Generic vs. Brand Name

[seeker]

Hello - this is my first post...

I have a few questions about SSRI's:

1) I have heard/been told that generic formula's can be less effective than the brand name forumula's of SSRI's - specifically, Zoloft. Is this the case? Zoloft is really costly, and switching to the generic formula would be a lot more affordable (but not if it doesn't work). Any thoughts on this?

2) Another thing I've heard/been told is that people with OCD/GAD typically have better results taking Luvox, moreso than the other SSRI's available. Is that true? And, are there any meds specifically for controlling/reducing the symptoms of OCD/GAD (other than tranquilizer type meds)?

Thanks

 

[David Baxter PhD]

Welcome to Psychlinks, seeker.

1) I have heard/been told that generic formula's can be less effective than the brand name forumula's of SSRI's - specifically, Zoloft. Is this the case? Zoloft is really costly, and switching to the generic formula would be a lot more affordable (but not if it doesn't work). Any thoughts on this?

Some people do perfectly well on generics, although there are some indications that this may vary according to the spcific medication. I am not aware of any negative reports for the Zoloft generic. It's certainly worth talking to your doctor about this and giving it a try - if the generics work for you, it will certainly be significantly cheaper in most cases.

2) Another thing I've heard/been told is that people with OCD/GAD typically have better results taking Luvox, moreso than the other SSRI's available. Is that true? And, are there any meds specifically for controlling/reducing the symptoms of OCD/GAD (other than tranquilizer type meds)?

Again, this depends on the individual. I have had clients with OCD who have done quite well on other SSRIs (including Zoloft) and a couple who did better on Luvox when other SSRIs didn't provide the full benefits they wanted. There is evidence from a large scale Ottawa study, however, that Luvox is one of the drugs where the brand name version worked significantly better than the generic in the treatment of OCD.

 

[KarenRB53]

Hi: Can you tell me if you've heard of any reactions to generic Prozac (fluoxetine) compared to brand name Prozac?

Thanks

 

[David Baxter PhD]

Hi: Can you tell me if you've heard of any reactions to generic Prozac (fluoxetine) compared to brand name Prozac?

Thanks

No.