Hey,

I read a couple of past threads regarding this topic and wasn't able to come to a strong conclusion regarding whether there is a true difference between generic Dexedrine and the brand name variety.

Can anyone shed some light on this? Or, provide some more information?

Thanks!

when a company creates a medication they can only hold their patent on that chemical for so many years (heres a quote) "A patent is the only form of intellectual property whose term typically expires within the useful lifetime of the invention, in most jurisdictions 20 years. Pharmaceutical manufacturers take this into account when setting their release cycles." When this expires, anyone can manufacture a 'generic' version of this medication without issues. Due to not having had to develop the medication themselves they can charge much less and still make a profit.

That being said, generic versions of name brand medication is simly the exact same thing costing much less (you see it in generic advil - ibuprofin for example all the time). So yes, generic dexedrine is the same as the name brand variety, if there is one-- however, I was under the impression that dextroamphetamine has been around for quite some time and cant see a name brand of this substance still existing ? I could definitely be wrong, however, if there is a name brand- I think I'd pass

Finally found something unanswered I knew enough about to make my first post :)

Hope I helped--

Hey,

I read a couple of past threads regarding this topic and wasn't able to come to a strong conclusion regarding whether there is a true difference between generic Dexedrine and the brand name variety.

Can anyone shed some light on this? Or, provide some more information?

Thanks!
I have taken Dexedrine, and several generic versions over the years and I have found quite a difference to exist between them. We all respond differently to these drugs, and some are unable to detect any difference.

I did a search on the "search" link above for "generic dexedrine difference" in an effort to make it easier for you to find more information on this. Here's a link to my search results of some post here that might help you find more information concerning this issue:
http://www.addforums.com/forums/search.php?searchid=430781

When this expires, anyone can manufacture a 'generic' version of this medication without issues.Welcome to the forums prurigo. Actually there are several issues involved, and a company has to be approved by the FDA in order to manufacture a generic version of Dexedrine.



That being said, generic versions of name brand medication is simly the exact same thing costing much less (you see it in generic advil - ibuprofin for example all the time). So yes, generic dexedrine is the same as the name brand variety, if there is oneThis is not exactly correct. In order for a generic drug to be approved by the FDA it must have a bioavailability that is 20% above the bioavailability of the innovator drug (Dexedrine in this case) or 20% below bioavailability of the innovator drug. Basically that means that a generic drug can be as much as 20% more potent or 20% weaker than the innovator drug. Dexedrine is the brand name drug (which was recently discontinued a few months back), and dextroamphetamine is the generic name. There are several different generics of Dexedrine, including what is called a "brand name generic" called Dextrostat. There are also generic versions of Dextrostat.

I didn't mention the FDA part more because I was trying to get across that you would be allowed to in the first place, when a pharm company has its formulation patented theres no way for any generics to exist at all you know?

But yea, I was thinking more of the contents and less of the details of the contents, thats really interesting about the bioavailability and how it can vary; you'd hope that 5mgs would be 5mgs :)

anyway, thx for the welcome and of course for pointing out my error + teaching me something :)

In Canada only brand name dex is available for some reason but in my experience with other meds I've come to this conclusion. Generic is pretty much identical as far as the active ingriedient but the delivery system like the delayed release can be very differant. Making pills release slowly at a constant rate is tricky and is expensive so thats something the generics usually go cheap on to cut costs. I found out the hard way when my mood stabalizer brand was switched without telling me and I knew without even reading the script it was differant cause it was wearing off fast and was giving me allot more stomach problems.

@Renton

I live in canada and I have generic dex

After several years, I've noticed that brand name Dexedrine is the best medication available for ADD/ADHD...bar none. Generics are just that: generic. It's like buying a generic Colgate at Wal-Mart: same ingredients, different effect. 5mg Dexedrine tabs have been around since the early 1940's!!!! They are the best available. Some generics (like Mallinckrodt) are almost as good, but nothing beats the name brand. I wish GSK never cancelled Dexedrine 5mg. Nothing is like it and nothing ever will be. Think about it: what if a car company made a car that was perfect from 1944 until 2006 (over 60 years) and then stopped. How would you feel? That's how it is with Dexedrine brand name tabs!

I wish GSK never cancelled Dexedrine 5mg. Nothing is like it and nothing ever will be.
I'm confused! As far as I can tell, I've got the GSK name brand "Dexedrine" SKF E19 scored 5mg orange tablets right in front of me.

I live in Canada, on the west coast.

Is there a shortage on these or something? Have they been discontinued? Should I expect to be given something different next time I visit the pharmacy? I hope not, because these are working very well!

Any information that anyone has would be greatly appreciated.