I've just started Lamictin and my pdoc prescribed the generic. She said she'd had good results from it, and had not yet heard of any horror stories.
I've also had a terrible time with medical aid/insurance. They refused to pay for my T and pdoc visits, saying I'd been excluded for depression - Dumb *** - depression is different, bipolar is coverable by South African law... soo get yourself organised and sort it OUT...!

The stress that finances causes is huge, especially for a BP-er.

I really feel for you, as I've only just been in your shoes.