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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jrbecker76 on January 31, 2012, at 9:59:43
First off, let me say that I'm quite sensitive to medications. I'm most likely a poor metabolizer, so keep that in perspective as a caveat.
I'm also one of those rare few that prefer Citalopram/Celexa over Lexapro.
Anyways, I thought I'd relay some differences I've found after a generic brand switch from one citalopram manufacturer to another. As I'm sure some others were affected by the Express Scripts/Walgreens fallout last year, I can no longer get scripts filled at Walgreens.
So I sent away for mail order Express Scripts Citalopram. About 5 days ago, I started taking my usual dose of 20 mg, but I noticed that my mood has swung towards being more irritable and quite overly sensitive. I also tend to get quite a bit of body warmth starting in the late evenings as well. I'm quite certain it's the medication.
The Citalopram manufacturer from Walgreens that I've taken in the past is Amneal (I've also maybe tried Teva's as well). The manufacturer of citalopram from Express Scripts is Torrent Pharmaceuticals.
Just thought I'd pass this along. This is only my personal, subjective experience of course.
I ended up switching back as of last night and already feel a little bit more even keeled again.
JB
Posted by ed_uk2010 on January 31, 2012, at 11:50:48
In reply to Citalopram - generic brand differences, posted by jrbecker76 on January 31, 2012, at 9:59:43
I don't know to what extent this is possible but..... if you think there might be something wrong with the Torrent product, could you request that the FDA test a sample to check that the tablets meet their specification?
I know that here in the UK, the MHRA will (at times) examine samples of medicines which have been reported to them as possibly defective. They have a form on their website where you fill in the details eg. manufacturer, batch number etc.
I don't know as much about the FDA but I expect they offer a similar service. For sure, it's important that potential quality issues are reported because they will not otherwise get looked in to.
Posted by Phillipa on January 31, 2012, at 12:18:08
In reply to Citalopram - generic brand differences, posted by jrbecker76 on January 31, 2012, at 9:59:43
So the right brand really works for you? Please add that to success stories new link I feel from mail I get it's important now thanks Phillipa
Posted by creepy on January 31, 2012, at 12:35:21
In reply to Citalopram - generic brand differences, posted by jrbecker76 on January 31, 2012, at 9:59:43
Never had a problem with brand versus generic with this one. Did notice lexapro was a little better even considering its 2x potency.
Posted by jrbecker76 on January 31, 2012, at 15:14:23
In reply to Re: Citalopram - generic brand differences, posted by ed_uk2010 on January 31, 2012, at 11:50:48
> I don't know to what extent this is possible but..... if you think there might be something wrong with the Torrent product, could you request that the FDA test a sample to check that the tablets meet their specification?
>
> I know that here in the UK, the MHRA will (at times) examine samples of medicines which have been reported to them as possibly defective. They have a form on their website where you fill in the details eg. manufacturer, batch number etc.
>
> I don't know as much about the FDA but I expect they offer a similar service. For sure, it's important that potential quality issues are reported because they will not otherwise get looked in to.
>I've already talked to Express Scripts and filed a report. I'm not sure how much weight it will carry, but at least they're on notice. At least of personal benefit, I've been told that my dr's script can specify a particular generic manufacturer that I prefer rather than the brand they filled with before.
As for the FDA, all generics are vetted prior to approval for bioequivalence, but consumers can report issues through their online database, MedWatch, which I plan on doing.
But once again, I know I'm probably in the minority of people who will register significant differences. At the same time, maybe I'm just more keyed into it than others and although it might not be affecting them to the extent it does with me, it's probably enough of a concern they need to be aware of -- whether they're conscious of the potential differences or not.
Although issues like this are rare, the problem with Wellbutrin generics a couple years ago should probably be a good warning to us all though to at least be cognizant of potential hazards like these.
JB
Posted by papillon2 on February 1, 2012, at 0:45:36
In reply to Re: Citalopram - generic brand differences » ed_uk2010, posted by jrbecker76 on January 31, 2012, at 15:14:23
You might find this interesting:
http://www.crazymeds.us/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/MedInfo/BrandNameVsGenericMedications#.TyjepYlhjTo
Posted by papillon2 on February 1, 2012, at 0:49:18
In reply to Re: Citalopram - generic brand differences » ed_uk2010, posted by jrbecker76 on January 31, 2012, at 15:14:23
Posted by Phillipa on February 1, 2012, at 18:25:27
In reply to Re: Citalopram - generic brand differences » jrbecker76, posted by papillon2 on February 1, 2012, at 0:45:36
Please start a new thread using the crazy meds link it's great. Phillipa
Posted by jrbecker76 on February 2, 2012, at 9:47:23
In reply to Citalopram - generic brand differences, posted by jrbecker76 on January 31, 2012, at 9:59:43
> First off, let me say that I'm quite sensitive to medications. I'm most likely a poor metabolizer, so keep that in perspective as a caveat.
>
> I'm also one of those rare few that prefer Citalopram/Celexa over Lexapro.
>
> Anyways, I thought I'd relay some differences I've found after a generic brand switch from one citalopram manufacturer to another. As I'm sure some others were affected by the Express Scripts/Walgreens fallout last year, I can no longer get scripts filled at Walgreens.
>
> So I sent away for mail order Express Scripts Citalopram. About 5 days ago, I started taking my usual dose of 20 mg, but I noticed that my mood has swung towards being more irritable and quite overly sensitive. I also tend to get quite a bit of body warmth starting in the late evenings as well. I'm quite certain it's the medication.
>
> The Citalopram manufacturer from Walgreens that I've taken in the past is Amneal (I've also maybe tried Teva's as well). The manufacturer of citalopram from Express Scripts is Torrent Pharmaceuticals.
>
> Just thought I'd pass this along. This is only my personal, subjective experience of course.
>
> I ended up switching back as of last night and already feel a little bit more even keeled again.
>
> JB
>
>
>this website also tracks generic variances. Interesting that some posters have related issues with Torrent as well.
This is the end of the thread.
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