What Is The Best Generic Version Of Wellbutrin Xl - Watson Or Anchen? (Page 16)

My doctor will not prescribe generic Wellbutrin XL but my insurance will no longer pay for brand name drugs. I will have to pay about $7000 per yer for what I am taking now (3 of the 150mg Wellbutrin XL brand name per day). I am reading that the problem with the generics is the time release mechanism and not the drug itself and that some are better than others. Anybody have experience with the generics made by Watson and /or Anchen?

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Watson bought Actavis -- and renamed the company Actavis. So, while I was under the impression that they were moving to the Actavis name slowly, it is possible that the Actavis is Watson. The question is whether Actavis made generic Wellbutrin before Watson bought them. If they did, then perhaps it is a different generic.

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Actavis and Watson do appear to be the same company now, the generics are NOT the same. The Watson is a round white pill while the Activis is an oblong yellowish pill. As far as I could tell they seem to use different release technology because the Activis gave me dizziness which my doctor said was because the pill was probably releasing too much active ingredient at once. Hope this is helpful.

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Interestingly -- and hopefully helpful as well -- I went to the Actavis website; and listed under their generic "bupropion HCL XL" tablets they have an image -- which is the Watson tablet. Perhaps -- and I am speculating here -- Actavis did make their own generic version but are now using Watson's version; and perhaps the different looking Actavis tables are leftover, but not expired, Actavis. I guess a call to the company's customer service might provide the answer.

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I have been on the Mylan Bupropion SR 150 2xday, and it worked great. Two days ago went and picked up my new prescription and day one was so-so, but this morning took it and felt tlike I was coming out of my skin, couldn't stop shaking, anxiety through the roof, tight chest, pounding fast heart beat... AWFUL! Called the pharmacy and they are replacing with my old Mylan manufactured, no questions asked or rate change either. They thought it might be one of the inactive ingredients, so I looked it up. Now I just have to figure out which one was the culprit.
Inactive Ingredients: 737(Sun Pharma)
hydroxypropyl cellulose
saccharin
lactose anhydrous
silicon dioxide
magnesium silicate
stearic acid
polyvinyl alcohol
titanium dioxide
polyethylene glycol 3350

Inactive Ingredients: MU12(Mylan)
silicon dioxide
D&C Yellow No. 10
FD&C Blue No. 1
FD&C Red No. 40
hydrochloric acid
hydroxypropyl cellulose
hypromellose
magnesium stearate
microcrystalline cellulose
polydextrose
polyethylene glycol
stearic acid
titanium dioxide
triacetin

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Are you finding many problems with the Mylan brand of the SR150mg? I do well on that one, but the Sun Pharma one made me feel terrible.

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OMy new drug plan states that Wellbutrin xl will cost me $300 per month. I took the generic brand by Watson for 15 days and developed severe abdominal pains that I was unable to function for 2 weeks. I just started the name brand. I am waiting for the meds to work as my symptoms of depression and anxiety have returned. I applied for financial aid from the manufactuer (Valent)

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You should try the GlaxoSmithKline patient assistance program. You can get an application on line or by calling them.

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The only thing I can suggest is to try the Watson generic. My doctor wouldn't prescribe any generic until I researched it and told her that I found that most people did well on Watson because their time release system was the best (as compared to the brand). I still don't think it is as good as the brand, but if I had to put a number on it, I would say about 85% as effective? Just a guess. I don't understand why the Brand is still so outrageously expensive with so many generics, but I guess it is because it really is the best.

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I don't think the Glaxo SmithKline program is still in existence.

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@ Rachel,

My understanding is that Walgreens gets it's Mylan Buproprion from a supplier called Cardinal Health. So you might want to look into another pharmacy that also orders from Cardinal Health if Walgreens doesn't take your insurance anymore.

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@ Anxious,

I was switched from Mylan to Anchen, and I also had problems. I have never tried Sun Pharma. If there is a Walgreens pharma near you, I know they can special order the Mylan for you.

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The Mylan seems to work well for me, but I am very sensitive to any kind of medications so it might not work well for everyone. I took the name brand for awhile years ago and did great on it, but insurance won't pay for it now, alas I have no option but Generic and the Mylan works. I have had allergies on other generics and now have to sit down and ask myself is it the medication or the inactive ingredients causing issues. Thanks everyone for the insight. If you have any Sun Pharmaceutical Bupropion stories please let me know.

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I just filled my prescription at walgreens for wellbutrin xl 150 mg generic. (with insurance the brand wellbutrin would still be over $200)
I made sure to ask with generic, she said Teva.
No thank you!! I had them order watson for me instead. she said it should be in by 5pm tomorrow.
I live in the northwest chicago suburbs btw.

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Im trying canada drugs. 50 dollars for brand name Welbutrin xl . Canada will not sell generic welbutrin. Seems they are protecting people where us has not got protection in place too keep meds that ate not quaulity off the market. Anyway my first shipment should arrive in 1 more week. Its brand name so i have mo worries. Im really impressed with their customer service so far.

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Mimi, the program is in existence, under the name "Bridges To Access". You get a 3 month supply of Wellbutrin, and then you just call and you will receive the refill. If you are approved, you will be able to receive the Wellbutrin for 1 year, and then you have to re-apply. I am very grateful for for this program. Of course, it is a program for people who have no insurance and cannot afford it. Their phone # is 1-866-Patient. Hope this helps you.

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In response to Jeff: I checked yesterday, but after your response, I checked again. The program is in existence, but Wellbutrin XL is not one of the drugs listed as part of the program. Maybe if you call the 800# they can help. Not trying to discourage anyone from trying that.
There is another coupon at wellbutrinxlcoupon.com/Page/Co_pay1.aspx, but it says the program ends 6/30/13. Better than nothing. Maybe they will continue it.
That site also has FDA update: Wellbutrin XL 300 is not equiv to the generics. FDA has not said the same of the 150 XL, but they should.

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Mimi is correct -- when GSK sold the 300XL to Valeant Corporation, it was no longer available free under Bridges to Access. The Valeant version was like taking a placebo for me so I have just started the SR which is still manufactured by GSK.

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Mimi, I get Wellbutrin SR 150 mg and I take 2 a day. Bridges to Access sends me a 3 month supply at a time and then I just call to renew. The only difference between XL and SR is how the medication is released in your system. XL is extended release and SR is sustained release.

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Mimi, as a matter of fact, I ordered by phone a renewal only 6 days ago and it came in the mail today.

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I may try Canada Drugs as well. I'm mildly discouraged that it's $146 for 90 150XL pills. I was hoping for it to average closer to $30 per month.

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