Watson Vs. Mylan Generic Lorazepam Side Effects. (Page 8)
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Been on Sandoz mfr. lorazepam for 10 years; no problems; no need to increase dose. Sandoz stopped mfr. Now, can only get these generic's & Actavis. Having lots of troubles getting results; either nothing or zonked. Anyone else w/any experience which mfr. is closer to Sandoz (since FDA approves up to 2% differences in generics). Thank you.

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Re: Twig7 (# 385)

I’m just seeing this. Well, I guess that’s a really good question. I would love to know the answer to that! If it truly is a generic was changed from the original “recipe“ they should not be charging the amount they are charging. Hmm??

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Re: Twig7 (# 392)

I’ve seen some new people with concerns like ours have been. I do disagree with the post about your comment being too long. I’ve learned much more from this site and patients who have had the same problems as I have, than any pharmacist who really doesn’t seem to care about how well a medicine works or not.. I’m just checking in to see if anyone has tried anything that works. I’ve got another 2 weeks before I’m out. Also wondering if the 0.5 Mylan is still available. If you know, please pass it on. Thanks.

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Re: Shade me (# 391)

Shade me, To answer your question. Because some folks need clarification in detail and reassurance. So I'm not answering the same question repeatedly. I'm sorry this seems to be a dilemma for you. So you know I'm not going to bite the bait you've dangled in front of me to see if I'll snap back at you. You take care now ok.

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Re: Twig7 (# 390)

Why do some people have to write a long long book on these threads? It takes up too much room it's just ridiculous get to the point instead of writing a book please. You're taking up way too much room. Do you really think people are going to read your book? I don't think so.

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Re: pjcentral (# 388)

Pj, I'm not sure we've talked before. I can tell you from my experience only that the pill you're describing is exactly what I took around 2004. That's when Biovail took over from Wyeth.

Let me back-up here for a second. I'm not trying to be right here in any way. What I'm trying to say is this. One I'm not concerned that Valeant is making Ativan. I'm not concerned that Biovail used to make Ativan. I'm not concerned that Valeant is now owner of the rights of AtIvan. Ok that is outta the way.

Here's where the confusion comes in. (Not being argumentative) If you have taken Ativan since the 80's you would know that the pill was made by Wyeth. You would have seen Wyeth on the pill with a 64 on the one side (1mg tab) and a embossed A on the front. You're now seeing the same thing with only one change. Wyeth's name removed and BPI on it.

Next when Biovail took over the rights to Ativan they were a new innovated company that marketed generics. Their whole website talked about how they were changing the dynamics of the medications. That improving medications from brand names to generics.

Next I spoke with their people on the phone to clarify whether they changed the formula to a generic. They said they did. The price was lower now then it was and cheaper to buy.

In comes my personal experience with trial usage of the new pill. One I started having worsening panic. Needed to take more of the new pill. At that point I called my pdoc. Explained to him what I was experiencing. I talked to the head pharmacist at my VA hospital. She research everything that I did and confirmed that Biovail did turn it into a generic.

At that time I was told that they would no longer pay for Ativan "brand name" because it was now a generic and they could get a generic cheaper. In came Mylan for me. Through trial we found a level that worked for me. I've been on Mylan since then.

Every now again the VA would get a different generic that I took and had failures with. My pdoc was understanding and gracious and told the pharmacy to get Mylan only for me.

Here's my conclusion I've read the other post out here that others have spoken about. I've seen the post that you had with someone named Doc. This person had pretty much the same experience with the change. (Footnote) When the VA does something in one state they do it across the board in all states. When they Implement new changes it's not just with one hospital/clinic. It's a full change as i said nationwide. (So note that Doc's experiences we're like mine just like so to say others have had the same experience with Watson identically like they did. Or Leading and so on).

Understand this though. It doesn't mean that some doctors in the VA don't have leverage to ask for a different medication if they see that the ones some Vets are taken don't work.

I agree with Doc that at the time of the switch Biovail made Ativan a generic. They kept the same look with two changes. One the formula and two the name.

