Lamictal - switch to generic lamotrigine?

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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 apmast on Tue, 2008-12-23 - 13:40

Thanks Carol... hey you guys, this is a great video that explains the difference between generic and brand name:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jmob27xfNAI&eurl=http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/generics/index.html

I got it from the site carol mentions above.

Cheers, Andrew

Thanks Carol... hey you guys, this is a great video that explains the difference between generic and brand name:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jmob27xfNAI&eurl=http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/generics/index.html

I got it from the site carol mentions above.

Cheers, Andrew

Re: Lamictal - switch to generic lamotrigine?

Submitted by seaglass415 on Tue, 2008-12-02 - 13:00

I thought I would check back in as I have a neuro visit today. I was one of the people with a bad reaction to the generic lamotrigine on this board back in August when it first came out. I have spent the last 4 months trying to get off of the lamictal all together because I have been having issues with my medications ever since despite being switched back to the brand name drug. My Neuro believes that the legally allowed "variance" in strength of the active ingredient (20% +/-) is what caused all of the problems back in August for me and could be why the brand name isn't working for me anymore.

Here's my current situation: I have finally switched completely from the brand name lamictal (stopped the 24th of Nov) to Keppra. I was taking 1000mg a day until 2 weeks ago when I went up to 1500mg to prepare for the drop in the lamictal. Until I actually went off the lamictal, I was nauseous from the increase but otherwise okay. I haven't been seizing at all. Once I actually stopped, it was like a switch was tossed. I have lost about 3lbs in a week. I am a raving lunatic. One minute I am fine, the next minute I'm screaming at someone. My hair was falling in my eyes while I was working, so I went into the bathroom and cut it off (about 3 inches in ?5 minutes). I slam doors, kick things and cry with no rhyme or reason. It almost seems like the lamictal was acting as a mood stabilizer for the Keppra. I guess you can guess why I'm seeing the doctor today. I need to get an idea of what other treatment options there are for me out there.

5 months ago, I was fine, and had been fine for years. Now I'm a wreck and just barely able to function. Now, here's the kick in the face; the generic for Keppra came out last Monday and my insurance company won't pay for it anymore, they want me to switch to the generic. I already pay $1600.00 per month for health insurance for our family (my husband owns his own business). As if I need another reason to act psychotic.

     I thought I would check back in as I have a neuro visit today. I was one of the people with a bad reaction to the generic lamotrigine on this board back in August when it first came out. I have spent the last 4 months trying to get off of the lamictal all together because I have been having issues with my medications ever since despite being switched back to the brand name drug. My Neuro believes that the legally allowed "variance" in strength of the active ingredient (20% +/-) is what caused all of the problems back in August for me and could be why the brand name isn't working for me anymore.      Here's my current situation: I have finally switched completely from the brand name lamictal (stopped the 24th of Nov) to Keppra. I was taking 1000mg a day until 2 weeks ago when I went up to 1500mg to prepare for the drop in the lamictal.  Until I actually went off the lamictal, I was nauseous from the increase but otherwise okay. I haven't been seizing at all. Once I actually stopped, it was like a switch was tossed. I have lost about 3lbs in a week. I am a raving lunatic. One minute I am fine, the next minute I'm screaming at someone. My hair was falling in my eyes while I was working, so I went into the bathroom and cut it off (about 3 inches in ?5 minutes). I slam doors, kick things and cry with no rhyme or reason.  It almost seems like the lamictal was acting as a mood stabilizer for the Keppra. I guess you can guess why I'm seeing the doctor today. I need to get an idea of what other treatment options there are for me out there. 5 months ago, I was fine, and had been fine for years. Now I'm a wreck and just barely able to function. Now, here's the kick in the face; the generic for Keppra came out last Monday and my insurance company won't pay for it anymore, they want me to switch to the generic.  I already pay $1600.00 per month for health insurance for our family (my husband owns his own business). As if I need another reason to act psychotic.

