Lexapro - Problem with generic

Hi,

I have suffered with anxiety and depression since childhood, I'm in my 30's now. At the beginning of last year I had complications due to Type 1 diabetes, when the physical problems healed the depression kicked in and I fell apart, I couldn't function or stop crying for months. I finally went to my GP who gave me lexapro. I sat at home for two weeks in bed feeling bizarre, brain zaps, unreal feeling, exhaustion etc, the xanax helped, and suddenly after two weeks these things stopped and began to feel positive, I went outside and walked for the first time in months, I talked to friends and family with a bit of hope in my voice, eventually by this Summer I was like a new person, or the person I should be as I put it, I was calm and happy and content, I was still slightly anxious but it didn't hold the same terror or fear or importance as before and I could move on from situations easily. I finally felt part of the human race for the first time since I was a small child.

In August my pharmacist sold me the generic form of the drug as it was cheaper, he said there was no difference, usually i would panic and research a situation like this but because I was so positive I thought of course no problem!. So I was taking it from end of August, all of September by this stage I was beginning to feel very anxious and wondered if I needed to up the dose from 10 to 15, I went to my GP, she upped it. So I was now taking 15mg generic cheaper version. By October I felt completely off the wall, anxious, paranoid, irritable. I went on holiday to a place where normally even at my most anxious in the past I would be able to relax and quiet my mind and actually have a bit of peace, but this time I was off the wall!! I was crying uncontrollably, outburst of anger and nastiness (which is not like me at all) I would sleep for hours one day and not at all for another two days. I wondered whether the drug just doesn't work on me anymore and fell deeper and deeper into the thoughts of what's the point, I had a glimpse during the summer of how great my life could be and it's gone in an instant.

So I googled info on the generic, and found many horror stories of people like me who had success on the brand lexapro and fell apart on the generic! I'm horrified but also happy to find this out as I felt so alone and useless the last few months. I have been taking the proper brand lexapro for about 2-3 weeks now, I have brain zaps, exhaustion, huge anxiety, paranoia, etc. I went to my GP Thursday, she doens't believe a generic would be any different and thinks I'm having a blip as it's winter etc she gave me xanax, signed me off work for two weeks and told me to relax, I go back to her in two weeks and she might change to another med if lexapro's not working.

Sorry for such a long post but I know it can take weeks for lexapro side effects to go and the good stuff to kick in but because my situation is not black and white, as in, I was through the side effects and had a great experience, then from Aug to November was taking the generic which was basically more like going off proper lexapro cold turkey to my body, now back on the proper brand and going through the side effects again, I'm looking for some light at the end of the tunnel really. Has anyone got any experience in my situation or information on how to cope with the next few weeks, I just keep thinking what if I never get back on track :(

Hi M1914 and welcome!

I am sorry to hear of your current struggle. Yes, we have heard many similar stories here about generic vs. brand name. As MomtoG&Q mentioned above...the compounding can make a difference that some people are sensitive to.

I am glad that you are now back on track...and no doubt you will feel better again soon, once you are leveled out on your original Rx...

...but your system has been through a lot of changes recently, so be patient with yourself and the process!

For now, here are some great self-help links to help you through any rough spots. You may already know these and practice them regularly...but if not, let me encourage you to try them...they can make a huge difference!

Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

 

http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/73076/34334/breathing-lessons/

http://www.healthyplace.com/

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

http://www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html

http://www.psybersquare.com/anxiety/panic_relax_I

Keep posting with us if you find it helpful. We understand and support is key!

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat

I am having the same problem right now with xanax took the name brand could keep panic under control my insurance no longer pays for name brand so had to switch to generic lts like taking candy it dont help at all the last 3 months has been hell panic every day, I feel for you I know what your going through, if your insurance will pay for it go back to name brand if they dont put in an appeal thats what I am doing now good luck

I never get brand as insurance won't allow when generic is available and doc won't insist on brand name.

I feel there is ALWAYS a major difference between the two but cost is vast.

Generic has same active ingredients after lots of study.

I just thought I'd ask as it popped into my mind today. I was originally started on lexapro at 5mg for 10 days, increased to 10mg thereafter and felt great on that dose for months. When I was switched to generic it was a month of 10mg before I went to my GP who increased my dose to 15mg. And as I say in my original post things just got worse. I have been taking the proper brand for about 3 weeks now at 15mg but wondering should I actually have gone through stages again, as in when switched from having generic for two months back onto brand should I have started at 5mg or 10mg, and could that be a reason I'm not seeing results as quick and feeling a lot more anxious than ever before. MIght just be clutching at straws today but opinions would be appreciated :-/