Generic or brand name prescriptions????????

Question

I have taken the drug lortab for years and it just is not working anymore. A friend suggested trying the brand name of it, that there is a big difference. (besides the price) Until I find a different alternative, I am really needing to know if brand is the way to go. Like when I buy excedrin generic, it does not work so well. Yet when I buy the brand excedrin, I feel pain relief. So would that apply to prescription meds too??Someone please help me know what to do!!!!

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

There is no difference in brand and generic drugs. In order for them to be approved to be sold as the generic they have to be equivalent to the brand. Most people that say the brand is better are those who are probably addicted to their meds. You probably should talk with your doctor about changing the milligram on your dose or possibly changing the medication completely as your body has probably just gotten so use to the hydrocodone that it just doesn't help anymore. There are stronger drugs out there. I don't know what strength hydrocodone you are on, but the highest strength is 10mg. please talk to your doctor before spending the extra money that will be for nothing.

Source(s):

Certified Pharmacy Technician

Answer 2

I believe that there is very little difference in Brand name and generic prescription drugs , I have taken anti depressants for quite some while and first started on Zoloft but now take the generic version with no change in how the drug works.

Answer 3

The active ingredients are the same, and as far as treating the specified problem, will have the same effect. Excedrin, for example, appears to be a combination of aspirin and acetaminophen, the active ingredient of Tylenol; their 'extra strength' product provides 250mg of each. A generic is likely a different combination of the same things.

In the case of prescribed medications, a generic is going to be the same, but not identical. They will use different dyes, etc, but the active ingredient(s) will be the same.

Any difference you feel between name-brand and generic pain releivers will likely be a placebo effect.

Answer 4

"I am not a doctor and cannot diagnose" - In general, generic and trade brand medications are the same. They contain the same "active ingredients" or what most people consider the medicine. They can have some differences in "inactive ingredients" or processing. Occasionally people respond differently to generic and trade brand name medications but it is few and far between. Lortab is a narcotic pain reliever, also known as Vicodin. If you have been taking this medication for years you can develop a tolerance to the dosage you are taking, which in turn can make the medication seem ineffective. Another scenario may be that overall your pain or symptom is worsening and no longer is calmed by your normal regimen. Either way, it is suggested that you seek an evaluation. This way you can find any worsening or complication of your pain, and can develop a new or updated plan of care that will be effective, including altering or adjusting your medication for pain management under a doctor's order. Good Luck.

Answer 5

Lortab/Vicodin are the brand names for Hydrocodone. So, you already have been taking the brand name. Besides, there is no difference. Since you say you've been taking it for years, tolerance is high for that particular drug now. I'm surprised your doctor would keep you on them for that long anyway. If you are taking low mgs of Lortab, then you might ask to have your dosage changed, but if you are already taking 10's then you should just ask for a change in your medication all together.
There are no differences in generic and brand name drugs.
FDA regulates all drugs and they all have to be of the same ingredients.

Source(s):

Chronic Pain Patient

Answer 6

There is no real difference between generic and brand medications. The FDA must approve any generics for use. The chemical makeup is the same. There may be some additives that can cause an allergic reaction but this usually is not a problem for most people.

I have never had trouble with generic medications and I find the price difference is well worth it. I take Walgreen's brand aspirin and my prescription medications are all generic, except for my insulin because there is no such thing as generic insulin (I wish there was).

I think some of it is psychological. You have trained your brain to think that brands are better. I think if you get off that train of thought, you might find that generics work equally well.

As for the Lortab, you have probably built up a resistance to it. That is very common with medications used over a long period of time, especially with narcotic painkillers. Maybe you should think about switching to a non narcotic alternative. I have back pain a lot because of what I do for a living (EMT) and I take Toradol (generic name is ketoprofen). It works like a charm.