I thought I would check back in as I have a neuro visit today. I was one of the people with a bad reaction to the generic lamotrigine on this board back in August when it first came out. I have spent the last 4 months trying to get off of the lamictal all together because I have been having issues with my medications ever since despite being switched back to the brand name drug. My Neuro believes that the legally allowed "variance" in strength of the active ingredient (20% +/-) is what caused all of the problems back in August for me and could be why the brand name isn't working for me anymore.

Here's my current situation: I have finally switched completely from the brand name lamictal (stopped the 24th of Nov) to Keppra. I was taking 1000mg a day until 2 weeks ago when I went up to 1500mg to prepare for the drop in the lamictal. Until I actually went off the lamictal, I was nauseous from the increase but otherwise okay. I haven't been seizing at all. Once I actually stopped, it was like a switch was tossed. I have lost about 3lbs in a week. I am a raving lunatic. One minute I am fine, the next minute I'm screaming at someone. My hair was falling in my eyes while I was working, so I went into the bathroom and cut it off (about 3 inches in ?5 minutes). I slam doors, kick things and cry with no rhyme or reason. It almost seems like the lamictal was acting as a mood stabilizer for the Keppra. I guess you can guess why I'm seeing the doctor today. I need to get an idea of what other treatment options there are for me out there.

5 months ago, I was fine, and had been fine for years. Now I'm a wreck and just barely able to function. Now, here's the kick in the face; the generic for Keppra came out last Monday and my insurance company won't pay for it anymore, they want me to switch to the generic. I already pay $1600.00 per month for health insurance for our family (my husband owns his own business). As if I need another reason to act psychotic.

Re: Lamictal - switch to generic lamotrigine?

Submitted by babsdave on Thu, 2008-12-18 - 22:07

Seagla,

I am being faced with going back on meds after being med free since 1993. Had one seizure in 2003, but since we were trying to conceive, doctor ok'd not going on meds at that time. Now that the absence mal seizures seem to want to return...I am faced with going back on meds. for the rest of my life. TWO were recommended to me. The Keppra and the Lamictal. The doctor explained the possible side effects of both...when discussing Keppra he said it could cause irritability and anxiety. I'm like, "nope" that's not for me as I seem to already have a short fuse at times, much like you described. Fine one moment then screaming at the top of my lungs like if I don't get it out...it will drive me crazy. So. He also mentioned that since I haven't previously taken the Lamictal (although I was given the sample pack to start)...he said the generic should work just fine with no break through seizures since I seem to have my specific history. I am not a doctor, but if the Keppra is making you erratic, I would discuss other options post haste...to get your "normal" back as soon as possible and really...isn't that worth any amout of money?! Best wishes...happy holidays.

Seagla,

I am being faced with going back on meds after being med free since 1993. Had one seizure in 2003, but since we were trying to conceive, doctor ok'd not going on meds at that time. Now that the absence mal seizures seem to want to return...I am faced with going back on meds. for the rest of my life. TWO were recommended to me. The Keppra and the Lamictal. The doctor explained the possible side effects of both...when discussing Keppra he said it could cause irritability and anxiety. I'm like, "nope" that's not for me as I seem to already have a short fuse at times, much like you described. Fine one moment then screaming at the top of my lungs like if I don't get it out...it will drive me crazy. So. He also mentioned that since I haven't previously taken the Lamictal (although I was given the sample pack to start)...he said the generic should work just fine with no break through seizures since I seem to have my specific history. I am not a doctor, but if the Keppra is making you erratic, I would discuss other options post haste...to get your "normal" back as soon as possible and really...isn't that worth any amout of money?! Best wishes...happy holidays.

Lamictal - switch to generic lamotrigine?

Comments

Re: Lamictal - switch to generic lamotrigine?

Submitted by apmast on Tue, 2008-12-23 - 13:40

Re: Lamictal - switch to generic lamotrigine?

Submitted by seaglass415 on Tue, 2008-12-02 - 13:00

Re: Lamictal - switch to generic lamotrigine?

Submitted by babsdave on Thu, 2008-12-18 - 22:07

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