Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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questions about meds.

JennS
JennS
My two question are:

Do find that generic meds work as good or almost as good as the name brand?

Since we are taking meds, why do we still have episodes sometimes?
spacepony
spacepony
From my experience, many generics are equal in effect as patented. I had a few stinkers, though I can't bring them to mind.

As far as break through symptoms...idk, I think meds treat symptoms, but the dysfunctions that cause mood disorders remain.

What do you think Jenn?
JennS
JennS
that sounds logical. thank you.
dancingd
dancingd
I agree with spacepony.

Generic seem to act the same way.

Break through episodes just happen
Banshee67
Banshee67
When I was on meds they all worked equally as well.

I understood that the only real difference was the inert ingredients and who holds the patent!
dobiedots
dobiedots
Yeah, generic works just as well as regular meds.
Meds do not cure bipolar, so we'll always have mood swings just not as severe (hopefully).
Banshee67
Banshee67
Ahhhh yes the meds are fine especially if you're a beeper 1. Its so much easier.
MMP1
MMP1
I find generic does ok too.

The problem with meds though is that sometimes they have to be upped temporarily if you're having life stressors or triggers. And then again sometimes breakthrough episodes just happen. I guess brain chemistry fluctuates just like hormones can.
spacekat
spacekat
Generic works as well as patented. Why do we still have symptoms? There is no cure for BP (as Dobie said) so you would expect every now and again to have symptoms. If you're experiencing symptoms on a regular basis, you need to have your meds evaluated.
Community Leaderacuriousfish
acuriousfish
I get regularly switched from generic to branded and I don't notice any difference.

however I know when we have discussed it on this board before some people said they do notice a difference.

that may be down to the filler used, the coating or how the active ingredient is mixed and certainly that could give rise to some slight differences.
bbipolar
bbipolar
My experience with the drug Klonopin and Clonazapam (the generic) seems much less effective,
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