What Is The Best Generic Of Lamictal? (Page 8)

Updated

I've been taking the generic for Lamictal for about five years. Recently I've been feeling different at about the beginning of the year. I use to take the white ones but now I am taking a generic by Taro. What is the best generic for this drug? I never really payed any attention until I started getting this crazy migraines. If anyone has any insights it would be much appreciated.

216 Replies (11 Pages)

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141

Re: Laura (# 140) Expand Referenced Message

Teva has officially discontinued lamotirigine. They issued a formal statement. I saw it somewhere. It’s such a bummer. From what I’ve read, Taro and Cadista seem to be having the best results, if you’re looking for replacements.

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142

Re: Laura (# 138) Expand Referenced Message

That sounds like withdrawal symptoms to me. Sometimes Dr's increase the dose of different generics of lamictal since some generics can be up to 20% weaker than (I think that’s right) brand, so 20% weaker than original. I talked to the fda about this and they actually told me, generic drug manufacturers evaluate their own products and then they report the finished product to the fda! So who knows what we’re really getting.

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143

Re: Laura (# 138) Expand Referenced Message

I actually upped my dose on Unichem thinking it wasn’t quite strong enough and turns out it was the opposite! I’m on 50mg/day versus 100 and it’s much better but still not as reliable as Teva. Something still just feels off. I too am going to try and get Taro through my Walgreens! Good luck and sorry you’re going through hell right now. You’ve made it through before you can do it again:)

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144

How is Taro working for everyone? Are there any additional side effects? Have you had to change the dose at all?

Thanks!!

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145

Re: Ashlie (# 143) Expand Referenced Message

Ashlie - thanks for this. I think you are exactly right. I halved my dose and a couple days later, started to feel more normal. I never could tolerate going over 100mg (unlike most) , not even a little. I do notice I still have a couple symptoms, so I'm undermedicated, but at least I'm not miserable like before. Just waiting for this month to finish up so I can go to a different pharmacy and try the Taro brand.

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146

Re: Paul Saslo (# 144) Expand Referenced Message

Hi everyone!! I know there has been quite a bit of discussion about an acceptable replacement generic brand for Teva - I just wanted to say that I switched to Taro a week ago. I've been very pleased and relieved.

Disclaimer: I take it for BiPolar Disorder. I've been charting my moods with 2 different mood apps (several times throughout the day) and had multiple people offer their insight into my moods (on a daily basis) as compared to where I was with Teva.

I have experienced no side effects that I can attribute to Taro.

I will say that my moods have been a tick on the upside - meaning a bit more energy and a bit less anxiety. So, I'm not sure if that means there's a bit less efficacy or a bit more, but regardless, I'd say that on my 400 mg dose, it's probably not more than a 25mg difference and - quite frankly - probably only noticeable because of how hyper-vigilant I've been about mood tracking and getting feedback.

So, there's hope for those who have anxiety about the Teva discontinuation!!

Also, Walgreens was willing to order Taro for me, even though they only carried Unichem around here. While one Walgreens said they wouldn't order it, two other Walgreens said they would, so just know that's probably an option for you.

Hope this is helpful for even a few people. Thanks to those who went before me on this, as well. I've appreciated your insight and feedback. I would not have known to order Taro if you had not shared your experiences. :-)

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147

Re: Lisa (# 51) Expand Referenced Message

Alembic is the worst. I took it for 4 days and have severe breakthrough seizures not to mention side effects itching and dizzy could even stand was taken to ER room twice once by ambulance. I have been going round and rough to special order TEVA. I just checked their website and TEVA no longer manufacture lamotrigine. I have looked at all reviews and decided to go with Mylan generic. I am scared to death to try it. I have a few bottles of TEVA laying around but my Dr. Wants to see me in a few weeks to see how the Mylan product works so I guess I have to take it.
I would not recommend the white pill 200mg ALEMBIC manufacture to anyone at all. I did research and it has additives that make it less effective. After a few days on it not only breakthrough seizures but look up cluster seizure..where they happen for a long period of time. I was at my sister's and had at least 7 seizures lasting from 1am to sunrise with some semi alertness in between and screamed so loud though them all. I normally have nocturnal tonic clonic seizures..i can say being semi conscious on the brand they gave me was the scariest experience I have ever had in my life. If anyone else had had reactions to this brand let me know. If anyone is on Mylan brand please let me know how well you did on it
thanks in advance.

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148

Re: Cassie (# 18) Expand Referenced Message

Hi there. Have you tried other manufacturer yet? I'm running out of Teva and very sceptical about switching. Teva lamotrogine is discontinued

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149

Re: Irma (# 148) Expand Referenced Message

Hi Irma, I wrote a post a few weeks ago. I’ve been using Taro for a month now. I’ve been extremely pleased. Almost no difference. It has not impacted my daily life at all. There is a very slight difference in potency, but it’s very small - think about 25 mg on my 400 mg. So small that I have not adjusted my dosage.

My local Walgreens happily orders Taro for me with 2 days notice. I know several others who are doing the same thing and having the same luck with Taro.

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150

Re: Raechel (# 149) Expand Referenced Message

Just to clarify... Taro is the brand of generic lamotrigine I’m using istead of Teva. Sorry if that was unclear.

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151

Re: Raechel (# 149) Expand Referenced Message

Raechel thank you so much. I'll try Taro since there is quite few bad reviews about Unichem

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152

I was wondering how Taro worked out for you.
I also was wondering if anyone had tried Mylan manufacture.
I am to start it soon being that TEVA is no longer available & that Amebia aka Northstar manufacture was 100% horrible and made my seizures return and had horrible side effects.
Has anyone ever taken Mylan manufacturer?
I'm on 200 mg 3 times a day along with Keppra 500 mg 3 times a day to control nocturnal tonic clonic seizures

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153

Re: Raechel (# 149) Expand Referenced Message

I also like Taro, it has been my backup choice for Teva. After, Cipla manufacturer was absolutely horrible!

