Switching From Pristiq To Generic Desvenlafaxine (Page 2)
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I was switched from Pristiq to generic Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) which if I understand right, is really Effexor. Is there a possibility this could be causing my severe fatigue? Has this happened to anyone else out there?

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Re: Abigail (# 135)

I’m also curious about your copay. My doctor has no problem writing the Rx that way to get name brand, but my copay is still about $280. I’m continuing to look for other options. Very frustrating.

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Re: Abigail (# 135)

Did your insurance company pay for it? And if so, how much of it? It was costing me $250-$325 per month.

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Re: Kate (# 20)

I was thrilled when a generic Pristiq became available because of the cost difference. In the past, I've always found generics to be as effective as the name brand. BUT NOT IN THIS CASE. I became unusually grumpy, restless and tired. I've never experienced severe anxiety or had a panic attack until I started generic desvenlafaxine--it interfered with my daily life. My helpful pharmacist at Walgreens suggested having the prescribing doctor write the Pristiq as "name brand medically necessary" which was then accepted by the health insurance company.

Within a week I felt "normal" again. I wish I understood why the supposedly "same medication" approved by the FDA isn't as effective as the name brand Pristiq but I don't. It's been a very frustrating process and I even sent feedback to the FDA at: fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/default.htm.

I suggest this route to all others with similar experiences.

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Re: Louise (# 125)

Your Dr has to write on the script "brand only".

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Re: PJ (# 1)

I too was switched to generic Pristiq and my depression came back after a few months. I felt wonderful on the name brand. I am seeing my doctor next week in the hopes that I will be switched back to the brand name.

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Why does the insurance have a say in what you take? The doctor decides what he gives you and it's your choice which one you buy. I was on pristiq for months and couldn’t wait to get off them because the side effects were bad. I assume you are not in Australia? Here we don’t have a 25mg, it starts on 50mg. To get off these awful antidepressants do it slowly, my husband is a scientist and he guided me how to do it. When I came to cut them in half (they are coated) buy a pill cutter, a few dollars, and empty capsules which you can buy also in the pharmacy. When you cut the 50mg to 25mg, pop it into the empty capsule. Do this for about two weeks, then cut it again into quarters and do the same for another two weeks until you are satisfied and you don’t have the brain snaps people get when coming off them.

I had to do it this way because Australia doesn’t make the 25mg. I did this from 200mg to 100mg and 50mg without much effort, but 25 mg was the problem. My GP said to go cold turkey but that is a no no. I had no side effect doing it this way. I said at the time I would never take pristiq again. I have friends on it and they can’t get off it. I went to the pharmacist this week for a blood pressure medication. They ask if you want the usual or the generic, I said the usual. Twice they tried to give me two different sorts, until I said No, I want the Avapro. Ask your GP for another antidepressant. You do need help but always check on the internet first what is available. Or the pharmacist, they are your best bet. Good luck.

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Re: Terri (# 130)

I get it through CVS in Target. I just requested it and they have placed it on my file and always refill through Greenstone! Hope it helps!

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Re: K2SO (# 18)

I cannot seem to find a pharmacy that carries Greenstone. Can you tell me which pharmacy you use?

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Re: Kate (# 128)

Go to Canada Drugs. If you just type that in your browser it should come up. Go to 'Place a New Order'. Your doctor will need to fax them your prescription when they fax him/her with the request (I called mine to let them know it was coming). They will let you either send a check or if you have an American Express they will just charge it. My 84 day supply cost $313 and that included shipping from Australia; it took about a week to get here. I was skeptical but it's the real drug as like everyone else on this forum I have suffered the side effects from the generic. This looks exactly the same and after a month on it, I can confirm that it is the real drug.

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Re: Pam (# 127)

What is the Canadian company you get it through? How do you go about getting it? Thanks for your help!!

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I just want everyone to know that I have been getting the brand name Pristiq from canadian drugs. They get it from Australia Pfizer. It is a saving from the $9 a pill I was paying after my insurance quit paying anything for the brand name Pristiq and the generic did not work. Also, the "savings card" issued by Pfizer did not work for my pharmacy. I was skeptical but these are the real Pristiq. I have been taking them now for a month and can confirm that they are the real deal.

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Re: Kate (# 20)

See if a savings card can help you. It has helped me a lot.

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Re: Ken (# 8)

May I ask how you got an advocate that helped you get back on the brand? Just got switched to the generic and am not doing well... thank you!

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Re: Eliza (# 123)

Hi, well, I've probably had COPD for a long time but it was undiagnosed, I had smoked for 40 years, I quit 11 years ago, but even so, the damage had been done. I was often out of breath but nothing that made me think it was more than just being out of shape. After I started the generic Pristiq, it worsened because all my symptoms came back and I was experiencing high degrees of panic. The disorder I have will literally drive you out of your mind and many people with it end up committing suicide. But with 75-100 mgs of the generic, I was able to stop those symptoms but my depression gradually grew worse and worse, and with it, my breathing got worse and worse. On top of this, life happened. My border collie was trained to do therapy work and at 9 he seemed to have suddenly developed spleen cancer, it was as bad for me watching him get to that point that you know you have to put him down. It was during this time I really noticed I could not walk him as far as I normally did without having to sit and rest or bend over to catch my breath. Finally in December I had enough and paid for the name brand Pristiq and within a couple of weeks felt better, but my breathing did not improve significantly, that is when I went and got tested and found out I have COPD and only 25% of my lung function left. Because I believe that the secret to good health is happiness, I believe the generic Pristiq exacerbated a problem that would have eventually shown up anyway. I must say, since being back on Pristiq, I have handled my situation and the treatments without the panic I am prone to and am getting stronger and my breathing is better every week (I am doing pulmonary rehab). So, there is my long story. I can't urge you enough that if you hear anything with your lungs (or as you said your husband does) go and get a breath test and a chest xray. Good health to you.

