Effexor XR vs. generic
I've been on Effexor XR for over 5 years & content. Now my insurance company wants me to jump thru their hoops and I have to try the generic. I tried the tablet this morning. It leaves a burning sensation on my lips, tongue & throat. When I swallowed it with water it felt like a lit match going down my throat. Anyone else experience this?
Hi PkPAH:
I guess what I have to wonder, did you get this medication through the Internet or from a mail order pharmacy? If the drug supply house isn't in the US, then they aren't regulated by the FDA. If you got it from a local pharmacy, then you should know that generic medications should be nearly identical with the brand name drugs. Generics are regulated by the FDA.
That being said, it is possible that you are allergic to one of the ingredients used to make the pill or capsule. You should contact your physician and speak with your pharmacist about this immediately. You might also want to call the drug company that made this medicine and ask them about the side effects they see with their product. You can get the name of the drug company on either your pill bottle or from your pharmacist.
Good luck,
Dr. Diana Walcutt
*Dr. Walcutt is a Psychologist, not a Psychiatrist. Psychiatrists prescribe medications. Psychologists study them, but the majority of Psychologists are not authorized to prescribe meds or give you specific advice about them. Dr. Walcutt's answers are not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only, and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own Psychiatrist/Physician.
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My Doctor just prescribed effexor xr. He said there isn't a generic in it.
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thefragile7393
Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 11:29 PM
Well you are technically correct but it is not available in the US except MAYBE by mail order from a Canadian pharmacy.
FXXXXX
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 02:21 PM
Hi, I was switched to generic venlafaxine after being on effexor for years which was working great for me. I have been feeling very low from as soon as I switched to the generic. My GP assures me they are the same thing but I'm going back in a couple of days. They are definitely not the same thing.
Your Dr. made a mistake...it happens. But there is a generic available for Effexor. It is called Venlafaxine. Hopefully it orks for you. Most insurance plans will offer you a much lower co-pay for taking the generic vs. the brand name.
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I just started taking the generic effexor, not xr, and I am seeing a big difference. I am back to the way I was before I started taking anti depressants. I cry over ever little little. However, it is helping me with my appetite. Before, on effexor xr, I could eat and eat and eat. Now, I have very little appetite. I am not sure which road to chose because I sure did gain about 20 pounds on it.
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Yes there is a generic effexor xr available in Venlafaxine ER tablets. Comes in 37.5mg 75mg 150mg and a higher strength. I work as a Registered Pharmacy Technician and i have been on Effexor XR for a few years but i switched to the generic and it feels like i havent taken anything. I prefer the brand.