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154

Update-

I have decided to try Taro manufacturer. So far it's working fine, most importantly no seizures. I still have about one month supply of Teva but I didn't want to switch suddenly so I was taking Teva in the morning and Taro at night. No side effects. One thing I have noticed that I dont have headache every day like I used to before while taking Teva. Couple of times I did take extra half a pill around my period. There is something about epilepsy that while I'm on my days I feel like I'm about to have a seizure but luckily it hasn't happen in years. I was driving myself crazy for days thinking what am I going to do. I'm glad it worked out and hope it works for rest of you too. I'll keep you updated if any changes

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155

I rarely ever post on forums, however, felt led due to my knowledge and experience with Lamotrigine.

For those of you who are unaware:

-LAMICTAL is the Brand Name of lamotrigine. Lamictal first came out in 1994 and manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It was originally made to treat patients with seizures, however was later discovered to be a miracle drug for Bipolar 2 depression. After a new drug is invented and the patent ends other manufacturers are able to create the generic equivalent of the drug which is MUCH cheaper in cost for the people.

LAMOTRIGINE is the name of the generic version of Lamictal. This drug is mass produced by many different manufacturers all over the world. Every pharmacy carriers different manufacturers and THEY DO NOT all work the same. Examples of lamotrigine manufacturers are: TEVA, TARO, ZYDUS, UNICHEM, and more. So when you go to your pharmacy to fill your script for LAMOTRIGINE you really never know which manufacturer you will get UNLESS you ask.

I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 depression 10 years ago at the age of 24. I was prescribed Lamotrigine (TEVA manufacture) and it SAVED my life.

Within the past 10 years there were a handful of times where my pharmacy could not order TEVA and I was given lamotrigine from another manufacturer. I immediately noticed the difference and became sick fairly quick until I was put back on the TEVA.

Fast forward 10 years to today and the manufacturer TEVA discontinued the production of lamotrigine. I was on my last 30 day supply of TEVA and was notified by my pharmacy that TEVA permanently stopped production and I would have to switch manufacturers. This was the last thing I wanted to hear. Teva was literally a lifesaver and now I was being forced to try to fix something that was not broken.

I immediately began my research, found this forum, and read every single page. Before the forum, I was just going to bite the bullet and start taking the Original Brand Lamictal which would cost me $500 a month. I'm not a millionaire, however $500 a month to keep my mental health in check is worth it to me. After reading the posts and many people sharing their positive experiences with TARO I decided to give it a shot.

Costco is the only pharmacy that keeps it in stock constantly. Walgreens and most other pharmacies can order it, however it takes a few days to come in.

All generic drugs ARE NOT THE SAME. No matter WHAT your pharmacist or doctor says; we the people are the ones who truly know that answer. Again this is coming from the experience of someone who has been on lamotrigine for 10 years. TEVA was the only manufacturer that truly worked for me with little to no side effects.

I will begin taking the TARO brand tomorrow and will keep current with my status and well being. I encourage all of who were previously taking TEVA to do the same. Post the reason why you take Lamotrigine (Bipolar or seizures) and which new manufacturer you have switched to due TEVA shutting down. Be sure to also update your progress so we can all help learn from our personal experiences.

I believe doctors can only help us to a certain degree. We as the patients need to stick together and post our experiences to help one another.

Best of luck to all and by sticking together we will find a solution! :)

Summary:
-List the manufacturer you were taking

-List the reason (Bipolar or seizures)

-List name of the new manufacturer.

-List the length of time you have been taking it from the new manufacturer

-How do you feel? Side effects? Any recent depressive episodes or seizures?

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156

Re: Gus the Greek (# 155) Expand Referenced Message

How have you found TARO so far?

I am about to switch.

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157

Re: JonnyUnitus (# 156) Expand Referenced Message

Hey Jonny.

Still to early to tell however I can say Im doing ok and not falling apart. I am sleeping much better on TARO however may need to increase the dose by 25mg-50mg to find the “sweet spot”.

Was taking 200mg TEVA.

Anyone else notice its not quite as potent as Teva?

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158

Re: Gus the Greek (# 157) Expand Referenced Message

Hi all - I’ve been on Taro a few months now, as I’ve shared. Doing great. Pretty seamless transition from Teva from Taro.

Walgreens has happily ordered it instead of Unichem for me with 2 days notice every month.

I would agree with Gus and reiterate that there’s about a 25-50mg difference for my 400mg dosage. I’m not sure if it’s an up or down adjustment. I have not adjusted my dosage to accommodate. I decided to see how I did over a period of time before I adjusted. At this point, I’m pleased with my mood stability and have no plans to adjust from my initial dose of 400.

So grateful to have this brand as a replacement and to this community for sharing their experiences to help make this brand known.

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159

Re: Raechel (# 158) Expand Referenced Message

I have always found Taro a goid choice, if Teva unavailable. Im grateful fir this helpful community too.

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160

I've been on the brand name for a few months now after having bad reactions to 4 generics. I have it down to 200.00 a month but still expensive compared to my 10.00 Teva copay. I am confused at why Taro didn't work for me and seems to be working for most of you. Walgreens ordered it for me. Do you guys think I might have got a bad batch? Should I try getting it from coscto? I'm disappointed that Teva would discontinue a product that was helping so many people. The brand name is even different than Teva, but I don't have side effects so that's good. This experience has made me question every generic medication.

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