Ritalin LA vs. generic

[SharonF]

Anyone have experience using generic long-acting methylphenidate after taking Ritalin LA? If so, did you notice any difference?

Our pharmacy called me yesterday saying my insurance co-pay for name-brand Ritalin Long-Acting will double because a generic is available. So dd will try the generic.

I don't know who the generic manufacturer will be. My question is not whether the dosage will seem different. I'm interested in metabolic delivery with the generic. dd started on Concerta but had problematic side effects, especially rebounds as the meds wore off in the evenings. She then tried both Metadate CD and Ritalin LA. She strongly preferred Ritalin LA and has been on it for years.

Of course, the main ingredient in all three meds is the same: long-acting methylphenadate. The difference among the three is the metabolic delivery.

If she can't tolerate the generic, we can afford to go back to the name brand even though it will jump to $70 per month. Just wondering if others have tried the generic and what their experience has been.

Thanks!

[Mayleng]

My son is not on Ritalin LA, but on Metadate CD as you know. He did not do well on the generic. I did not know the insurance had changed it to the generic, and he had behaviors that were so out of character, anger especially and appetite and sleep issues which he did not have on the brandname. I did not realise it was the generic until a few months ago. He was on ritalin when he was younger and when they gave him the generic, he had problems with those as well. So my son does not do well on generic.

Also be careful, as not all generics are the same either. Any change of brands may cause problems.

[SharonF]

Thanks Mayleng. I will let dd give the generic a try. But thanks for describing some side effects that might appear with the generic.

The pharmacist said she would keep the brand name version handy--in case dd cannot tolerate the generic version.

[healthy11]

I don't know if this will be helpful, but apparently the first company given approval to make generic Ritalin LA was Activis, and more recently so was the company Teva. It's possible that even if your daughter doesn't have difficulty with one generic, she might find the other to be different. Here's a link to Activis info: pi.actavis.com/data_stream.asp?product_group=1802&p=medguide&language=E but all I found for Teva was www.empr.com/teva-launches-generic-ritalin-la/article/250448/

Here's a general information site about current ADHD med shortages: www.ashp.org/DrugShortages/Current/bulletin.aspx?id=752

[SharonF]

Just an update: dd has been on the generic for several weeks now with no problems. If anything, her appetite is better on the generic than it was on the name brand. No problems with rebounds, emotional changes or sleeping.

[Mayleng]

That's good news.

Take note of the brand of generic, if this works well, then keep to this brand. If you change the brand you might find that it might not work as well. Between generics there are differences too.

[bob]

I have noticed a big difference between Ritalin LA and the generic crap I received in the mail. When I took the real stuff I could drive to work in a calm manner but now with the generic I am back to the road rage and speeding.

I need to take the morning capsule dose twice instead of the once for my original dose and still take the methylphenid noon tab that was crappie to begin with.

As I researched my pills I found the frequent “Aetna stick it to you” med error.

And they want to be my doctor. That's against the law.

[healthy11]

Bob, I just wanted to welcome you to our forum...unfortunately, it's not just Aetna, but virtually all insurance companies that have gone the "generics" route. Have you spoken to the Dr. who manages your prescriptions, about writing to your insurer, stating that the brand name is a medical necessity for you and may not be substituted?