I have been taking 75 mg daily Effexor XR I am feeling great. Doctor renewed prescript and wrote it for Generic (93 7385 ) Do Brand name and Generic Effexor work on the same ??
Is Generic Effexor as good as Brand name Effexor ?
Question posted by CatAnder on 27 July 2010
Last updated on 8 December 2022 by HopeTN
16 Answers
Official Answer
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 2, 2020.
Effexor (venlafaxine hydrochloride) and Effexor XR are prescription medications that have been licensed to treat depression in adults. Effexor XR is also licensed to treat generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder. Both medications are manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, and both are available in generic form.
Short acting generic Effexor tablets are made by various companies (such as Teva Pharmaceuticals and Mylan Pharmaceuticals) and are available in the following strengths:
Venlafaxine 25 mg
Venlafaxine 37.5 mg
Venlafaxine 50 mg
Venlafaxine 75 mg
Venlafaxine 100 mg.
Generic long-acting Effexor XR capsules are currently made by Teva Pharmaceuticals and are available in the following strengths:
Venlafaxine XR 37.5 mg capsules
Venlafaxine XR 75 mg capsules
Venlafaxine XR 150 mg capsules.
Osmotica Pharmaceutical Corp also makes long acting versions of the following strengths
Venlafaxine ER 37.5 mg
Venlafaxine ER 75 mg
Venlafaxine ER 150 mg
Venlafaxine ER 225 mg.
The long-acting venlafaxine ER tablets are technically not a generic version of Effexor XR. Thus, they are not interchangeable with Effexor XR (or generic Effexor XR) capsules.
Venlafaxine XR (Teva ) has been assigned an "AB" rating by the FDA meaning it should be equivalent to Effexor XR .
The Teva generic Venlafaxine XR 75mg should be as good as Effexor XR 75mg.
Check that you have been given the Teva generic.
mistiemaxx
16 Jan 2012
There is a difference between generic brands. It has to do with the "binding" ingredients used by each manufacture. Although the core ingredients remain the same, each pharmaceutical company uses different binding ingredients.
You may be sensitive to the different binding ingredients, and if your Effexor (venlafaxine hydrochloride) is coming from a different pharmaceutical company, the binding ingredients can cause you to have a whole new set of reactions.
For example, I can take Venlafaxine HCL made by MYLAN, but the TEVA generic made me jumpy, anxious, sweaty and gave me blinding headaches. Unfortunately, MYLAN is no longer making Venlafaxine HCL and I am working with my doctor to find another generic that will work.
So, if you are having a reaction to your usual meds, check the pharmaceutical company on your prescription bottle to make sure it hasn’t changed. If it has, ask your Pharmacist to fill your prescription using the old company.
SibeMom
20 Jan 2012
I was on Venlafaxine XR (150 mg) by Teva and doing fine, but then my pharmacy switched to Velnafaxine ER by Aurobindo and I am having breakthrough depression on the same dosage. I read the other comments here about different reactions to binding ingredients, but I'm wondering if Aurobindo is using inferior core ingredients.
Nurynunez
7 Nov 2014
I have been using the name brand effexor for years and it always works for me but i stop using it for three years and i was fine now im on the generic of effexor by teva and i feel terrible head hurts, swet, i can't sleep and my period is crazy bleeding i feel more depress. I have never ever had these side effects ever on effexor xr name brand! I know something has to be in that generic medicine. It's weird that tge generic is 40 and namebrand 250 dollars! Does not make since to me at all, generic effexor does not works!
tracieaw
26 June 2015
There is a huge difference. I haven't felt myself in about 6 mths. or more. so I starting looking online about venflaxine and if it stops working for some ppl. There was a lady on there saying she started feeling the same way and like me started looking for answers. She called the pharmacist and he told her that the brand she was taking had a recall on it for dissolution. She gave the pharmaceutical company name. So I called my pharmacy and it ended up being the same place mine came from in India. So my pharmacist changed mine to Tevia. I didn't think about the difference at the time but I only took 1 mth of the Tevia and when I had it refilled they gave me the old brand. My hub picked it up for me so I just kept them because the pharmacist said it was a new batch but now that I look back I really think that the recalled meds are still out there. (The FDA had a noticed online that said it wasn't enough difference for drs or pharmacist to notify patients)
Skeeter1111
1 Sep 2015
There is absolutely no way you can compare the TEVA brand to the name brand. The generic gave me horrible head aches, I was sluggish and sweaty, and had a very short temper. I switched back to EFFEXOR xr and all those side effects went away. I also did have changes in my period like one of the other people said. You can go the Pfizer website to get discounts on the name brand!
