Generic meds vs. label meds? ( serious inquiry )

[Peatree]

Originally Posted by GirardTheGlorious [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

If you're talking about Ritalin and Adderrall they ARE in fact different in the way they work in the brain.

If one isn't working ask you son's doctor about trying the other.

Focalin (sp?)

[nalkin]

At my college a large majority of the student take adderall during finals week because they "have trouble focusing". Its seen as pretty normal thing here. Makes me lol. They aren't as cool as the people with "insomnia" though...

[guineapig]

Speak to any chemist and they will tell you that generic meds are not necessarily the same composition as the brand name.

Sometimes the effect on the person is negligible, other times the difference is drastic. And it's not always in favor of the brand name either.

The non-active ingredients in pills (the ones not listed) are more important than one might think for certain drugs.

Sadly since the question is so vague, I was forced to give vague answers. Are you thinking of any drug in particular?

[Chanus]

I'm assuming Focalin, as he stated a few posts back.


But for the love of all that's good and chocolate, don't ask a bunch of neckbeards on the interwebs about medication for your kid. Talk to his doctor!

[nalkin]

Originally Posted by Chanus [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

I'm assuming Focalin, as he stated a few posts back.


But for the love of all that's good and chocolate, don't ask a bunch of neckbeards on the interwebs about medication for your kid. Talk to his doctor!

Actually, lol i asked a question on a medicine thread like this once, and someone here on the forums was doing a PHD on the subject and wrote me back.

But yeah ask your doctor if you experience any chest pain or fatigue

[Kuriin]

Generic are just the cheaper version. The name brand, you're only paying for the name. Case in point: Advil = Ibuprofen. Motrin = Ibuprofen.

[guineapig]

Originally Posted by Kuriin [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Generic are just the cheaper version. The name brand, you're only paying for the name. Case in point: Advil = Ibuprofen. Motrin = Ibuprofen.

You are incorrect. They are not always the same exact thing. Ask any pharmaceutical chemist.

Originally Posted by guineapig [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Speak to any chemist and they will tell you that generic meds are not necessarily the same composition as the brand name.

Sometimes the effect on the person is negligible, other times the difference is drastic. And it's not always in favor of the brand name either.

The non-active ingredients in pills (the ones not listed) are more important than one might think for certain drugs.

[Chanus]

Originally Posted by Kuriin [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Generic are just the cheaper version. The name brand, you're only paying for the name. Case in point: Advil = Ibuprofen. Motrin = Ibuprofen.

The active ingredient in Advil and Motrin is the same (ibuprofen).

That doesn't mean they are the exact same product.

[Kuriin]

You're correct that the inactive ingredients are often the most important ones to look out for. But, with every drug comes with different adverse reactions/adverse effects.

[Hasbinbad]

People keep saying different things, and it's dumb. This is how it is:

Active ingredients are the same in any generic version as the brand name, unless otherwise specifically indicated (extended release pills are a DIFFERENT medication, with a different absorption rate, and should NOT BE USED INTERCHANGEABLY or AT ALL without consulting your doctor first). Chemistry isn't a malleable science. Chemical formulas are chemical formulas, and that is that. You can't have water molecules and different water molecules. H2O is H2O.

The things that may be different between generics and name brands are the process they used to arrive at a given formula (which can leave behind undesirable byproducts), and the filler and/or coating material(s) used, if any. These are the inactive ingredients. Inactive ingredients can in fact have adverse side effects, and are subject to the individual. Before committing to the use of a generic product, especially a psychoactive medication, you should employ due diligence as far as researching what others have said, and then have a trial period to observe the effects.