put down the 2 companys that make buprioion for the brand name wellbutrin or check with pharmacy for a date that one worked and they can look it up on there computer and tell you that brand you got on that date... chuck1957 med.retir.pharmacy Technician Cpht. this well work friend..if i have confused you at all... send me a im again. almost..89% of all generics are made now by the original manufacture..chuck..let me know if i can help.good luck i know it is frustration when this happens cw
kaw06
17 Feb 2014
Thank you so much my friend for going through the trouble of giving me a detailed answer. I will use it believe me.
chuck1957
17 Feb 2014
Glad to do it for you my friend it is really hard most well say all generic's are the same which they really are but the binders may not be the same just the active ingredents and it could be just that so when you find one that works right try to stick with it and if the pharmacy won't go to a pharmacy that well i held different brands just for some people good luck..its going to work out chuck1957
winters396
12 Aug 2015
Has anyone ever found that wellbutrin does not absorb in your body? 450mgs does not stay in. It just slips right out along with the some from the day before. Doc has never heard of this happening.
CMarieH
2 Dec 2015
winters396: There are other forums regarding this issue. What I've found in my research is that it is not uncommon to pass the shell of a wellbutrin/bopropion xl tablet. They are designed to protect the active ingredient from your stomach acid and slowly release the drug over 24 hours. If you're brave enough you could fish the shell out of your toilet (plastic disposable spoon or fork, disposable gloves) and examine the inside. If it is empty, liquid, or squishy, you're probably fine since this is just the shell and binders left behind. If you find it relatively solid or powdery you may have a problem. Personally, I don't like the sound of a doctor who says he/she's NEVER heard of this. Wellbutrin isn't the only extended release drug out there with this sort of delivery system.
bhouse
16 Feb 2014
I have been using Bupropion, generic for Wellbutrin. 300mg once in the morning and 150mg of Zoloft. This seems to work for me. I know it's awful trying to get medicine right. Best wishes on you getting the right medicine for you. God Bless
Related topics
wellbutrin, pharmacy, generic, brand
Further information
- Wellbutrin uses and safety info
- Wellbutrin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Wellbutrin (detailed)
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