Ryan - Generic drugs

Hey Ryan, rad car on your picture.  Anyway,  I was taking generic celexa and klonopin from the local drug store (CVS) and everything was fine.  Well, then I ordered the generics from my insurance's mail order place (Caremark).  When I started the citalopram from caremark the first and maybe second day I felt a little dizzy.  Then about a week later I started the clonazepam from caremark and I felt more tired during the day.  Is there that much of a difference between generics from different pharmaceuticals?

[ccamrine]

My best friend had that same car when we were in our early 20's.  It was green and original everything.  We loved that car.

[often]

well no wonder they are cheaper.....they aren't as strong.....damn...and they have been telling me all along that they are the same.......sounds like a class action suit in the making ....

[pvcqueen]

where is your documentation that states that generic drugs can be only 80% as potent?!?  I have been taught that they are exactly the same.  Where does it say this??

[often]

From the FDA:

"Health professionals and consumers can be assured that FDA approved generic drugs have met the same rigid standards as the innovator drug. To gain FDA approval, a generic drug must:
contain the same active ingredients as the innovator drug(inactive ingredients may vary)
be identical in strength, dosage form, and route of administration
have the same use indications
be bioequivalent
meet the same batch requirements for identity, strength, purity, and quality
be manufactured under the same strict standards of FDA's good manufacturing practice regulations required for innovator products "

Seems to me that does not allow for +/- 20%

[ccamrine]

I just checked the bottle labels on the clonazepam.  The CVS brand (what I previously took) are made by Teva, USA.  The new ones from Caremark are made by Caraco.  Interesting, huh?

Also, the citalopram is made by Aurobindo Pha.  Know anything about them?

[debaser23]

You have to dig in the FDA's website but it is there...there really is an "acceptable" difference for generics.  I've read it myself but it's been a while and can't point you to a link or anything.

Interestingly, I was on Caraco clonazepam for a long time and switched to Teva a few weeks ago.  I'd always heard Teva was the best, but now I'm not so sure.  It took a few days for me to notice a difference, but my A/P has been rebounding like crazy lately.  I've had two full blown panic attacks in the last week.  Prior to that I hadn't had any since beginning treatment.

Then again, I suppose this could vary from person to person, or perhaps something else is going on with me.  I really don't know.  

[pvcqueen]

I suggest you all call your doctors or the pharmacist and find out if the generic you are talking is in fact weaker or stronger than the brand name..........the FDA article than Ryan referrenced confirms THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE.  I hope nobody thinks they can pop 2 pills cuz Ryan said they are not as strong.  Heck, they could be stronger too, according to him.  I also hope nobody cuts them down or starts chipping.