Problems with generic Wellbutrin xl anyone?

When I picked up my latest prescription of wellbutrin xl, I noticed it was a different manufacturer than usual. In the back of my mind, I remembered reading how certain manufacturer's versions of wellbutrin xl have caused real problems for people, but I didn't think about that for more than a few seconds and went on my way.

About the second dose or so of this generic, I realized I was getting depressed, lethargic, having headaches, nausea. So today I did a bit more investigating of the generics, and sure enough, the manufacturer I am on now causes problems for some people. Not everyone by any means, but enough that complaints have been filed with the FDA about this problem.

I guess I'll start with calling my pharmacist to see if they still carry the old generic I have been using all this time with no problems. I'm not sure what they do for me, but it's a start. I may end up calling my pdoc to have him issue a prescription for brand name only. He actually used to do that all the time for this very reason, but somewhere along the line it got changed to generic. I don't remember when or how.

Anyone else ever run into this problem?

I had that problem with my thyroid medicine. Great idea to start with discussing it with your pharmacist.

I have taken several generic formulations of Buproprion, but have never had an issue.

Yes, I had a problem with generic Wellbutrin SR. Both were bupropion SR, but the one worked for me & had been for several years. Then I switched pharmacies & the new pharmacy used a different brand. I noticed a change in my moods almost immediately & asked the pharmacist if therre could be a difference between the 2 & he said possibly. I switched back to the first one & leveled out again. It is now on my records to only fill my scripts with the one brand. This is also true with another medication I take, so sometimes it's worth asking if there is a different generic. Or if you were getting the Brand name then switched to a generic & notice a change, that could be the issue.

I spoke to the pharmacist who said that this does happen for some people. Insurance won't cover another refill until sometime next month. I called my pdoc and spoke to him and he said this is definitely a problem that he has seen quite a few times. He has some samples to get me through until my next refill, so I'll pick those up tomorrow.

Oh yes, I have. It was the second worst med I've ever taken in terms of side effects (the first worst being Lamical). I got very restless, so I couldn't sleep or stay still or focus, and I was overheating alot.

Glad you've found a temporary solution and identified the issue, farmergirl! Not everyone is that sensitive to different manufacturers - I haven't noticed any such problems.

Even if you have insurance, the brand-name Wellbutrin is extremely expensive if you have percentage-based copays. If you can get them to specify the proper generic, or work with your pharmacist to ensure that you're getting the right one, that may be much more affordable.

Fortunately I have pretty decent medication benefits.

Oh, I hated Welbutrin. I was on 150 mg, which isn't even the normal dose, and it was still awful. I swear it was the worst medicine aside of Strattera I have ever taken. I took it for ADD and it made me so sluggish and gross. I also gained weight.

Maybe it was just the manufacturer. Because I had an awful experience and I've heard it actually really works for people.

There is a generic XL? I know there's generic SR and generic buprion but, for some reason I always get brand XL. I assumed that was because there was no generic yet because drug companies are sneaky like that.

My Wellbutrin XL isn't expensive here in Canada, around 50 per month before insurance but, I could always go for some savings. I'll keep your experience in mind.

Upon further reading, generic XL isn't available in Canada.

Wow, just more evidence of how badly we're getting screwed in the US on pharma costs...

With my insurance - which is reasonably decent - Wellbutrin XL brand name (for my dosage, 300mg/day) would cost me around $250/month, total retail price $271.66.

For generic bupropion, it's a total retail of $34.46 and my copay is around $12.