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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Midge on March 12, 2007, at 21:29:56
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin XL » darling, posted by darling on March 12, 2007, at 15:34:36
I too had issues with the generic, and am glad I found this site...actually, my doctor found it when I was telling him about the fight I'm having with my insurance company to get the brand name paid for like they did before the generic came out. I apparently was using the wrong search terms before.
He actually looked at me and asked if I wrote any of the posts :)
Anyway, my experience has been a little different. I'm on Wellbutrin for ADD. I did take all 32 pills given to me (I didn't know you could take them back) and it took me longer than 32 days because I kept forgetting! I never forgot to take the brand name. Also, the weird vivid dreams I had with the brand name went away. I don't think I ever had nausea, but I do get some dizziness that I generally attribute to low iron levels (I don't think I had it before, but I do now). near the end of the bottle, I had midterms and 3 or 4 breakdowns from what should have been a manageable level of stress and work. My boyfriend had no idea what to do with me in that state.
So I had no side effects on the generic, and no intended effects either. I might as well start taking pills made of compressed cornstarch. Less than a week back on the brand name, and the dreams are back. :)
So I've reported it via the MedWatch form, and I think my doctor is doing the same (my insurance company requires it for approval).
I'm glad I found everyone. Hopefully we can get this sh*t off the market and reformulated to WORK!
Posted by alissakay on March 14, 2007, at 9:33:07
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin » gedirk, posted by NISSYNICOL on March 2, 2007, at 18:32:17
I have been taking the geq for Wellbutrin XL 300mg for about 3 weeks and it is NOT the same! My hubby said I had been getting a lot more irritated and suggested I call my doc and have my meds changed. Well, I happen to come across the geq name for Wellbutrin XL (Buedprion) and noticed it wasnt the same as the other geq's of Wellbutrin (Buproprion). After reading everyone else's posts about their side effects I thought "oh my gosh i'm not going crazy!". The only problem is I have a 3 month supply of this stuff and to get the name brand I will need to go through a lot of red tape (prior authorization) with my insurance company. Hopefully I can get it switched back soon! I am so glad to find others that are experiencing the same thing.
Posted by ad_astra_x on March 15, 2007, at 12:29:29
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by Brutus1 on February 7, 2007, at 18:00:48
I've never tried Wellbutrin, but I started Budeprion about a week ago. I was taking one 150mg pill a day until yesterday when I started taking two (8 hours apart). The last couple of days I have felt severely spaced out, especially yesterday when I kept zoning out of a conversation with my friends. At the supermarket I twice grabbed things off the shelf that were next to what I actually wanted, and didn't realize until I got home. I've taken effexor and lexapro in the past and didn't have symptoms anything like this. The only reason we opted for Budeprion is because of its effects on smoking. (I'm trying to quit). Several people have noted that the Budeprion tablets are not coated -- I can definitely feel it a I've notified my doctor, and maybe we'll try the Wellbutrin.
Posted by johnc123 on March 15, 2007, at 13:03:42
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by loonbyn on March 4, 2007, at 12:48:21
I've been taking Wellbutrin XL for about four months, and I'm now waiting on my first mail-in 90 day supply from my pharmacy benefits manager Medco. I had to go thru so much red tape to get the brand name, even though after my higher copay ($120 versus $20), the plan ultimately pays LESS when I request the brand name versus the generic. After the respective copays, the plan pays $272.17 for the 90 says supply for the brand name, and $308.50 for the generic. Go figure..
After my experience with generic Ritalin, I refuse to take generics for any psych medication. I explained this to my dr, and he said he will mark the "Brand name medically necessary" box on future prescriptions so I should not have these red-tape problems again.
Grrrr, f'ing insurance companies.
Posted by darling on March 17, 2007, at 9:51:47
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by ad_astra_x on March 15, 2007, at 12:29:29
Well,I am starting this so called new generic drug not because I want to but because I have for now(I am out of the wellbutrin xl)and my Dr. says to try it and call them back about it. I have a 3 month supply which sucks because I have a feeling it will be wasted!I'm a little nervous about the side effects. I've been on Wellbutrin for years and still feel a little bit out of it some times,I do not need to feel weird all over again! I will let you know how I do on this. wish me luck ,I'm sure I will need it. thanks
Posted by steve59 on March 18, 2007, at 18:33:24
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin XL » zenhussy, posted by darling on March 11, 2007, at 12:25:00
sorry to hear that so many people taking the generic are having a hard time with it. I've been taking the brand since it came out and haven't noticed a difference between the two.
Steve59
Posted by honblanco on March 21, 2007, at 14:47:10
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin XL, posted by steve59 on March 18, 2007, at 18:33:24
> sorry to hear that so many people taking the generic are having a hard time with it. I've been taking the brand since it came out and haven't noticed a difference between the two.
