Re: Generic Venlafaxine
Originally Posted by
Kitty Cat
I got the next script from the pharmacy, these are a generic form. With in two days of taking them I feel terrible, shaking sweaty anxious, nausea and loose bowels. I've heard that some folks have trouble with different brands and was wondering if this could be the case. The first course were Effexor XR made by Pfizer, the new ones are VenisirXL distributed by Morningside healthcare.
Morningside seem to be a generic drugs supplier to the NHS, plus many UN agencies, WHO, the Red Cross, etc, around the world which suggests their meds are probably okay and VenisirXL does contain venlafaxine hydrochloride, not another formulation of venlafaxine so should be bio equivalent to Pfizer's Effexor XL, however, sometimes people do feel a difference. The other possibility is the onset of these side-effects now is coincidence. You've only been on the med for a month and while some develop side-effects from day one it can take weeks for them to begin with others. They are all typical of venlafaxine and other SSRIs/SNRIs. Also, double check that you got the right dose capsules. Mistakes sometimes do happen. Check both what is printed on the box and also on the blister foil.
If this is the case how on earth do I convince my Go and local pharmacy to give me the original brand?
I don't know how it works in the UK so can say, but I'd talk to the pharmacist first. Here in OZ GPs can specify that only the brand be dispensed, but they usually cost a little more than the generic.
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The opinions expressed above are based on my observations and, where applicable, interpretation of cited data and are general in nature. Consult your physician before acting on anything stated.