What Is The Best Generic Version Of Wellbutrin Xl - Watson Or Anchen? (Page 72)
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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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39

Watson is definitely the best choice of the generics, but the brand is better if you can get insurance to pay for it.

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38

I could have written your post myself - I understand totally. My doctor finally gave me the generic, and I have had no really bad effects, but it doesn't work as well either. She added the generic version of Effexor (small dose), and that helped a lot, but the pounds started creeping up, so I'm thinking of stopping that (I'll ask her first). If you haven't already checked, try the Watson version of Wellbutrin. Per my research, that seems to be the best, although nothing is like the real thing!

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37

I found the Global and Actavis similar. Just do not take Teva!

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36

I am in the exact same position as Mimi. I actually have attempted to trial the generic version on 4-5 occasions over the course of the last 5 years. My co-pay progressively increased each year for the brand and I was forced to trial the generic with very adverse results. I actually slipped into a deep depression twice and have gained weight, unable to get out of bed and missed a great deal of work.

It is disheartening to be at the mercy of the cost of medication. It is disheartening to think people do not understand and think you are out of your head, when you tell them that the generic is faulty or suboptimal. Many people do believe the generic is the same, it is not true. I am case in point. I am your perfect example, as are the people all across the web who are saying the same thing.

Wellbutrin XL has been a life-saver for me. I know that it works. I know that without it, I am going to slip. My current RX is for Welbutrin XL 150mg 3 tabs (450mg) daily. I've been rationing my medication for the past month knowing my insurance is no longer covering any brand medications and only covering generics, despite DAW Dispense As Written, noted all over my chart. I've called Glaxo Smith Kline and pleaded for assistance, I've looked up every single possible drug savings program out there. I can save $50 off the $600 a month medication. As a single mom, on a very unstable income... how does that work?

I used to take my Wellbutrin at bedtime, I have learned to take it in the morning, because I feel better. I am also on Celexa for anxiety. However, the Wellbutrin seems to give me a jolt and gets me moving, without it, I'm a lazy, unmotivated and out of touch person.

I have children who need me. I am in a profession where I take care of other people and I cannot take care of myself. I lack basic self care, how can I care for others and my children when I cannot take care of myself.

This medication isn't a luxury, it is a necessity. Where is our health system going? I'm very sorry for those of you who understand and feel what I am saying. The FDA needs to start protecting us.

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35

I take bupropion 150 XL along with cymbalta. I started with the Global generic which I got used to and works, I guess, but that's all I knew. The retail pharm switched me to the cheaper Teva and it was terrible and I made them take it back and they gave me Actavis as a replacement and it is fine. too. Now the pharm tells me they lose $40 everytime they order Actavis special for me. So I switched to a different pharmacy and they offer Watson. Since Watson makes the both the brand name and a generic, I assume the generic is pretty close to the brand. I guess I'll find out how the Watson compares to the Global and the Actavis that I've been accustomed to - tomorrow.

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34

I've been ordering from Northwest Pharmacy for about 2 years and have never had a problem. If they are seized they send a replacement.

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33

Smithy, Can you tell me where you have been purchasing your generic Bupropion SR by Globel. I've been looking for it. My CVS in Florida stopped dispensing that manufactor and the one I'm on now is NOT THE SAME!
Thank you in advance for your reply.!!

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32

I have tried generics made by Watson and TEVA as
well as the brand name Wellbutrin.Watson is definitely the superior generic although it does not work as well as the brand name. TEVA's budeprion was worthless.
I am taking the brand name at a cost of $240 per month.
For anyone who cant afford the real Wellbutrin , I would suggest the Watson generic.The TEVA doesnt
even look the same ..it's an oblong shaped tellow tablet.

