Generic Drugs vs. The Real Thing

FreeToBeGG · Post by **FreeToBeGG** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 11:34 pm

Hi, all! I recently learned something from my therapist that struck me as really interesting, and I wanted to put it out here to see if anyone else had been told this.

She said that generic drugs are only required to have something like 80% of the actual drug in them, making them a little less effective than the name brand drug. Has anyone else heard this???

Thanks,
Genie

thevictor · Post by **thevictor** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 12:45 am

Yes, I have heard this. I went through this. I was on Zoloft and got switched to the generic form. I could feel it little by little not working. I was on it for about 6 months, when I "crashed" and my depression and anxiety came back full force. (I hadn't had any problems for 4 years). I finally asked my doctor about it (she didn't know that the pharmacy had switched me), and she said, "oh, yeah, the generic isn't as strong. It doesn't work as well for a lot of people."
So, here I am back to square one. I started back on the real Zoloft and now I am just trying to be patient waiting for it to kick in. I wish I had said something to my doctor sooner.

-Jenny

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 2:39 am

Hi there, Genie and Jenny:
All my medications are generic. They seem to be working just fine.
My insurance won't pay for the brand names.
I take blood pressure meds, diabetic meds, etc.
All generic.
Maybe it depends on the type of medications.
MJ

stargazer · Post by **stargazer** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 12:01 pm

This is interesting! I have been on a low dose of paxil for a little over a year, for the past 2 months the Pharmacy had given me generic. They said they didn't have the regular paxil. I thought nothing of it, but have had headaches and I do feel like it isn't woking the same. The Pharmasist told me she would take the paxil and put it aside for me, for next month. They act like there is a shortage or something. Thank you for sharing this information, it was very helpful!!

Maestra B. A. B. · Post by **Maestra B. A. B.** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 12:18 pm

This is interesting (and frustrating!); years ago I read an article that there are 4 scripts that should not be taken generically: heart and blood pressure med., birth control, and ssrs's. (Certainly 4 meds that one wants 100% potentency!) At the time my rx coverage was only $5 more for brand name, as long as the physician requested it (he did- because it seemed like I got more headaches from generic xanax)

Later, I read another article that the only difference between generic vs. brand name is the property that "binds" the drug together, and this is only a concern for those who might be allergic to the binding compound (very few).

Until now, I had not read/heard anything else, but this is scary (and

DISGUSTING:mad: if it's true). I'm soo grateful that I'm slowing switching to natural supplements and vitamins.

I'm very curious to read what others (esp. those in the medical field) have to say about this.
fischee