DJ210
14 Nov 2015
If you can possibly find a pharmy with the Osmotica Pharmaceutical version of your venlefaxine XR, they have been, hands down, the best with a steady state. I have tried many others that did not agree with me, at all.
P
HopeTN
21 Jan 2021
Huge difference and my psychiatrist said I am not the only one... the person from October will you please share what filler and what meds you can and can’t take?!
auddiemae
4 Oct 2020
Generic brands ARE NOT exactly the same as the reg. brand. For EffexorXR, I had horrible effects when our pharmacy switched the generic brand. My wonderful MD took TIME to try to figure out what was going on. It seems there is one filler in many off brands that actually stops the medication from being allowed to be utilized in many people. I actually was nearly passing out from the switch, and the pharmacist would not help me.
I now have a list of brand names that I can take in my file, but today picked up my prescription and low and behold, they filled it with one I cannot take.
The main ingredient may be the same, but the fillers and material the capsules are made of are inferior - some capsules begin to dissolve in my mouth before I swallow them!. So, if you are having various reactions, have your physician research what the fillers are- you may be allergic to them, or they are stopping the effectiveness FOR YOU.
camille777
31 July 2020
Ok, I was vomiting last night after attempting again to switch to generic. It’s not even close to the same.
Kuila
26 June 2019
Whether the generic you are taking is "as good" as the brand name differs substantially between manufacturers and between individuals. The active molecule may be identical, but the ratio to binder can vary, as can the type of binder, the type of capsule, and the absolute active amount. Even in people taking the exact same capsule, reactions very widely, so no surprise that taking even a slightly different formulation can change response. We also don't know EXACTLY the mechanism involved within the brain. This is all true of any psychotropic medication. For venlafaxine specifically, Teva seems to be the more reliable replacement for Effexor XR. For me personally, Aurobindo is disastrous. I have a mild allergic response, plus the amount of active compound is reduced enough to cause withdrawal symptoms (in the same dose). Other people prefer other generics or need the brand name. You really have to advocate (aka, be a screaming PITA) for yourself to get the meds you need.
WildcatVet
26 June 2019
I take all but one of my medications in the generic forms and I've never noticed any difference in efficacy.
If you do find that one generic works better for you you can request that your pharmacy special order it for you. Most chain and family pharmacies will honor your request.
WildcatVet
31 July 2020
No difference between the brand name and any generic... and no difference in generics from different manufacturers. And I've been on these types of medications for decades.
pay-shent
27 Jan 2019
I just switched from Effexor XR to generic Venlafaxine (to eliminate the need for a drug formulary exemption from my insurance company and then having the prescription filled with the Effexor XR Savings Card used as secondary insurance) and so far I do not notice a difference. I get it from Walgreens and it is made by Aurobindo. They have apparently been making it since 2011 and is one of maybe ten companies currently making the generic.
Lilikoian
15 Feb 2018
I googled this question because I too have found dramatic differences between manufacturers’ formulations. It either works beautifully, and I feel good, or it doesn’t work at all and I feel like crap. 180 degree difference.
For me Teva 75 mg XR is perfect.
Current product is made by Torrent, makes me feel worse than baseline. Both are generics, but for me one generic works and one doesn’t.
Hoping my psychiatrist can get this fixed with the insurance company.
Kgub
21 April 2017
The pharmacy has to put it through without insurance or it won't come out to the 30. CVS put it through my insurance and because the insurance companies negotiate a discount it came to 118.00. When she didn't use it with insurance then it was only 30.00. It says it right on the coupon but many pharmacist don't read it and put it through insurance. Hope this helps. I just started Effexor xr brand and in 2 weeks can feel positive effects. Have some insomnia and jitters but doc says will all go away once my body is used to it.
SD Daemon
25 April 2018
Jitters and insomnia are common side effects. I take melatonin at night to help with sleep cycle and Effexor X-ray in morning.
