Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

Lamictal - switch to generic lamotrigine?

Fri, 08/08/2008 - 18:27
Hi, everybody. I just joined this site yesterday. I saw a forum where a few people were discussing transitioning to generic lamotrigine (just released) from Lamictol. But now I can't seem to find the forum. I'm considering the generic switch and am wondering if anyone's done it yet, gotten advice on it, etc. Please help! (Or let me know where to find yesterday's forum! It's not coming up in the search.)

Comments

Re: Lamictal - switch to generic lamotrigine?

Submitted by crashllama on Tue, 2008-11-04 - 18:39

Interesting that there were so many bad reactions to generic lamictal.  I've been seizure free for almost 3 months now.  No side effects..nothing.  I love this drug.  No auras either.

I'm so glad they came out with a generic.  However; they shouldn't have to do generics.  Why can't we pay decent prices for the "real" thing?  Stupid drug companies.

Interesting that there were so many bad reactions to generic lamictal.  I've been seizure free for almost 3 months now.  No side effects..nothing.  I love this drug.  No auras either.

I'm so glad they came out with a generic.  However; they shouldn't have to do generics.  Why can't we pay decent prices for the "real" thing?  Stupid drug companies.

Re: Lamictal - switch to generic lamotrigine?

Submitted by vmathe1 on Mon, 2008-12-01 - 21:05

First off, like wow this is a hot topic.

My uncle has epilepsy, he's also a doctor, and when it comes to seizure meds he swears against taking generics. I think it might be okay if you start on generics. When I was first diagnosed I started on the generic dilatin and then transitioned to Lamictal. Since the generic came out recently, I did question trying it since Lamictal costs me 80 dollars a month with my insurance, but it's just not worth the risk to me at the moment anyway.

If I was just starting out on it, I would go for the generic. But I wouldn't want to switch to it, not after being seizure free on Lamictal for 1.5 years.

As far as differences between the name brand and the generic, the only fact I tell you with absolute certainty is that the generic has less clinical trials to go through since it's supposed to be the equivalent. Assuming it was equivalent, I still feel uncomfortable with that fact.

First off, like wow this is a hot topic.

My uncle has epilepsy, he's also a doctor, and when it comes to seizure meds he swears against taking generics. I think it might be okay if you start on generics. When I was first diagnosed I started on the generic dilatin and then transitioned to Lamictal. Since the generic came out recently, I did question trying it since Lamictal costs me 80 dollars a month with my insurance, but it's just not worth the risk to me at the moment anyway.

If I was just starting out on it, I would go for the generic. But I wouldn't want to switch to it, not after being seizure free on Lamictal for 1.5 years.

As far as differences between the name brand and the generic, the only fact I tell you with absolute certainty is that the generic has less clinical trials to go through since it's supposed to be the equivalent. Assuming it was equivalent, I still feel uncomfortable with that fact.

Re: Lamictal - switch to generic lamotrigine?

Submitted by Carolann1459 on Tue, 2008-12-23 - 12:27

Yes, generics versus brand name is a hot topic. The Epilepsy Foundation of America has a wonderful website that I would encourage everyone to check out. They have the latest information on topics such as this. The website is: www.efa.org

 Best wishes to everyone.

Carol

Yes, generics versus brand name is a hot topic. The Epilepsy Foundation of America has a wonderful website that I would encourage everyone to check out. They have the latest information on topics such as this. The website is: www.efa.org

 Best wishes to everyone.

Carol

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.