Prozac. Generics and placebos. CONFUSED!

[username]

I don't know what the rules and regulations are concerning generics in the UK, but I don't have much faith in them. I was on Lustral (Zoloft) for a while, but when I switched to the generic stuff I felt a great dip in my mood.

The first Prozac I tried a while back was generic, and it had a great effect on my mood. Problem was that whilst there was no delayed orgasm, I could hardly get it up! The worst one for sexual side effects.

This time around, I am on a different generic, and I have noticed no sexual side effects whatsoever! Has my doc given me a placebo, or is there a difference between the two generic brands that I got?

In addition to this, I have not felt the positive effect yet (it may come, I have only been on it for 2 weeks, - last time around I felt ENORMOUS improvement in the 2nd to 3rd week).

But then again, some SSRIs do not work as well the second time around. So this may be a factor.

Can my doctor give me a placebo?

Is the generic stuff inferior to the brand name stuff?

Can I even get the brand name stuff in the UK?

I am confused.

Hope you can help!

[Becca]

There are differences between brand name and generic drugs- while the amount of the actual drug has to be the same, but the other ingredients vary, which can affect the rate of absorption. This can affect the effect of the med.

Sometimes this works in favor of a generic, sometimes not.

Most people don't have problems switching between brand name and generic most of the time. But if you have a problem with it, it's not in your head- there are actual differences. They may be affecting you dramatically. However, it might be differences in your body chemistry, illness, etc, this time around instead of a difference in drug.

[username]

By the way, I would like to add that I had success with Zoloft on THREE seperate occasions.

So... I would figure that Prozac should work a second time around.

There are differences between brand name and generic drugs- while the amount of the actual drug has to be the same, but the other ingredients vary, which can affect the rate of absorption. This can affect the effect of the med.

Sometimes this works in favor of a generic, sometimes not.

Most people don't have problems switching between brand name and generic most of the time. But if you have a problem with it, it's not in your head- there are actual differences. They may be affecting you dramatically. However, it might be differences in your body chemistry, illness, etc, this time around instead of a difference in drug.

Thanks Becca

[AirMarshall]

Yeah, generics are required to have the same active drug as the name brand, but the compounding agents, stabilizers, fillers, colorants, and the release method can be different. In the US the generic is required to be +/- 20% as effective. Notice that is a huge variation.

So, you may find many generics that work just as good, while a few don't. I have particular meds that I only take the name brand for that reason.

As far as placebos.... I think in modern medicine it would be considered unethical, and thereby illegal to dispense placebos.

Good luck,

a.m.

[chimpmaster]

Its unlikely that a generic would have anything other than minor differences to the brand name drug. For example, absorbtion rate may be slightly different.

I personally take the generic, lovan. Ive never had "real" prozac. Mine comes in capsule form which I prefer.

But whatever works! If you are noticing a difference then go with it.