Food for thought. You may have taken the Wyeth brand and Biovail brand which you never experience any difference. Many folks have spoke about this out here. Not only with this brand but other types of generics in Lorazepam forums. So I'm thinking you may have been blessed with that experience.

Conclusions. Do I believe that at the time Valeant bought the rights to brand name Ativan they might have changed it back to its original formula in 2009? Honestly I can't tell you whether that is true. I've never taken it since Biovail took over but for a short period.

All I know is that on Valeant's website they show they sell brand name and a generic. Are they two different formulas? One I haven't seen the Valeant/Biovail generic pill and Savannah and you both say that brand looks like the original Wyeth. I just know I'd like to see their generic and be able to try it. I'd really like to try their brand name. Because if it's the original formula I'd like to think I could drop my dose down. But the VA isn't going to pay for it and as I spoke to Savannah I could pick up a medical insurance plan with no guarantee that I could get someone to write the brand name and be able to purchase it with my new insurance.

Final thoughts here. I'm happy for you that your experience all around has been positive and that you see no changes. It's nice to know that you have an insurance plan this willing to work with you that will pay the difference for a medication that's very expensive.

These are my truthful experiences and nothing more. I have no reason to doubt the pharmacist I spoke of or other pharmacist that have told me the same thing back when the change was made when it was turned into a generic pill. Plus reading not only Biovail's website and talking to them.

To Medschat. I apologize if by any means I've come across harsh in anyway out here. That if I've said anything that may have gone against policy I'm truly sorry. It wasn't my intentions at all. I've only spoke of my personal experiences. I apologize to Savannah and I believe things are understood now. Do I still think there has been someone speaking that's the same person out here. Yes I do. Some I haven't seen since I said it. My only problem was we all were getting different answers from Mylan. Then to find out some of us were told one thing and others another. It was frustrating to say the least. But I apologized after I found out Mylan wasn't being honest. I tried to stay positive that Mylan was telling someone is that they were going to continue making their generic lorazepam.

Understand that this has been rough on many of us out here. Wish you all good health and hope you all find a new brand that works for you.

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Re: pjcentral (# 388)

I have the same manufacture for Ativan as you do. Yes ranbaxy worked really well for me also...

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Re: Twig7 (# 385)

I use what is prescribed as the brand name, "Do not substitute" on the prescription. It is exactly the way the brand always looked, doghouse shaped. On my bottle it says Valaent as the manufacturer. I pay extra for my plan which allows me to buy the brand. As I've mentioned on an earlier post, no generic worked for me except Ranbaxy which I hope soon will be available. I've been using Ativan since the 80's for panic disorder and chronic anxiety. It's all that works for me.

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Re: Twig7 (# 386)

Unfortunately years ago I was tried on Klonopin and it caused a low grade but constant depression. My doctor at the time wasn’t alarmed, I think he said it happens to about 10% of patients.

We shall see, hopefully the Sandoz arrives and it’s effective. I will keep everyone updated.

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Re: Henry (# 384)

I feel your pain Henry. Hopefully you'll be able to get it and it works. I'm in the same boat that I may hafta talk my doctor about changing me to another benzodiazepine. Unfortunately I have no idea what he'll say and I can tell you that nothing else works because I tried them all. My brother takes Klonopin as well as my son. They both say it works for them. But my brother doesn't have the same panic issues I have and neither does my son. I've been told for years that Klonopin works pretty well for most people. That might be an option for you Henry. As I said I totally feel your pain. Keep us posted...

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Hi Savannah, that's what Biovail had on it when they took it over from Wyeth. Only thing they changed was the BPI instead of Wyeth. What's stumping me is that Biovail said it was a generic. Maybe Valeant turned it back to the original formula? Because Valeant said there is a generic form that they make as well. It's on their website. So thinking out loud here I wished I knew what the generic pill they make looks like. I was under the impression it look like the pill you have. (That is the Biovail generic) Because as I said guys that's what it looked like in 2004-05. I had a board approve consult for brand name as I've talked about and as I said Biovail and the VA pharmacist I've known for years back than and trusted said it was a generic. Ugh... The important thing is that it works for.you. Many others have said it works for them. As I also said it worked but I had to increase the dose. Really baffled here.

