Bipolar Type II Support Group

I was curious as to if anyone has changed from generic to name brand or name brand to generic and have been able to tell the difference? I was started on generic Depakote, but went to name brand and felt much better. I have since started back to generic and can tell it's not quite the same drug. It could be the "placebo" effect, but I have been feeling a bit more manic since the switch. Moodiness, irritability are up, as well as that flight of ideas thing. My head is spinning like a top. Maybe it's coincidental and I was just due for a manic phase, but I find that idea highly suspicious. Anyone else have problems between generic and name brand?

I always took Depakote name brand until they came out with the Generic and I couldnt tell the difference. Everyone reacts differently though so anything is possible. I believe it is the same though. I hope you feel better soon.

My experience ..I was on Lamictal, then changed to the generic. Absolutely no difference. Also changed to generic of Remeron, again no different. Interesting thing my pdoc told me .. many of the pharmaceutical co's bring out exactly the same drug as a generic, in order to capture the generic market. Profit on name brand .. more consumers through generic.. Often (not always) exactly the same thing. Hope it goes well for you

what's the difference between a toyota and a mercedes? the toyota is affordable and the mercedes is awesome. metaphorically speaking.

i am scientifically inclined and don't trust medical research all the way. i switched all my meds to brand. my doctors deny any difference, because they have no evidence and they don't take our poison themself. but they helped me anyway to square things out between insurance, pharmacy and them. co payments are only lightly higher.

today finally got brand depakote as well. i already had a significant improvement from changing wellbutrin and lithium. the extended release formula releases differently! for sure! i don't feel like i have a little wellbutrin demon riding on my back in the afternoon. i expect the brand depakote to be easier to absorb as well. especially on the gastro front. (why don't they just give us a free immodium box in the same paper bag without asking?)

i will keep you posted! good luck! [img]