Posted by HelenInCalif on April 3, 2003, at 2:21:55
I'm an adult with ADD (non H). A week ago I switched from Dexedrine spansules to the generic capsule (why? 30% cheaper). This switch is a mistake: they don't seem to be working. At work it's as if I wasn't taking any ADD meds at all. Have others here found significant differences between a name-brand and generic ADD med? I know differences shouldn't exist- I certainly wasn't expecting any- but this week I've felt them.
At work I do analyses that need sustained concentration: it is easy for me to tell how distractable I am. This week has been high distractability throughout the day- this is bad for my job.
Googling tonight I can find only brief references to differences in the two, but nothing like my problem. With the Dexedrine I'd had months of success with 5mg spansule 2x day during the workweek. This week even when I went to 10mg generic my concentration never improved.(started with 5mg 2xday, also tested 10mg 2xday or 10mg then 5mg) With the Dexedrine effects would start within 20-30 minutes, and then fade after a few hours. With the generic- nothing.
The Dexedrine spansule is a sustained release capsule, but then the Barr generic (also a capsule) is supposed to be a direct substitute. Is there some chance that the generic doesn't have sustained release properties? Other than the filler, could there be other chemical differences?
At this point I'm ready to ask my doctor for a new prescription (side question- do the authorities get weird if you get a new prescription before the old one runs out?). In the meantime, I'm tempted to use some of my old Ritalin, which I'd tried before settling on Dexedrine. (side question- is Ritalin like most drugs in that it remains potent for 1-2 years after the expiration date?).
Thanks for any advice,
HelenNote: old prescription "Dexedrine Spansule 5mg [SKBEE]". New prescription "D-Amphetamine 5mg CAP BRR SUB FOR Dexedrine Spansule 5mg SKF mfr BARR"
poster:HelenInCalif
thread:215686
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030402/msgs/215686.html