Seroquel XR (brand name) vs. Seroquel IR (generic)

[lisa2712]

Hi Forum,

 

I was taking Seroquel XR samples (brand name) that my psych Nurse gave me, and after a month or so on it she switched me to Seroquel IR (generic). I was feeling better on the XR, and now that I've switched to the IR, I wonder if there's a difference in quality and effectiveness, and if cost was a major factor in her switching me. I know generic IR version is very inexpensive to the insurance companies, versus the XR brand-name version.

 

I see on here that some people take both Seroquel XR and IR versions. Why is that?

 

I just hope that the generic IR version gives me the same benefits and helps me the way the more expensive XR brand-name version did.

Edited December 13, 2013 by lisa2712

[Gearhead]

In this case I don't think it's a matter of brand vs. generic, but of the fact that the XR and the IR are not the same thing. I take both. The extended release does just that: keeps a steady stream working its way into your bloodstream, while the immediate release hits and then wears off faster. I take the IR for sleep and the XR for an anti-depressant and as anxiety control. I take the bulk of the XR in the morning, If I tried it with the IR, I'd just sleep all day.

[Wonderful.Cheese]

I guess we are all different. I take the IR during the morning and day and night and do not get sleepy.

I've never tried the XR but I agree with gearhead that the two are different. Your body seems to like the Xr better than the IR. I would ask your pdoc to put you back on the Xr. They can even write letters to the insurance companies so they will approve it.

Good luck!

[lisa2712]

Yeah, it's very expensive, which is probably why my psychiatric NP switched me to IR. Insurance companies require the patient to take the IR generic first. I thought it was odd that many people take both the XR and the IR version together. Anyways, Seroquel IR is one of my psychiatric NP's favorite medications. I didn't ask her why lol. I just want the IR to work for me the same way the XR worked for me, but I just started the generic IR version a few days ago, so I'll have to wait and see how I respond.

 

 

I guess we are all different. I take the IR during the morning and day and night and do not get sleepy.

I've never tried the XR but I agree with gearhead that the two are different. Your body seems to like the Xr better than the IR. I would ask your pdoc to put you back on the Xr. They can even write letters to the insurance companies so they will approve it.

Good luck!