I just did a post called My Meds are Working- there are some fantastic comments under the post. I have learned a lot from readers.
Here are the facts on generic Lamictal (Lamotrigine). There can be problems with the generic formula. This does not mean it won’t work for you- it does for many people. It does mean that you will need to monitor your moods once you switch. It’s a gradual change if the meds are not working- it seems to be around five weeks.
I really want to stress that generics are good things in many ways- costs, availability, etc. But as people with bipolar disorder, we have to take charge of our own health care. If you use my Health Cards treatment system, it’s a good idea to read your normal card while you take the generics.
Doctors can prescribe ‘brand’ Lamictal if the generics don’t work for you. I can’t believe that I lost a month of work time simply because I didn’t know the meds weren’t working!!!
This is about awareness- when and if you start generic Lamictal, educate your health care professional on the reality of the drug and then work together to make sure you stay stable. Most people do!
Julie
Related posts:
- Generic bipolar medications…. I’m just plain worn out! I honestly think that switching...
- Reader Question on Lamictal (Lamotrigine) Hi Julie, I just read all the blogs and comments...
- Bipolar Disorder Medications: Lamictal (or should I say- generic Lamotrigine!) Well, I have been traveling for a week- first to...
- Reader comment: Medication side effects: Lamictal Hi Julie, I was taking generic Lamictal for 4 weeks...
- Reader Comment: Lamictal and sleep I really want to answer the comments I get under my...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Tags: , anti epileptic drugs lamictal, bipoalr illness, Bipolar Disorder, bipolar disroder, bipolar illness, bipolarhappens.com, dangerous rash lamictal, dangerous side effects lamictal, drugs, generic lamictal, generic lamotrigine, help with lamictal, julie bipolar tips, julie fast, julie fast bipolar tips, juliefast.com, lamictal and twitching, lamictal dosage, lamictal excellent drug, lamictal is lamtrigine, lamictal problems, lamictal questions, lamictal side effects, lamictal teenagers, lamictal troubles, lamictal withdrawal, lamotrigine, lamtigine, manic depression, medication problems, medication side effects, medication trouble, mood stabilizer, neck lamictal, problems with lamictal, psych drugs, psychiatric drugs, rash lamictal, son on lamictal, what are the side effects of lamictal? should I try lam, what is lamictal? Lamictal kids, www.bipolarhappens.com, www.juliefast.com
My son has had difficulties when he has taken generics for many meds. Our psychiatrist explained that the FDA allows generics to contain up to 30% more or less of the name brand med. Obviously they may often opt to supply LESS to increase their profits. Everyone should be aware of this — meds are prescribed for maximum benefit — using generics can be a DANGEROUS option.
I’m on week 1 of the generic. Thanks for the heads up about looking for a change between now and 5 weeks.
Hello,
There is a very good chance it will work just fine. And it’s so inexpensive! I agree that all we have to do is notice how we are feeling and go from there! Julie
I started taking generic Lamictal last December on top of Nefazadone for depression and the Lamictal has worked wonders on my brain! For the first time in 30 years I can actually say that my brain is “quiet.” I can’t really comment on any difference between the generic and the brand-name version but my 200mg daily dose of generic is working for me. If only we had had these medicines 30 years ago! If only someone had just diagnosed me maybe 15 years ago. Oh well, I know better than to dwell on the past. For now, I believe that Lamictal is an important part of my recovery, and look forward to uncovering some happiness in my life.
Keith
Hi Keith,
Oh Yes. Hurray for Lamictal- whether generic or not! It changed my life as well. I was 41 when I got the drug, so I know what you mean about the if only. In fact, that is my next column topic for BP Magazine!
I am so happy you found something that works – life really does get better from here.
Julie
Thank you for reafimming what I instictavly knew! I am on Lamictal also and this was my psych doctors second choice! It has given me back my ” normal ” life! I am more to the deprested site of my disorder and this has balanced me so much! I am currently on 450mg Wellbutin X1 aday, 350mg of Effoxor Xr, and 150mg of Lamictal (generic), daily. This I can function with during DST.
Thank you for reaffimming what I instictavly knew! I am on Lamictal also and this was my psych doctors second choice! It has given me back my ” normal ” life! I am more to the depressed site of my disorder and this has balanced me so much! I am currently on 450mg Wellbutin X1 aday, 350mg of Effoxor Xr, and 300mg of Lamictal (generic), daily. It is a constant battle to fight this disorder! This prescription works for me now, but I have reservations about how long. To me the generic or or brand did not make a difference, it’s how you deal with the “outside” that matters! What works for you, stay with it!
Julie,
First of all thank you so much for all of the wonderful info you give. Our 11 year old has Bipolar and we have been so blessed by your insight, and encouraged by your success. Thank you Thank you. I was compelled to comment because I want to make sure you have accurate information. My husband is a pharmacist, and would be glad to answer ANY questions you have about meds. Generic medications are not like other generic products. They MUST contain the same formulation as their brand name counterparts. They can vary by 10%, but SO CAN BRAND NAME meds. For example, a 100 mg tablet of something EITHER brand of generic can contain 90 to 110 mg. In other words they are held to the same standard as brand name meds. They cannot vary by 30%. I’m saddened that the psychiatrist of the one person made such an uninformed statement. Feel free to email us ANY questions about meds. Keep up the great work!
I was wondering if anyone has experienced chest pains with Lamictal? I switched to the generic in hopes that it would help and it has, but I’ve woken up depressed the last few days. I’m worried that I need to be on the brand name instead of the generic. I am on 25mg. I couldn’t handle 50mg, it made me feel crazy.