[aaronsmack]

I thought this article about the very loose FDA requirements for generic meds might be useful to some people, especially if your pharmacy recently switched the manufacturer for one of your meds. I'm not a conspiracy theorist nor am I a Dr. Oz fanatic. I've heard what he says in this article from my psychiatrist as well as other disparate resources, but he sums it all up very nicely. It's important for those of us taking generic medications to keep this in mind.

What You Need to Know About Generic Drugs
What You Need to Know About Generic Drugs | The Dr. Oz Show

[Loial]

I have found switching generics in my antidepressant (Citalopram) resulted in short periods of side effects like nausea which I had only initially experienced when starting the med.

It definitely shows some difference in brands of generics but I ultimately found no decrease in the effectiveness of the medicine overall.

Still, it is worrying that generics could potentially not be delivering the same effects.

[WildcatVet]

I've never had a problem with any generic working as well as the brand but the inert ingredients can be very different and maybe cause reactions.

[-jimi-]

Nothing of this was news to me. I've learned what generics I can take and which I must avoid. My pharmacy hates me for being finicky. I sometimes have to pay extra. But some of the generic meds are pure crap.

[bpforever1]

For some reason generic Abilify made me sleepy and hungry. I could not stay awake and was becoming depressed then switched back to brand Abilify and feel fine now.

I have akathisia again now though. But, I can live with this. The shakes is better than being so tired where I can't keep awake. I also gained weight and am slowly trying to lose it. I'm glad I did not blow up into a big blimp but was going to the rate I was eating. Nothing is perfect but I'll stick with brand Abilify despite the cost.

[aaronsmack]

Originally Posted by -jimi-

Nothing of this was news to me. I've learned what generics I can take and which I must avoid. My pharmacy hates me for being finicky. I sometimes have to pay extra. But some of the generic meds are pure crap.

Good for you! Everybody should do this, IMO. I've gone so far as to ask which generic manufacturer will be used to fill my prescription when I drop it off. They probably don't like me asking, but they will still tell me. The more challenging issue for me is for refillable prescriptions that I get thru mail order. They come in 3-month supplies, and manufacturers change without warning. Local pharmacies don't give me any warning either, but at least there's an an actual person I can talk to, and I'll never get stuck with a 3-month supply of s***** medicine . For this very reason I'm going to stop using mail order for any of my psych meds.

It's beyond me why the FDA is so loose with generic requirements, and it makes me so freaking angry!!! I get that tightening requirements would likely increase cost, but I think it'd be worth it to know what you're getting isn't +-45% of another manufacturer's version. That's absolutely ludicrous!

[88Butterfly88]

Wow, scary really. I haven't had problems with generic psych meds but I can't tolerate generic thyroid medication.

Interesting article.

There are certain generics my pdoc simply will not allow. He specifies brand name because he's had too many patients report problems with the generics. Before the widely reported problems with Wellbutrin xl generics (that were actually pulled off the market for a while), he had specified brand name for me because I had a terrible response when my pharmacy switched manufacturers to the one that the FDA eventually recalled -- ended up in the hospital actually. There were a couple others he had given up on generics for -- not all generics, but some have a bad track record. Report problems with them to your prescriber and to the FDA.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/.../ucm053074.htm

Here's an article about the FDA recall I wrote about:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidma.../#2d2d870467cb

[Mountaindewed]

I don’t think I’ve been on anything but generic medications. I can’t handle too many kinds, but the ones I am on work for me.

[WildcatVet]

You can Google the inert ingredients of most generics...if a generic doesn't settle well just avoid those ingredients...most pharmacies are happy to accommodate your needs by special ordering your preference...

[valhala65]

I've just gotten to the point where i just don't trust Anything our gov't says or does-Especially big pharma, max profits are Top priority by Any means !! Research it, their Voluminous income is hard to account & has unequilled political clout, decides leaders of nations(installed Or removed). The fda is but one tentacle, they decide what, when & If Any drug makes market, any "cure" is " legally" absorbed & patent/rights are purchased then vaulted as if it never was. Why?? Cause the cash is in treatment not a cure. These pharmacies are supposed to work for the public but Many are Assholes! Avoid the big chains. A friend wanted off pain meds that They hooked him on(i warned), he finally located an MD for subotex help - 90 min drive. IF ops are an Epidemic Why Not make help docs easier access? Big chains rules said he had to get whole script filled/paid once monthly $7-800 a pop, what a douche !! Few tortured months later I found a small pharmacy - great folks, he can get mm a day If he wants. Doc says "your Our boss so tell us“ just keep it legal.... Crazy times! I wish you all good health-- Please forgive my intrusion.... PS, watch those fillers...