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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
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"
Posted by fachad on April 3, 2003, at 11:02:46
In reply to help: changed Dexedrine to Generic- not working, posted by HelenInCalif on April 3, 2003, at 2:21:55
Yes, I have had a similar experience. I always thought people who said they could tell brands from generics were deluded.
But when I switched from the Dextrostat brand to Barr Generic Dextroamphetamine, I could really tell the difference. The Barr felt qualitatively different, and also felt about 1/2 as potent.
Fortunately my insurance still considers Dextrostat to be a generic for Dexedrine, so it is as cheap for me as a generic.
Posted by HelenInCalif on April 3, 2003, at 12:18:24
In reply to Re: help: changed Dexedrine to Generic- not working, posted by fachad on April 3, 2003, at 11:02:46
Sounds like it did work, but you had to take a higher dose of it for the same effect? So far I've tried the 5mg and 10mg to no effect. Today I'll have to either try 15mg (still within the range listed as adult doses for it) or switch to my old Ritalin.
Posted by utopizen on April 3, 2003, at 15:43:44
In reply to It worked, just not well? Re: changed Dexedrine, posted by HelenInCalif on April 3, 2003, at 12:18:24
Aren't the spansules suppose to work for 8-10 hours? If they only work for just a few hours, then why even bother with them? Just get the immediate release.
Posted by HelenInCalif on April 3, 2003, at 23:44:17
In reply to Re: It worked, just not well? Re: changed Dexedri, posted by utopizen on April 3, 2003, at 15:43:44
Yesterday I was doing research on this whole topic and read that they were extended release- I hadn't known or noticed that before. I wouldn't know if they last more than a few hours because I'd take my last one at 1pm and end work at 5pm: after work I can't tell if it is still working or not.
I was taking them because that's what the pdoc gave a prescription for. For my next prescription I can ask the doctor to switch to the pill form, but I'd rather just go back to what I know definitely works- brand name spansules.
This is the end of the thread.
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