Have You Recently Switched To Generic Zoloft?

[Grama-Herc]

Due to changes in insurance(ain't it fun) I am now on generic zoloft. Never put 2 and 2 together until this morning.

It has suddenly occurred to me that my meds don't seem to be working as well as they use to and I am certainly not as level as I was. I see my old self creeping back and could not understand why. This has been going on for a while and now maybe I know why.

I need to know if anyone else is experiencing this same thing.

I do know that there are a few generics that Are Not recommended by physicians.....due to being to unstable. I know because mother is on one of them. Once she got off the generic and on to the *real* med she was fine, right down to the blood tests necessary to follow the med.

 

[godhelpusoneandall]

Ha! They suck! I went through a spat of depression and couldn't afford the real stuff. (I had taken in previously and it worked well). The generic did not work as well and gave me brutal intestinal problems. I stopped taking it and started taking some very high quality multi vitamins and Omegas by Advocare. Worked very well. Oh, for anxiety, I am taking, when needed a really cheap antihisimine that also works for anxiety. It works very, very well.

What most people don't know about generics is that there are three classes A B and Cs. I think many places now, just carry the lowest quality to cut costs.

If you are not having suicidal ideation, I would try the supplement route. Kat

 

[Grama-Herc]

I've had a couple of thoughts lately, thank god they were very mild thoughts. I've had no real issues with physical affects from the generic but I sure feel like it is not working as well. I've been on the supplements for years and am continuing them.

I know stress does a number on our bodies and I've been stressed for a while! Maybe just that, but I'm not so sure. This feeling is a new one for me, stress or no stress!!!!!

 

[catjudo]

Check with your doctor and ask them if they've had any other patients with similar problems. If they are aware that there are possible problems with some generic versions of zoloft then perhaps they will write your script so that it is medically necessary and no generic substitutions allowed.

I think in general most generic prescriptions work just as well as their more expensive counterparts. But it is known that some do not have the same efficacy for everyone. I have one particular psych medication that I have to take sometimes (not currently) but when I do I have to take the brand name version. It is a medication that requires routine blood tests to check the level and maintain the fine line between therapeutic and lethal...when I take the generic I do not reach the same therapeutic range that is most effective for me. When I switch to the brand, same dosage, instant difference. My doc just always makes sure that one medication is written for brand name only. Unfortunately, not all psych meds have such a test and the answer is not so black & white. In my case, it is very easy to prove that the generic version does not work as well for me.

Another thing to consider, is that when a drug is permitted to be manufactured generically, more than one company is likely making the same medication. Sometimes there are slight differences between a generic medication manufactured by "Company A" versus the same generic medication manufactured by "Company B". It shouldn't be the case, and they will claim that it is not...but there are differences. If your pharmacy is not consistent with which manufacturer they are purchasing their generic zoloft from that can also make a difference.

 

[anni]

You know, that is interesting because my pharmacist, who I do trust, keeps insisting there is no difference in the generics. There is though, isn't there? I went off Zoloft when my doc put me on Topamax for my migraines recently because there is some evidence that Topamax is also a mood elevator of some sort.I didn't want to be too zoned out. I'd been on Topamax before, and this time it just wasn't doing a dam thing-it was the generic form. I asked that the next refill be the name brand and noticed an absolute, instant reaction in the effect. Quite honestly, the generic might as well have been a sugar pill.

Topamax really does help hugely, although if anyone tries it I have to say don't get the generic. Also, as usual, I had to play around with the dose because what was prescribed was just too much and made me feel awful.