>
> Steve59I've been taking budeprion, the Wellbutrin XL generic, for about a month. There *is* a difference, altho I didn't notice it at first. Subtle. For me it has been mostly positive: better mood, less anger.
honblanco
Posted by mime on March 25, 2007, at 11:59:45
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin XL, posted by honblanco on March 21, 2007, at 14:47:10
I started taking Teva Buproprion 150 mg tabs on 3/12. I had taken Effexor for several years and it worked well for me, but there was a significant decrease in interest in sex so I decided to try Wellbutrin. The first week or so that I took Effexor I experienced insomnia and excitability but it went away soon. I weaned myself off of the Effexor and started the Buproprion as per my Dr's orders (1-150mg tab at night to start and then I was supposed to add another one after 7 days.) I take a few scripts for other things and I take them all together at night, and I kept forgetting to start taking the second dose, so I haven't started taking it yet. I was feeling very good, and was pleased I switched meds. However, now 13 days into the Bupropion, I am feeling dizzy all day, or what is more probably better described as lightheaded. It's not keeping me from functioning, but I will have to call my Dr. tomorrow. Has anyone had to stop taking it because of this side effect? I have never felt better except for that. Also something that has been a problem with this and the Effexor is photosensitivity. I burn so easily in the sun. I don't normally stay out in the sun for any length of time, but I am a teacher and I do 15 minutes of parent pick-up duty outside every day and despite a high spf sunscreen I have already gotten burned slightly. Any thoughts?
Posted by Michelle Schultz on March 26, 2007, at 5:41:02
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin XL, posted by mime on March 25, 2007, at 11:59:45
There are actually two kinds of generics of wellbutrin. One is Bupropion the other is Budeprion. I have not heard any serious complaints about the Bupropion. The Budeprion is the serious one to watch out for. The two drugs are made by different companies
Posted by Ryanna Way on March 26, 2007, at 14:58:14
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin XL, posted by Michelle Schultz on March 26, 2007, at 5:41:02
> There are actually two kinds of generics of wellbutrin. One is Bupropion the other is Budeprion. I have not heard any serious complaints about the Bupropion. The Budeprion is the serious one to watch out for. The two drugs are made by different companies
>> It seems that the Bupropion 300 XL version is not effective for some folks as well
Posted by equus5210 on April 1, 2007, at 13:24:53
In reply to Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by Daniel2000 on September 30, 2004, at 7:41:28
I was switched from WellbutrinSR to buproprion last month and this month to budeprion SR. This change was not made by my Dr., I just noticed that the different name on the bottle. I started the budeprion yesterday and experienced insomnia, racing thoughts, ruminating about morbid subjects and feeling just crappy overall. I have read the posts in this thread and I have to wonder whether the the budeprion is to blame. The month I was on buproprion was not good either. My bf reminds me how depressed I have been. I will call my Dr. on Monday and ask him to change it to Wellbutrin, which I have never had a problem with.
Posted by grinch on April 2, 2007, at 9:17:47
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by smom on February 5, 2007, at 15:36:55
Thanks for all the information. It has been difficult to find information. I changed from the brand to the generic about a month ago and have noticied differences in my level of agitation. I thought it was only me because most sites say there is no difference between the generic and brand. I feel a difference.
Are there any other sites where I can find info?
Posted by Sebastian on April 2, 2007, at 13:01:36
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by grinch on April 2, 2007, at 9:17:47
There is a difference. I prefer the generics, the 2 versions I tried, they don't smell like rotten eggs, they smell sweet. I also find less side-effects with the generic, less dizzyness, they are more calming than the brand. To me anyways.
Posted by ohmdad on April 3, 2007, at 1:03:54
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by smom on January 17, 2007, at 10:16:55
> I was on the generic for one month and had a massive nervous breakdown. I was told that the generic was not meant for someone bi polar but the well butrin was okay. This drug is not the equivilant of well butrin. I spent over a month and a half in la la land. Please remember it is not the same as the brand name
> I recently was changed from Welbutrin XL to Budeprion XL by my pharmacy. I assume this is to keep the cost down for my insurance company. I however, can tell a major difference. Except for the few side effects that I now have that I did not with the Welbutrin, I feel as though I am not taking my medication. I am now experiencing the symptoms that lead me to seek help to begin with. This could be a dangeous situation.
I’m relieved to find that I am not the only person this has happened to. I was switched to Budeprion XL 300mg. from Wellbutrin XL 300mg. 14 days ago. On top of going back into a deep depression, (staring off into space, bursting into tears etc.) I also developed back to back migraines 3 days apart by the 9th day. I was spaced out, jittery, cranky, paranoid, developed tinnitus, couldn’t sleep more than 3 hours a night and had constant vision disturbances all from day 1 on, which I was told “should” go away after a week. Instead, I am in worse shape than ever with all my depression symptoms back and a bunch of new side effect ailments that I never had with Wellbutrin. By day 11, I had to stop taking the yellow oval Budeprion. It’s not for me!