Dantzr
23 Aug 2016
I have been taking the generic for almost a year now and it seems to have worked wonderfully. However, my doctor lowered the dosage, and changed to XR, and prescribed the brand for me and now, being uninsured, I cannot afford it. My Dr. suggested I go to EffexorXR.com to see if they are one of the drug companies who help. They are!! On the main page for the site, I signed up for their "help card" and now pay $30 a month because I am uninsured, but if I had insurance I could only be paying $4 a month depending on the insurance company. If cost is one of the main reasons your Dr. switched you to generic... try this out!!! I am happier than a puppy in a 'treat' factory!!! I take 3 pills a day and was paying... with a prescription discount card... almost $600 for 3 months. Now it is $90. This is something you MUST try out right away!!! And no... I am not a spokesman for the company... I am an auditor for a hotel. I just HAD to pass this along to others in a sinking boat as I was!!!
WildcatVet
23 Aug 2016
I agree, Dantzr! Help IS available as long as you LOOK for it.
tinalambert
30 Dec 2016
Omg... You rock! I stopped taking this a few years ago as I had hit a plateau. I have tried numerous other drugs, but none had the same positive effects. About eight months ago I asked my doctor if I could discontinue use of Celexa (which was OK but not nearly as effective for me) and she agreed so I have not been taking anything at all. Up until about two weeks ago I have been great. Now, I don't want to leave the house, shower, see anyone, and cry at the drop of a dime. Sadly, I am in need of help with my depression. I have Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield prescription drug coverage, however a months supply was quoted to be roughly $275/month. That's outrageous. Thank you so much for your input as well as everyone else's!!!
hallquarry
11 April 2017
I can attest to the difference between Brand Name Effexor and Generic Effexor also.
I had worse sweating and heart palpatations. Scary to say the least. I now order only Brand Name and get my script from Canada Drugs On Line. I do save about 50% but still pay a dear price for the Brand Name. It's worth the extra money to feel well.
I am very interested in this card that allows you to get the Brand Name Effexor for $30.00 per month. I will go on the site mentioned and peek around. I have no insurance. My ObamaCare would only pay for generic so couldn't afford insurance and Brand Name Effexor so I chose to buy meds so I can function. System is corrupt.
stevie76
22 April 2016
I'm 71 years old with a prostate problem. The generic xr almost stopped me from urinating and this was the 1st time I tried Venlafaxine and took a full day to get out of my system. So you guys out there that may have a prostate issue, BEWARE, you may have your urinary system shut down.
teacherhottie26
8 Feb 2016
NO, the brand name and generic products are most definitely NOT the same!
I started out taking the generic brand for about 3 mnths--the side effects were horrible, including intense bouts of sweating (night sweats were the worst), headaches, and extreme fatigue. I started taking the name brand when I stumbled upon a coupon directly from the manufacturer that made my out of pocket cost $4/mnth. Within about 2 weeks or so of taking the brand new, I felt amazing--better than I have ever felt in my life-- and my only side effect was a headache that lasted for about a week while my body got used to the Effexor brand drug.
About 4 weeks ago, I got stuck with the generic again when my pharmacy ran out of the name brand. The last 4 weeks have been awful! I have been sweaty, had headaches, been exhausted, and feel like I'm in a daze or fog. When I asked my doctor about it, he was adamant that the generic CAN and DOES usually differ from the name brand in multiple ways. including the actual amount of the active ingredient in the pill. I thought I was just weird, but he confirmed that it was definitely likely and has been commonly reported.
He wrote my new script for DAW-dispense as written, so no generics can be subbed in place of the name brand. I started the brand name tonight and definitely have the small headache again but already feel more alive. The short lived headache is so worth it to feel like I used to!
On a side note, google Effexor ER and visit the manufacturer's website. They have a choice card you can have emailed to you that provides for $30 or $4 per mnth prices on name brand prescriptions, depending on whether or not you have insurance. They also have a program that some people with lower income and medical needs may be eligible for to help cover the cost of the meds. The choice card has made it possible for me to take the brand name drug, and I'm so truly grateful for both!
starrlreed
11 April 2017
I so agree with TE, Huge difference between Brand Name and Generic! Thank you for info on Google Effexor ER!
Llamamama
16 Nov 2017
I have been on Effexor XR for years! It isn't working efficiently anymore and I am trying to wean off. My Dr put me on the regular and wants me to cut 50mg every two weeks. I am terrified but need to change. The scariest thing is I can't tell if what I got is the same or genetic. I was suddenly switched when the generic came out and spent 5 horrifying days in the hospital while they readjusted me to the name brand again. Forget the sweats! What I went through was like I imagine hell would be!!! How can I be sure I'm getting effexor when they are all called venlafaxine now?