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Feather (# 20) --

I am curious about your shortness of breath problem. My husband has been commenting recently that I sound short of breath -- although I feel normal, so who knows. Since I switched to generic pristiq, I've had all sorts of irritating problems. Most of the time, I just feel like it is wearing off before the next dose. Almost brain zaps and the like. But I have funny little symptoms -- like I have just had a time where I was skipping heartbeats more than normal. I have a prescription for regular Pristiq for one month, but my provider is against me changing because of cost. I just want to try one month to see which symptoms disappear. Actually, I would like to find a way to stop antidepressants all together. Don't know if I could get it to work. It has never worked in the past.

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Re: FloridaNeil (# 120)

I completely agree that the greenstone one does not work as well. At least for me.

I have gained weight rather quickly, have been having suicidal thoughts, and walking depression.
I don’t want to harm myself, but it’s more like if I got into an accident and died - I would be ok with that.

I also don’t think it’s good that when I walk into a store or wherever and feel like just laying on the floor right there. Right in the middle of the store. But that’s where I’m at.

I have talked to my doctor to get name brand again. They were fine with it.
Now I have to get my insurance co to work with me.

I’m really tired of all this BS. I just want to feel “normal.” This should be a nonissue to get the meds I need to help me with that. This really needs to change.

Anyway, good luck to you all. Hopefully we will all get the meds that helps us best.

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Like many of you I was switched to the generic Pristiq last May. I did not expect any difference because of the generic, I had experienced a difference between brand name Ativan and generic Lorezepam when it was first switched (many many moons ago) but I survived the difference. So, was not expecting the difference. I began taking Pristiq 10 years ago when during menopause I began experiencing persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) so bad I became suicidal. Luckily my doctor prescribed Pristiq and all symptoms went away, until about a month into the generic they all came back (this disease is similar to Fibromyalsia but just in the genitals) it is maddening because there is no relief. I also experienced the breathing problems I read other experiencing, so bad that I was diagnosed with COPD. Anyway they doubled the generic dose from 50 to 100 that worked but I was catatonic, then we did the 25 3x a day, nope didn't work. Doctor requested the brand name, Blue Cross said screw you, I appealed and they said screw you even more. My cost made brand name Pristiq $9 per pill per day, or the $270 many of you are paying. I tried this in January, within 2 weeks on the brand name I was back to normal, breathing has improved, I am optimistic and have tons more energy. And the PGAD does not bother me at all. However, we cannot afford the $9 per pill per day for long, so I too googled and found the Canadian drug co. Price from Australia is $3 per day, so I'm going to try that. It only took about a week and a half for me to get it and they look exactly the same with the W 50 on the pill, so fingers crossed. I would love to hear from anyone else who has tried the Canadian route and if you noticed anything odd or if they do work the same, etc. They really look the same....I just doubt anything this good. Thanks in advance.

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Re: Hillary (# 118)


No everyone is not in agreement. Greenstone generic is made in Singapore (by Pfizer), but does not work like brand Pristiq. After (2) weeks, I noticed a considerable difference and depression returned. I immediately went back on the brand and feel fine again. Don't be fooled into thinking that this generic is the same as brand Pristiq or Effexor. It is neither of these. Brand Pristiq has a far superior "release mechanism" and 100% of the medication vs. the generic's lower percentage. Does anyone really think that a generic is a duplicate of a brand. Even though Pfizer owns Greenstone - it's not manufactured the same way. My Dr. said that sometimes adding 25mg. to generic Pristiq 50 will do the trick. So, that idea may be worth trying or possibly upping the dose to 100mg if your Dr. understands the situation. With the Pfizer discount card (on website) - I pay $280 per month. It's more than worth it. Also, sometimes the Canadian "brand" is okay. So, if you start to feel yourself going down - act quickly because saving $ - is not worth the slide into depression. Best to all.

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Re: Hillary (# 118)

Hillary, if your pharmacy is out of Greenstone brand, try calling some other local pharmacies because they might still have some in stock. There is a shortage in various generics because many are manufactured in Puerto Rico which was hit by recent hurricane damage.

Hurricane Damage in Puerto Rico Leads to Fears of Drug Shortages: nytimes.com/2017/10/04/health/puerto-rico-hurricane-maria-pharmaceutical-manufacturers.html

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Okay so everyone is right, Greenstone Pristiq totally works. I got my pharmacy to switch my generic to that and everything was great for like 2 months. Now Greenstone has been "Backordered" for 2-3 months so I've been taking either Lupin or Brekenridge I think. Regardless I feel like I was without Pristiq at all. I keep having meltdowns and crying and anxiety attacks. I don't know what to do. My insurance (Cigna) won't cover name brand and the cash price is $487 for a 30 day supply. Even the discount card through Pfizer only takes it down a few hundred, but I cannot afford $300+ a month on one prescription in addition to my insurance which is doing NOTHING to help cover this. Any Ideas anyone? I'm desperate.

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