Posted by madeleine on October 13, 2001, at 13:02:19
In reply to Re: What I learned today about alprazolam » Collete, posted by abajo on October 12, 2001, at 21:48:46
I never expected that there would be any difference between the generic and the brandname version of lorazepam until I tried them both--not only was the generic version a poorly made product (tended to crumble, which was a big problem for a medication that I needed to carry around in case I needed it) but it was not nearly as effective as the brandname product. Don't quote me on this, but I read somewhere that a generic is only required to demonstrate 80% effectiveness in clinical trials when compared to the original brandname product. I try to get the brandname whenever possible--in my state the doctor has to specify at the bottom of the prescription 'DAW" (dispense as written), otherwise the pharmacy automatically dispenses the generic (even if the brandname is written in the body of the prescription).
This is not to say that there aren't good generics out there, but my theory is that their manufacturers are not necessarily as invested in quality control/effectiveness as the original patent owner.
I don't take Ativan anymore, but I have to say it was a stroke of brilliance to manufacture them in the shape of a capital A . Instant recognition, great product design.
madeleine
poster:madeleine
thread:80766
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011007/msgs/81202.html