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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by SallyAnne on February 21, 2007, at 9:36:42
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by gedirk on February 20, 2007, at 19:44:11
I started on prozac when it first was approved. It was a godsend! Before that I only had talk therapy because the early antidepressants caused disturbing symptoms such as palpitations and weakness. So I was thrilled with prozac. I didn't think my lack of libido had anything to do with medication because it was one of the symptoms of my depression. But everything else got better so I finally asked my Doc if I would ever have a sex urge again and he suggested that I try Wellbutrin. I hesitated because I finally felt well and didn't want to upset my chem. So I wasted alot of time! Now I'm on Wellbutrin and I can't believe the difference. My husband says he is glad to have me back.When my insurance company put me on generic I had all sorts of problems.GI disturbances and then I also started to feel Depressed. Including lack of libido. The Doc listened. I'm back on brand and back to myself.
Posted by SallyAnne on February 21, 2007, at 9:39:17
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by Michelle Schultz on February 19, 2007, at 7:21:01
That's great. How do you file a complaint?
Posted by Michelle Schultz on February 21, 2007, at 14:24:13
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin » Michelle Schultz, posted by SallyAnne on February 21, 2007, at 9:39:17
All complaints can be registered on the site www.fda.gov/medwatch/how.htm You need to file a report by consumers.
Posted by Beary on February 21, 2007, at 15:52:10
In reply to Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by Daniel2000 on September 30, 2004, at 7:41:28
Yikes, my Dr. is off today and I am getting the runaround from the insurance company to get the branded re-filled. I have just started the generic this week and am feeling terrible. I called the pharmacist and they claim that there as no difference between the branded and the generic. They then needed special paperwork from the Doctor for the insurance company. This has been a nightmare, I am dizzy cannot concentrate and it’s hard to get up in the morning. My sex drive is gone in 3 days and I am angry. How long will it take the branded Wellbutrin XL to build up in my system? Hopefully not the month that it took before. I can not believe that the FDA would let something like this go through, typical I guess.
Posted by SallyAnne on February 23, 2007, at 6:44:42
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by Michelle Schultz on February 21, 2007, at 14:24:13
Thank you I will definitely post this complaint. My Doc was very supportive and open to hear my reaction. If enough patients follow through with their complaints the FDA and insurance companies will realize that the generic doesn't work for everyone.
I'm doing so well now (back on brand) that I have started exercising again. Which is a real big deal for me.
Posted by zenhussy on February 25, 2007, at 13:40:42
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin » Michelle Schultz, posted by SallyAnne on February 23, 2007, at 6:44:42
>>> Thank you I will definitely post this complaint. My Doc was very supportive and open to hear my reaction. If enough patients follow through with their complaints the FDA and insurance companies will realize that the generic doesn't work for everyone.
> I'm doing so well now (back on brand) that I have started exercising again. Which is a real big deal for me.<<<that's great you're up and exercising again! good on you for posting a complaint to the FDA as well. the more feedback hopefully the fewer ppl to suffer similar.
still enduring the ups and downs as the fight to return to level....or level enough continues.
dang this was an unexpected side trip from healing with longer lasting consequences than anticipated. glad to not be as drained and leaden limbed but still wishing for somewhere between wired and sloth.
Posted by microsarah on February 27, 2007, at 0:49:34
In reply to Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by Daniel2000 on September 30, 2004, at 7:41:28
thank goodness i found you all on here! i cried when i read all of your posts, i thought i was going crazy! i had just about given up on ever finding a drug that worked for me because the wellbutrin had seemed to stop working. i too ended up with two different kinds of generics and i couldn't figure out why i still felt like crap. i'm going to the doctor tomorrow to get a refill rx and i was glad i did some research and learned that the generic BUPROPRION HCL is actually the SAME chemical as the name brand, it just looks different. as for the budeprion, i don't know what it is since its NOT the same chemical as the wellbutrin, and frankly, its going in the trash.
Posted by Jordan Smith on February 27, 2007, at 10:05:30
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by Michelle Schultz on February 19, 2007, at 7:21:01
I have been taking the Budeprion for 4 weeks. This past week noticed recurring depression symptons - waking in the middle of night with mind racing, crying frequently, irratability, low libido. Thank goodness for finding your posts. I just called GP to get back on the Wellbutrin. Did receive notice from insurance announcing the generic and a HIGHER copay for the WB. Not sure how much more...assuming the $50 which is standard for "brands" it was lower when no generic was available. Any advice on getting a lower co-pay when the generic doesn't work?
Posted by dtxllady on February 28, 2007, at 3:17:23
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin » Michelle Schultz, posted by Jordan Smith on February 27, 2007, at 10:05:30
Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin
Thank you all for sharing your experiences... I just refilled the second round of generic, but I am glad I checked into this ... I have been feeling as I did BEFORE I was put on Wellbutrin XL... nothing worked ... couldn't gather enough "give a damn to do anything"... I WILL be seeing my doctor this week to get my life back... Thanks everyone!
Posted by Michelle Schultz on February 28, 2007, at 5:53:21
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin » Michelle Schultz, posted by Jordan Smith on February 27, 2007, at 10:05:30
I actually work for an health insurance company. I would have your doctor send in notification to the insurance that the generic does not work and therefore you should not be penalized for not being able to take it. Most companies will then make an exception to allow the brand name with no penalties.
Posted by Crazyme2 on March 1, 2007, at 0:15:14
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by Michelle Schultz on February 28, 2007, at 5:53:21
I am so glad I found this blog about the different side effects or the generic verus the brand Wellbutrin. I have been felling like I am losing it, again, and having lots of other wierd side effects. I will be calling the doctor first thing tomorrow before I lose IT AGAIN!!!