Llamamama
16 Nov 2017
I have been on Effexor XR for years! It isn't working efficiently anymore and I am trying to wean off. My Dr put me on the regular and wants me to cut 50mg every two weeks. I am terrified but need to change. The scariest thing is I can't tell if what I got is the same or genetic. I was suddenly switched when the generic came out and spent 5 horrifying days in the hospital while they readjusted me to the name brand again. Forget the sweats! What I went through was like I imagine hell would be!!! How can I be sure I'm getting effexor when they are all called venlafaxine now?
chuck1957
7 Dec 2015
Yes for most people I started on brand name when it came out and was switched to generic by the pharmacy due to my Insurance and have had no problems at all. The only difference in generic and brand is the binders or inert ingredients which most people do not have problems with the Newest FDA should be read on the FDA site. the newest that both brand and generic have to meet is there can not be more than 3..5 to 4% difference in drug and that is the same standard for brand names and they have gone so far as when testing generic drugs to brand is test patients the blood was drawn at all different hours of the day and it had to match the same level of drug as the brand. any of you that want go to the fda web site and read all of this yourself. Now if we could just get them to have to release exact binders.But some well never be happy about the genetics and that is okay if they want to pay the brand price.
And there is a rare occasions that someone may have a problem with a binder in a generic But also the mind is very powerful and you can make up your mind even before you take it. But that does not mean the drug is not as effective.SO IT IS THE SAME STANDARDS NOW FOR BRAND NAME AND GENERIC DRUGS as far as the sweating did you just start this medication or have you been on it for some time. Because that would make a lot of difference if it continues talk to your doctor this could just be one you can't take and need something else. Chuck1957 Merry Christmas to all of you or happy Holidays and may there be a cure for all of this someday. CHUCK.
Inactive
6 Dec 2015
The generic Effexor is pure garbage. It actually made me worse. Soon as I switched to brand zero side effects.
tlmccall34
6 Dec 2015
I am so glad I cam across this post. I have been taking venlafaxine hcl ER 150 mg for a little over a year and it was a miracle drug for me. But the side effects e.g. excessive sweating, became almost unbearable. I have tried to come off of it several times because of this. Does the name brand not have these same side effects? As I mentioned I have tried to come off of it but have not been able to due to extreme depression, depression I did not have when I started taking it. I started taking it because of extreme anxiety with mild depression.
Inactive
6 Dec 2015
I recommend trying the brand. It's more expense but no side effects and it works.
tlmccall34
6 Dec 2015
I have insurance, but how much does it usually cost? Does the name brand not cause the sweating?
eyeon15
11 Feb 2014
GENERICS CAN BE DIFFERENT -- from the brand name and from each other, in two important ways. First, as others have mentioned they can have DIFFERENT BINDERS. People may react to the binders, and especially with extended release, different binders can give different releasing times. Teva extended release welbutrin was so different from the brand in it's timing that many health plans dropped it. Second, AMOUNTS OF ACTIVE INGREDIENT CAN BE DIFFERENT. Check with FDA regulations or those in your country if not USA -- on many medications there is a 20% variability that is considered the "same." Not if you're taking it! True, some generics work just as well as brand; some even work better for some people -- but those who say they are the same are not well informed.
cicidel
29 Sep 2011
I have just switched from brand to generic effexor. I am sweating like crazy. The sweating coincides with the switch to generic. There is no way I can keep taking the generic, it's almost October. I cannot bear to think of what May next year will be like in the NY heat. That's the only thing I feel is different, the sweating. I am sure they are the same formulas but I am guessing the time release of the generic is a lot faster.
terica3825
31 Dec 2011
I have definitely noticed that since I have been on anti-depressants in general that I have been way more sweaty. I live in WI and the same as you in NY our winters are COLD! I am sweating even though I am freezing. Just wondering if you (as or anyone else on Effexor) has noticed sweating like this? Thanks friend!
SibeMom
20 Jan 2012
I sweat like crazy on Venlafaxine too, and so does a friend. I think it has to do with the antidepressants slowing our metabolism. I always carry a tissue to dab sweat off my face, and when I work outside in summer I have to wear a hat or it pours into my eyes! It's aggravating but still better than the alternative.
Johnanon
26 Aug 2015
Dito on sweating, but on the brand name.
tlmccall34
8 Feb 2016
Yes. I had the same thing with the generic effexor. Not so much with the name brand. Which are you taking?
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