Lexapro Brand Vs Generic

I was on brand Lexapro for about eight years with great success. My pharmacy switched me to generic and I was happy to be saving the money, but within a few days, I was nauseous and dizzy, having nightmares and hot flashes, and suffering from depression again. It took me about a month to realize the cause was the generic, and I decided to pay the difference to get the brand. When I asked the pharmacist if this was common, she said those who start on the generic seem to do well, but those who switch from brand seem to have difficulties. Not too long after switching back, I was doing well again.

In answer to a few other people who posted, you can not quit lexapro cold turkey, you must wean yourself off!!!! I stopped taking it for awhile by tapering off and had no issues, but after my depression returned, I resumed taking it.

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Hi Candy! I'm sorry about what happened to you on the generic.

It is correct that one shouldn't stop this medication cold turkey due to possible rebound effects, which may include severe headache, extreme depression, suicidal ideation, and pain.

Ref: Laxapro Information

The issues due to the differences in the medication may occur when you go from the name brand to the generic, from the generic to the name brand, or even from one generic to another.

This is due to the fact that under the Hatch-Waxman Act of 1984 which was created to help bring generics to market faster, and try to lower medication prices, the generics are allowed to differ from the name brand by as much as plus, or minus 20% of the active ingredient.

Ref: FDA Hatch-Waxman Letters

The FDA considers this to be an acceptable therapeutic window, and insignificant when it comes to medication efficacy. For most people, it doesn't cause a problem, but some people are sensitive to any fluctuation in their medications, and experience some problems when they are suddenly switched to one from a different manufacturer.

Many people will also adjust, if they switch, but it may take 4 to 6 weeks for their body to get used to the change.

Is there anything I can help with?

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