Posted by Arlene223 on April 3, 2007, at 1:30:42
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin » SallyAnne, posted by zenhussy on February 5, 2007, at 13:48:13
I have been on the "previous" generic for Wellbutrin XL (bupropion)for about a year with excellent results. I am in the health care field and have always felt safe prescribing generics for my patients so I was very surprised to see my rapid response to the change in the new generic (budeprion)for this drug. It is a different chemical compound and is not chemically identical to the original drug.
Within 2 weeks I was seriously depressed, headache and experiencing many of my specific depressive symptoms. I have now switched back to the Brand drug and am reporting my experiences with the drug to the FDA. I strongly suggest that those posting on this site do the same.
Posted by grinch on April 3, 2007, at 9:00:25
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by Arlene223 on April 3, 2007, at 1:30:42
I am not sure yet what I am going to do. I have one more day of the generic 300 mg and two 150 mg brand pills. I don't feel depressed as some are saying just agitated. I don't know whether to attribute it to some work stress that I had recently or the medicine. Although the work stress has subsided in the last couple of weeks. I also don't know if I am creating some of the agitation by wondering about the medicine. I worked in a pharmacy for many years and we always told customers that generic is the same as brand.
Posted by equus5210 on April 3, 2007, at 9:14:18
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by grinch on April 3, 2007, at 9:00:25
I have been on the budeprion for about four days now, and my initial discomfort (mainly insomnia and feeling very hopeless) has lifted. Yesterday I actually was self-motivated to do some things out of the house on my own, and that has been difficult for me. I think that the more I "self-monitor" myself when I am on a new drug, or under lots of stress, the more I experience anxiety. It has only been a few days though. I will post if anything changes.
Posted by darling on April 3, 2007, at 13:33:59
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin XL, posted by Ryanna Way on March 26, 2007, at 14:58:14
What am I looking for on the Budeprion if it's the serious one?
Posted by Sebastian on April 3, 2007, at 19:35:05
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by Arlene223 on April 3, 2007, at 1:30:42
Why post to FDA. Are they changing anything with generic bupropion SR? I hope not as this one works better for me. It took a month to get use to, but now I like it better. What should I do?
Posted by Michelle Schultz on April 4, 2007, at 6:01:17
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin » Arlene223, posted by Sebastian on April 3, 2007, at 19:35:05
You have to remember there have been minimal complaints about Bupropion. It is the Budeprion that is the problem one. They are made by different companies but both are generic versions. The complaints being made to the FDA are the Budeprion. Hope this explains it.
Posted by grinch on April 4, 2007, at 16:40:23
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by Michelle Schultz on April 4, 2007, at 6:01:17
Yesterday I called several pharmacies in my area. All of them carry the Teva version (budeprion) of Wellbutrin 300 XL. They all told me that they do not carry another generic of Wellbutrin 300 XL besides the budeprion. One pharmacy told me that there are no other generic 300 XL versions available yet. I called into my prescriber and she called in a rx for the brand. I started taking the brand again as of today. We will see what happens.
Posted by Arlene223 on April 4, 2007, at 17:16:02
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin » Arlene223, posted by Sebastian on April 3, 2007, at 19:35:05
My opinion is to let the FDA know about all the various issues from a supposedly equal generic. this does not mean it would or should be taken off the market but rather just not promoted as equal to Wellbutin.
Posted by grinch on April 4, 2007, at 17:21:47
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by Arlene223 on April 4, 2007, at 17:16:02
Has anyone heard that bupropian 300 XL is available instead of the Teva budeprion XL?
Posted by Beary on April 4, 2007, at 17:32:09
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by grinch on April 4, 2007, at 17:21:47
> Has anyone heard that bupropian 300 XL is available instead of the Teva budeprion XL?
No my Dr. told me that the Teva product (budprion) is the only generic. He also told me that the FDA only requires that the manufacturer hit a 50% effocacy from the original branded medication.
Posted by SallyAnne on April 4, 2007, at 18:07:02
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by Beary on April 4, 2007, at 17:32:09
I have switched back to Wellbutrin and I am doing well, or I was doing well until I voluntarily gave up HRT for menopause. Now I am not sleeping and my hot flashes are really a problem. I want to do the right (healthy) thing. Are over the counter remedies compatible with Wellbutrin? My gyno doesn't seem concerned. Has anyone out there gone through menopause while on herb combinations sold to treat menopausal symptoms? I am really tired, bone tired(and cranky) Thanks, SallyAnne
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