This is the first month I have to take the newly approved generic Lamatrogine. Has anyone switched to this? I'd like to know your experience and if there is any change happening taking the generic version. I start on mine in a few days. Thanks
S
I started taking generic Lamotrogene a few weeks ago, and I am close to starting my second month. Thus far, I have not noticed any changes or oddities. I find they are easier to swallow than the shield-shaped Lamictal, though!
Good to hear. The pharamacy tried to give me the generic last night, but I asked my pharmacist to check with my pdoc first. It's been so hard finding something I'm stable on, I don't want to screw it up. I'll see what he said when I stop by tonight.
I started the generic on Saturday, and so far no difference at all. It tastes a little more gross if you don't swallow quickly (sort of powdery), but that's the only difference I've detected at all.
I just started mine on Monday. Not sure of any difference yet. They are more powdery and cheaper with my insurance. The money is my greatest benefit as long as they work the same.
Shannon
I'm not sure if mine are Teva, but they are diamond shaped (100mg), instead of the usual shield. I was barely on the full dose before switching to generic, so I really can't say if there a difference.
I have been on the generic for 3 weeks and my moods are on a rollercoaster. It is driving me crazy! I am so mad! I was doing so well and now this! I would LOVE to take the generic and not pay the outrageous prices at the drug store.
Now I find myself choosing...mental stability or $$$$.
Someone needs to wake up! Generic medications of this type should be held to a higher standard. I guess when law suits start happening right and left, something will be done. By then, we will have lost many dear friends to suicide.
They can't say that the patients did not speak up. We did....but no one was listening.
Hi,
I take Lamotrigine, which is the generic form of Lamictal and I think it is also Teva. My pharmacy switched me about 2 months ago because my insurance has a clause that the pharmacy has to substitute generic if available or something like that. My doctor has always written for Lamictal.
Anyway, they are a diamond shape that have a 9 and a 3 on the scored side. I haven't noticed any change in my moods except that I have been alot more weepy lately, like I feel like I have to choke back tears often and this has been going on for about 5 weeks. I just thought maybe I was cycling into a depressive episode, which could be the case but maybe you're on to something with the generic medication. I will have to ask my doctor about that.
I have read on other boards here that generics can be +/- 20% of the name brand. Even from batch to batch it can vary, supposedly fda approved. Thats not good for people that take this for such serious conditions. Since it is new you would think they would do their best for a good name for the generic. I think I will ask for my blood levels to be checked at next dr visit. I have had to many times since beginning it over a year ago.
Shannon
My pharmacy suddenly started giving me generic lamotrigine instead of Lamictal the last time I got my prescription filled. I found it odd that the lamotrigine 100-mg tablets are the exact same peach color as the Lamictal tablets of the same dosage. Mine are also the diamond-shaped pills, and I agree with others that they are easier to swallow than the oddly shaped Lamictal tablets. I've been taking lamotrigine for about a week-and-a-half or so, and I feel the same. However, I take Lamictal/lamotrigine for Asperger's Syndrome mood swings, not bipolar disorder, so my reaction to it may be different.
-GatsbyLuvr1920-
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Bunnylover, my pdoc requires lamictal levels as part of general blood work every 3-4 months, he says this is pretty much normal protocol. The things that he specifically asks for are "Fasting glucose levels, Lamictal levels, and triglyciride count" then the normal CBC, etc.
