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Generic vs. Name Brand
Tue, 10/28/2014 - 03:31Some of you may already know this but when it comes to the precise chemical formula between the name brand versus generic anti-convulsant THEY ARE ENTIRELY DIFFERENT.
Luckily I am close to UAB in Alabama, which has one of the top neuroscience department in the US.
Insurance company wanted to switch me from Lamictal XR to Limotrogine, due to the fact that before insurance it is nearly $1000 a month.
Anyway, I made the switch while I was at a 400mg dose, I immediately began have complex partials and aura hinting that something big was about to happen. After arguing with the insurance company I begged to get back on Lamictal XR, and luckily I was switched back.
I talked to my neurologist, who it takes 6-8 months to make an appointment with, and I told him what happened, even though my dad claimed "it's the same thing, it's all in your head" -________-
Doc. explained that when these generic pills are made, that they don't always come from the same pharmacutical companies for every batch that is produced. They have a basic formula but the percentage of stability fluctuates.
In other words, this bottle of Lamotrogine XR would be 96% Lamictal XR formula. The next could be 88% formula, and the next 92%. It will never be 100% Lamictal XR formula.
There is a reason why Lamictal XR is $400 a month after insurance, versus $50 Lamotrogine XR. When it comes to epilepsy medications those percents matter more than anything. When it comes to the brain, the tiny-est particles make a huge difference.
You can't put a price on a frame of mind. If the generic isn't working, then try the name brand or switch. If generic is working for you, then great! Don't change anything. If it's not broke, then don't fix it. Find what works for you and these percentage go for all drugs in generic form, they only matter when it comes to something like the brain!