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Re: Henry (# 372)

Ugh again. So I just talked to my CVS pharmacist again. As I wrote last I called them Thursday and they were going to try and order the Sandoz lorazepam. Prior to that call I spoke with Sandoz who informed me they are still making it and said she saw stock on hand at Sandoz's facility. However, my call just now to CVS I was informed they have been unable to get it so far. It should have arrived Friday but didn't and again not today. On another thread on medschat people were talking about having issues getting it as warehouses were "waiting for shipment". So that may be the issue with me, and it still might come it. Unfortunately I have no idea if it'll work as i've never had the Sandoz lorazepam and the feedback i've read is mixed. CVS told me the only ones for sure they can get are Teva (Watson/Actavis garbage) or Leading Pharm (garbage).

I have a bit of stock of medicine so I have some time to see what happens. It's not looking good though. I might be at my doctor soon talking about switching to a different medication after 12 years doing well with Ativan.

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Re: Twig7 (# 381)

Hi Twigs 7, that’s so sad. All of our vets including you deserve the best treatment out there! It is the dog house shaped pills. The A is the House shape outlined. The back I BPl/64. Hope this helps.

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Re: Savannah (# 377)

I'm still having a hard time wrapping my brain around the price. I used to get 120 1mg brand name Wyeth for like $30.00 for a months supply. Don't quote me on that price but I know it wasn't that much.

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Re: Savannah (# 377)

I'd like to think they're truly using the same formula that Wyeth made Savannah. I wished I could try it. But the problem for me is finding a doctor that would write the script for me. Even if I picked up pvt insurance there's no guarantee I'd find someone that would help me out. The military and VA will-not board approve anything for us Vets any more. All the old school doctors I used to have they either retired them or pushed them out the door. I'm still trying to find Valeant's generic they make. Question what does your brand name Ativan pill look like? Is it still the dog house shape and what lettering is on it? I'm so totally lost at this point what's - what.... My pharmacist says he can't even find the Valeant generic or brand name... Though their website clearly shows they make it and you're getting it as well.

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Re: Savannah (# 379)

Just so y'all know I just looked up who makes Watson now. It's not Purepac... it's Teva. I'm not quite sure if we can post links but I googled who makes Teva lorazepam... Once I scrolled down rhe page there's photos of Watson in every strength.. Smh.....

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Re: Savannah (# 377)

I wanted to ad with the Watson before they changed it it helped. I did have a tight tension feeling from it in my jaw. I use to think I was having anxiety but I have talked with many people who said they had the same prob. I also took Ranbaxy and it helped me well until they took that off the market.

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Re: Twig7 (# 369)

I have never heard of free floating anxiety but I believe without my meds I would be that way, it truly sucks. I’m sorry you have it. I hope when you have the correct meds it controls it?

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Re: Twig7 (# 369)

Thank you Twig7. It would be nice to know if it’s not the real Ativan! Because with out Insurance 5 mg a day is 147.00 a day. I agree with you. They complain about giving higher doses yet! They give people garbage and you have to take more to get the benefit if it’s even possible. The worst meds I took for me was leading brand, Watson, Actavis, Sandoz. Teva worked for me years ago, Mylan was the best... Thank you for your kind words.

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Re: Sunset (# 373)

Thank you ! I agree with you ! They say generics are the same but that’s so very untrue . It amazes me I can take 1 whole pill less then for all the years I have been on lorezepam and feel better then I did on all the garbage we get . It’s very unfair for all of us who have anxiety problems . It’s not fun and we should not have to suffer ! Thank you for your feedback ! Recommendation . I also made a complaint with the fda . The more people who do the more we paint a clear picture for them .

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Re: Henry (# 372)

Hi Henry, Can you tell me is this a new formula of Sandoz and what does the pill look like? I've seen someone talk about GreenStone. Don't think I ever heard of it. I looked on their website but they don't seem to make lorazepam.

I don't have much luck talking to big chain pharmacies. My experience has always been with the big chains they only get what they have and won't special-order or anything.

My local pharmacy doesn't seem to want to help me find a brand that will work other than Mylan. They carry Leading and as I spoke about it - it doesn't work.

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