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Generic Lamictal

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Posted 1/21/2011 10:51 PM (GMT 0)

Hi, this is my first ever post. I am searching for any information that people may have on generic medication- both scientific or anecdotal. Why does everyone (that I've read on posts) complain about generic versions? Doesn't the FDA absolutely mandate the chemical make-up that produces the efficacy to be identical to the brand name? I've heard certain additives are altered, but still...

I have been on Wellbutrin SR, generic, for six months now. Due to fogginess and a sudden inability to critically think (like abstract math equations), I concluded that it was the Wellbutrin. I did a cold turkey on the Wellbutrin, and voila, my mental sharpness had returned, however, so had the depression. :( My psychiatrist now has me on generic Lamictal, and last night was my first dose- 50 mg. I feel a little groggy today (similar to how I felt on Paxil a couple years ago), but I presume it is just my brain make-up adjusting to the new medicine. I am concerned that the generic will not be as effective, or will induce serious side-effects. Should I be in fear of generic Lamictal? Is it a waste of time? Should I pay the extra money for the brand name? I don't want my keen thought processes to fade again, because I'm in college taking hard courses. So if anybody has any information to share on generic Lamictal, please do! I will also be willing to keep anyone that is interested updated on my trial with this new medicine. My psychiatrist will only switch me to a new medicine if I tell her this. She makes appointments last less than 3 minutes, doesn't ask questions, and evades all my scientific questions about medicine. I'm currently looking for a new one, but for now, I'd like to get some insight through those that have been on this medication. Thanks all,

Billy

Posted 1/21/2011 11:42 PM (GMT 0)
Do you have a psychologist or a counselor? That is where you do your talking. Psychiatrists usually only prescribe medications and talk for a very short while. So if you need to talk, a counselor is the way to go.

From what I understand, the generics can vary in potency of the drug by 15%. That is a lot. Recently my xanax has looked different and is more sedating. That is how I got this information, through my psychologist. But most drugs are too expensive to buy the brand name.

I hope that your new med works for you.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 1/21/2011 11:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I had a lot of fogginess on Wellbutrin, Lamictal doesn't seem to have any noticeable side effects. The one with the least side effects (cognitive) I've ever experienced is Lexapro.
Posted 1/21/2011 11:49 PM (GMT 0)
Lamictal is for bipolar by the way
Posted 1/21/2011 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, thank you all for your genuine responses. I will check on the brand name price of the medication, since "It's Genetic" has informed me the prices are reasonable. To "Getting by," no I don't yet have a psychologist. I thought I'd be able to make it without one, but I may need one afterall. "Journey2Health," My psychiatrist thinks my symptoms have evolved to more of Bipolar symptoms than just depression, so she's trying Lamotrigine (sp?) in which she said was the best mood stabilizer for those suffering from depression. Being a healthy college student, I also don't want any changes in my sex drive. I've heard strange stories of Lamictal actually sky-rocketing sex drive. I suppose I don't have a problem with that. haha. But my main concern right now is the fact I'm taking generic pills. The next time I see my psychiatrist, I will talk to her about the brand name. Thanks again for your quick and genuine responses.
P.S. To: It's Genetic, I agree with your assessment of my psychiatrist. Medicine is nothing to treat lightly. She should be asking all kinds of probing questions to ensure my well-being, but unfortunately I got stuck with one that "sees too many patients a day," just to quote something she said to me a couple months ago. Anyway, stay healthy and active everyone :)
Posted 1/27/2011 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
Cognitivism, my question is how to you think of smart things to talk about like this line in you're sentence
Doesn't the FDA absolutely mandate the chemical make-up that produces the efficacy to be identical to the brand name? I've heard certain additives are altered, but still...

How did you do that? I used to do that. But I used to be on medidate.
It was a stimulant. Those were the high flying times of my life.
Posted 1/28/2011 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
Cognitivism,

I am on Lamictal & my psychiatrist has me taking brand name only because we are afraid that the unpredictability of the generics could have significant repercussions for me. That being said, brand name Lamictal is very expensive, unless your insurance covers it. I have not yet met my deductible for the year, so I essentially have no insurance coverage at the moment. I actually just picked up a Lamictal prescription today (200 mg, #30) & it cost me $209 for a 30 day supply. Fortunately, though, when I started taking Lamictal a couple months ago, my doc gave me a coupon (good for 12 uses) that cuts $40 off the cost of the prescription. With the discount I paid $169, but that is still VERY expensive, especially considering that this is not the only medication that I am on & not the only brand name medication that I am on.

If you & your doc do decide to stick with the brand name, definitely ask your doc about a Lamictal refund card, or go online to get one.

Skeye
Posted 1/28/2011 4:32 AM (GMT 0)
"Givinguponit24," I know what you mean by high-flying times. I occasionally take amphetamines (Adderall) when I have long nights of studying or need to be extra focused for important lectures. I'm a college student. To answer your question about my sentences, I'm really not that intelligent compared to some other college students. I do, however, have a decent proficiency in speech, and on top of that, writing is my past time. I am on a pre-medical track to medical school. This is only my first year of college. But you're right when you implied stimulants help with wording of sentences. When I take Adderall, I speak as if I'm one of the great poets of the 19th century. I've never heard of medidate.

"Skeye,"  thanks for your input. I'm riding out the generic this month, and then I'll check with my insurance company to see if they'll cover the brand name. Sorry to hear about not having your insurance coverage yet for this year. That's gotta be hard. I'll look into the Lamictal Refund Card. Thanks guys,

William

Posted 1/28/2011 6:56 PM (GMT 0)
I see. Thats wonderful. I hope you get to where you want to be. Just aim high you'll get there.
Yeah Medidate is just like adderall. I think you're smart with your proficiency and grammar and use of punctuation. Just like a poet.
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