GENERIC LEXAPRO FOR GAD

Has anyone had an issue with having taken real Lexapro and then having to switch to a generic and then having withdrawal symptoms?  I have been on 10mg real Lex for a long time (6+) years for GAD and it really worked.  When the generics came out my insurance switched me to generic Lex by TEVA and I think it worked okay.  The last two refills have been by 2 different makers and the last one (Aurobindo) caused weird symptoms (insomnia, frequent waking, constant headache, eyes feel like sand is in them and my vision looks blurry).  I googled this and found hundreds (686) of complaints about generics.  Although people who said they were started on the generic didn't have the issues???? 

My pharmacy put me back on the real Lex but said this does occur.  I will let you know if I get better on the real deal.

Good luck.  Hypnotherapy has worked for me too.  Puts me to sleep and relaxes me.

BobSmith,

Good Morning and welcome to HealingWell.  When a doctor is writing a prescription, or a consumer is buying an over-the-counter medicine, they may have a choice between a branded medicine and the generic version of that medicine. Generic medicines are sometimes cheaper than brand-name medicines, but the active ingredient (the ingredient that produces the therapeutic effect of the medicine) is the same in both.

Medicines also contain inactive ingredients, which are used to formulate the active ingredient into a tablet, liquid, cream or other preparation. These inactive ingredients are called excipients, and different manufacturers do not always use the same ones when formulating their product. This is why medicines containing the same active ingredient, but made by different manufacturers, may vary in appearance. The excipients used may create small differences between them, such as in color, or the amount of time it takes for a tablet to dissolve in the gut and be absorbed into the bloodstream. However, these differences are rarely significant, which is why generic and branded medicines are  interchangeable.

Generic prescribing is an important cost-saving mechanism, however, do remember that if you have a particular reason for wanting a particular version of a medicine ask your insurance company to provide you with the form for the Dr. to complete stating why he wants you to have the brand medication versus generic. ^{Resource: Mayo Staff}

This topic has come up many times over the years therefore, there must be some truth to the issues that certain people do not do well when switched to a generic drug.

I wish you well and do keep on talking with us,

Kitt

 

Scaredy Cat & STKitt,

Luckily my insurance covers the real Lexapro at a higher cost. My problem is that I don't want to worry about what generic my pharmacy will stock when my refills come in. I seemed fine on the Teva but had the adverse effects on the Aurobindo generic. I don't want to worry about these variances in product. Thanks.