Thanks for all your information
Posted by chelsea2140 on March 1, 2007, at 16:12:51
In reply to Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by Daniel2000 on September 30, 2004, at 7:41:28
I've definately noticed being dizzy and lightheaded. I've even noticed it while driving (not good). I thought it was just me losing my mind, but I really feel this medication is affecting my ability to think clearly and function normally. My pharm switched it on me without asking - insurance reasons I'm sure. Looks like I'll be calling the doctor tomorrow.
Posted by NISSYNICOL on March 2, 2007, at 18:32:17
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by gedirk on February 20, 2007, at 19:44:11
When I read your post I was like, "did I write this"?!! I have been on Wellbutrin XL 300 1 x a day. Caremark (which I have been with for years) sends me Budeprion XL Tab 300 this last tiem I got it filled. I thought as well that someone there made a BIG typo. I even looked the drug name up on the Care Mark site -nothing. Could not find anything about it on the web either. I knew I'd find something here on Psycho-Babble about it.
I was to afraid to take it since I could find nothing on it. But I guess I will now have to give it a try. Wish me luck.
~NISSY> What reading!! I just was ready to change my prescription from Wellbutrin to Budeprion. Guess I'll need to do more esearch before I do!m
>
> Change is due to new med admin company per my insurance co. ... CareMark. MUCH cheaper to do "mail-order" prescriptions, cheaper yet to do generics. In their info I noticed Bupropion was listed for other dosages, but for mine (I'm on daily Wellbutrin XL 300mg) it listed Budeprion ... thought it was a typo/data entry error.
>
> Been on it (Wellbutrin) for last couple of years (as well as Prozac) with no noticeable side effects, except the lower libido, probably due the Prozac ... I take the generic of this, Fluoxotine (sp?).
>
> Will check back for any comments and/or new info or experiences ... thanks.
Posted by loonbyn on March 4, 2007, at 12:48:21
In reply to Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by Daniel2000 on September 30, 2004, at 7:41:28
I just received my 3-month supply of what I thought was going to be my Wellbutrin renewal, and just like many of you thought they accidently sent me the wrong med since #1) it wasn't labeled as Wellbutrin (or Bupropion) and #2) it was twice the size of Wellbutrin. Obviously the Budeprion has some sort of unknown fillers in it to make the tablet size so much larger. So like all good untrusting-of-insurance-companies-having-my-best-interest-at-heart folk these days I did some research, found this site amongst others, and read about al sorts of negative experiences using this generic. My brain chemicals are a bit too precious to me to screw around with, so I will call my Dr tomorrow to have her specify no generic substitution for Wellbutrin. I am hoping my mail order will be received in time before my remaining Wellbutrin runs out. Now I wonder what I should do with this unused 3-month supply of budeprion? Maybe used some Elmer's glue and see if I can tiny log cabins out of them!
Posted by Jordan Smith on March 5, 2007, at 9:39:05
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by loonbyn on March 4, 2007, at 12:48:21
As for your unused Budeprion...I would call and ask for a refund. I would image you got 3 bottles and 2 are unopened?
Posted by smom on March 5, 2007, at 10:49:58
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by Jordan Smith on March 5, 2007, at 9:39:05
I even returned the open bottle of generic to my pharmacy and they replaced it with the name brand. I did, of course, pay the difference.
Posted by Ryanna Way on March 8, 2007, at 22:04:33
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin, posted by loonbyn on March 4, 2007, at 12:48:21
Thanks, guys, for taking the time to post this information.
My story is basically the same, I started suspecting that the generic Wellbutrin (yellow tablet with 682) was not working so I started looking for some info on it.
Thanks!!
Posted by gedirk on March 8, 2007, at 22:15:58
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin » gedirk, posted by NISSYNICOL on March 2, 2007, at 18:32:17
FYI ... recently rec'd my mailorder 3 mos. supply of budeprion from Caremark. Changed to it over the wknd just in case there were any reactions, and have been on it for about a week ... NO PROBLEMS (yet?)!!! YAAAAHHOOOOOOOO!!!
Thanks for all the postings on this ... I'll let you know if anything changes.
(NOTE: Don't forget to reset your clocks tonight.)
Posted by River1924 on March 10, 2007, at 17:38:33
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin » NISSYNICOL, posted by gedirk on March 8, 2007, at 22:15:58
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/reportproblem.asp
This website reports problems with generics to the FDA.
Posted by darling on March 11, 2007, at 12:25:00
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin XL » SallyAnne, posted by zenhussy on February 25, 2007, at 13:40:42
I have never been so disappointed in this company as I am right now. People with depression do not need this confusion, I looked it up several times and there are no results or no such medicine. I feel like YOU need to notify ME or my DOCTOR before you change my meds. Also there was no discription of this new pill and is so much bigger tha the original Wellbutrin XL 300mg which makes it harder to swallow. I do not want to even try because of the results I have finnally heard from others. I will be contacting you and my DOCTOR, Thanks
Posted by darling on March 12, 2007, at 15:34:36
In reply to Re: Budeprion (Generic) vs. Wellbutrin XL » zenhussy, posted by darling on March 11, 2007, at 12:25:00
This was actually a note for my Insurance Co., mail in pharmacy's, and Doctor. Sorry I am so upset about this drug that I don't know what I am going to do. Very confusing for us depressed people. There is no findings of this medicine. Why is it so much differant looking than the original?HELP!!!Has anyone tried this so called generic drug with no discription?
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.
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