Why doesn't my generic Wellbutrin antidepressant work as well as the name brand product?
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M$3 Answers
In 2007, an examination of Wellbutrin and a generic version sold by Teva, the generic version released almost half of its bupropion in the first four hours after the drug was taken. In the same time, Wellbutrin released only 1/4. In 16 hours, both drugs were completely released. If half of the active ingredient is released in the first 4 hours, that leaves you with the other 1/2 released over the next 12 hours. So, people would get a large dose early on, and then less of the active ingredient in their bloodstream for the rest of the time. Apparently Wellbutrin released pretty evenly over the whole 16 hours. So, if this test was accurate, it wouldn't be shocking to find that the generic drug might not be as effective.
The FDA did its own testing before allowing the generic version to be released, and they didn't show anything that the FDA thought should lead to a real clinical difference between the two. They've tested it again since people started complaining and still haven't seen anything that they thought would cause these symptoms. Their explanation for the people who have claimed to have their depressive symptoms return after switching to the generic drug is that there are a certain number of people who experience a recurrence of their symptoms regardless of medication, and it's a coincidence that this recurrence happened after the switch.
Regardless, you should talk to your doctor about your concerns. If you feel certain the generic drug is a problem, see if you can get either switched back to Wellbutrin, or if they'll consider moving you to another drug or tinkering with your current dosage. There's no reason to put up with ineffective medication. Besides which, if you complain about the generic drug, your doctor can notify the FDA that there are still people having this problem.
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M$
The only difference is the fillers that are used. These are non-medicinal ingredients that make up the contents of the pills. Some people may prefer to buy the Brand Name in this case because they may be allergic to the filler ingredients that are present in the generic drug.
You are feeling a placebo effect, or you are subjected to the marketing practices of these brand named drugs. It is the same product. The same quality standards of the FDA are adhered to. Being a generic brand does not mean that it is an inferior product to the brand name drug. They're exactly the same.
You may not know this, but your pharmacist has at least 6 years of university training in order to become a pharmacist. They're actually Doctors with the Doctor of Pharmacy Degree, so if you have further concerns, feel free to ask your pharmacist. They are the drug experts.
Hope this answer helped.
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M$
@freeipad,
Excellent answer.
@cosmopinkice,
Have you explored the possibility that some people build up a tolerance to Wellbutrin after taking it a while? In my quick search, I haven't found any good references to indicate this, but it may be something worth exploring.
There have been some documented cases of one version of Buproprion having reduced effects as compared to Wellbutrin, but according to the FDA's testing, there is no difference between the active ingredients. It could be a mental effect, it could be something to do with the fillers in the generic version.
To sum up, there is no documented difference between the two drugs, but there is anecdotal evidence of differences in effectiveness.
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M$
I had a very devastating effect when I decided to switch my antidepressant to a cheaper generic version, which my friendly pharmacist reassured me that "It was exactly the same". Within days debilitating previous symptoms of my depression returned. I deteriorated to the point where I was having crying spells constantly,and had to take 2 weeks off work. I wondered what on earth was wrong, as I had been faithfully taking my medication every single day! I spoke to my doctor, and hey presto... a revelation!! He informed me that yes, it is indeed the same drug...however the fillers or inactive ingredients affected the rate the body absorbed the active ingredient/drug. Generally with the cheaper brands, the release of the active ingredient is more erratic, whereas the brand name's fillers tend to release more gradually over a 24 hr period. My doctor told me he had seen this happen time after time with generic meds and advised me to go back to the brand name. This has also been widely reported in blood pressure meds as well.
Unfortunately, pharmacists tend to push the generic brand on the unsuspecting public, and it also appears there are not too many doctors that are aware of this as well!
Patients should be warned about this, as it can have devastating not to mention life-threatening consequences!! CONSUMER BEWARE!!!