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31

For people who've ordered Wellbutrin from Canada, have you had any issues with customs seizing the meds? I'm leery of sending so much money that way and having my drugs seized. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

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30

have you thought about canada, 105.00 for a 3 month supply of 150 mg

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29

I suffer from depression and have had 7 years of success using Wellbutrin 300XL since 09/30/2000. Insurance switched me to generic budeprion XL beginning 05/16/2007. By 06/03/2007, I started having hallucinations of blacking out (or actual blacking out) for short periods of time. Dizziness, extreme anxiety, fatigue, and depression followed. While driving, I jumped the curb of a very familiar turn in my neighborhood and blew out my car's tire. On 07/02/2007 Dr. J decided to put me back on Wellbutrin 300 XL. Within days, I returned to normal. A recent article in Newsweek (Oct 13, 2008) by Mary Carmichael about generics mentioned that the FDA is investigating the generic Wellbutrin and prompted me to add my name to the petition.


accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/

I sent this info to the FDA in a formal complaint.

Later a doctor from Teva called and interviewed me by phone to ask me about my experience with the Teva buproprion.

Currently, I get my generic from the manufacturer Watson. Although there are currently other manufacturers creating this generic, I'm reluctant to stray from Watson.

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28

Is there any any who has been on Bupropion xl (Actavis) 150 mg for long period of time at least 1yr + & now due to insurance having to switch labs to Global? Having NEVER had brand name Wellbrutin, I haven't seenon any websites/blogs ANYONE stating they have switched from having started generic to wanting name brand. I hv been on same generic/dosage since July '08 & thinking I need to finally up. Also, feel I have ADD along with what my dr diagnosed me with bi-polar I. Is there anyone with comments?

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27

I have taken Wellbutrin XL 300 mg for about 1 year and was feeling almost normal again other than panic and anxiety. The depression was only occasional and then lighter than before. My PCP and therapist don't believe in generics for depression. Two and a half months ago my new psychiatrist changed me to the generic version saying he has never had a patient say they saw any difference in the name brand and generic. My pharmacy uses the Anchen version. I am back to severely depressed, cry a lot, don't want to leave my home, afraid of people, feel worthless, no energy, don't think life is worth the fight. Needless to say when I go back to my psychiatrist next week, I am going to tell him I want the brand name Wellbutrin XL. There is a huge difference in the name brand and generics. I've read a mountain of complaints on another site about the generics not working.

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26

I order brand name Wellbutrin from Canada. I paid $172 in US for 30 day supply and pay $164 in Canada for 90 day supply.

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25

I have been taking the Watson generic since May (450mg). I have been getting 3 of the 150mg and I check the label every time to be sure it is Watson, so it appears that they are still making it - at least that is what my bottle says. I haven't had the bad effects that my doctor was worried about, but I don't feel as good as I used to either - low energy, draggy feeling - , so she has added Effexor (generic) which helps a lot.

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24

After starting on the brand name wellbutrin XL, I switched to Watson generic and found it to be fine. I take 450 mg and after getting the 300 mg and 150 mg from Watson for a long time, apparently Watson is now only making the 300 mg. So I am taking that plus the 150 mg by Anchen; again, so far, no problem. I think your doctor has known of bad experiences with the generic made by Teva; call around to mom and pop pharmacies and see who can get you Watson or Anchen and tell your doc that you want to try that generic, and will stay away from Teva. Good luck.

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23

OK. I can do that, and I agree the brand is better in most cases. I have been on the generic Wellbutrin XL for almost a month now (Watson), and I think I'm doing OK. I have been maybe a little more irritable, but there has also been a lot going on in my life to make me irritable - I don't think it is the meds. I'm hoping it continues to be OK. I would recommend trying Watson for anybody who has to take the generic.

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22

A generic Drug user fee? This sounds like a bunch of BS. I don't entirely understand what the whole content of this hearing is but that is the what I understand from the website:
http://www.pharmcast.com/FederalRegistrar/Yr2011/Apr2011/042511/Generic042911.htm

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21

In terms of a letter to entered into public comment - just tell your story. The big deal here is that with these types of medications, there can be dramatic differences between the generic and the name brand for some patients and the consequences of taking the generic instead of the name brand can be devastating. I feel fortunate to have the rx for the name brand med, despite having to pay thousands of dollars per year for it. Insurance companies need to understand that sometimes people go through many many meds until they find the one that makes the difference for them without the side effects.

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20

Carole, What, specifically, is the public hearing going to address?

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