Hello all,

(Sorry for the long post, but I have to get it all out.)

I have been taking Adderall IR for 10 years now, and it has always worked out great!... Except when I have been given the generic, which is next to worthless.

Generic simply does not work for me...period. I function much better without it, actually. The generic is a torturous exercise in futility. It ramps up my nerves and anxiety, but never gives me clarity. This breeds uncontrollable contempt and frustration that leads to wild, uncharacteristic mood swings (frustrated, pouty, argumentative, apathetic, spiteful, verbally cruel). I can never think straight, get anything done, or feel like I know I should, and every task feels like an insurmountable obstacle.

So, ever since first experiencing how bad generic is, I have been getting brand name Adderall (dispensed as written).

Well, I picked up my latest Rx yesterday, and just noticed today that more than 60 of my 90 are actually generic! No wonder I haven't gotten anything done!


I called the pharmacy, and they said that the manufacturer of brand name Adderall has actually changed to Barr (who makes the terrible generic). This is of great concern to me, because if this inferior product is the new brand name Adderall, I no longer have a reliable med to depend on.

For clarification, I have the 30mg tablets. Brand name (the one that works) has a 30 on one side and AD on the other. They break/split rather easily and taste salty. These new, inferior "brand name" have a 30 on one side and a little squiggly symbol that looks like a 'd' stacked on top of a 'p', they are very difficult to break, and they taste sickly sweet.

Has anyone else heard of this change? Does anyone know of a resource where I can check the validity of the pharmacy's claim?

I am beside myself trying to figure out what to do.

Thanks!

There's actually been quite a bit of discussion here about this topic, and I'm sure there will be more.

Brand name Adderall had been manufactured by Barr for the past few years (Barr bought the rights to Adderall IR from Shire).
Barr also manufactured a generic version. The brand name was fine, though many folks had issues with the generic.

The problems with the brand name med began when Teva Pharmaceuticals bought Barr just a few months ago.
Teva/Barr changed the formula of the brand name med. (Amazing, but true.) Unfortunately, the new formula does not feel as effective as the old formula.
They also changed the "imprint" on the pill. It's now imprinted with a lower case "d" over a lower case "p", the imprint of DuraMed Pharmaceuticals.
(DuraMed is another division of Teva/Barr.)

I've been on the phone with people at Teva/Barr who've confirmed the change in formula, and who've said there are no plans to return to the older formula.

Thanks.

I didn't even see the other thread until I had posted this here. I appreciate the recap.

I find it quite disturbing they can change the formula so drastically, considering this medication affects brain chemicals and peoples' mental health.

I'm truly at a loss for what to do, since my reliable med of choice is no longer valid.

What other brand name stimulants are available in IR format?

Extended release and daily dose meds do not work for me. Unfortunately, I am without insurance right now, so my GP does the prescribing. I have a feeling like I could make a better judgment of what I should be taking than he can. So, I am looking to hear input from those with more experience on other meds.

Thanks very much!

There are several, but they fall into basically two categories: amphetamines and methylphenidates.

The best-known brand name methylphenidate is Ritalin.
It it works for you that would be great because it's relatively inexpensive. There's also Concerta, Focalin, and others which are variations.

Then there are amphetamines - the best known brand names are Adderall and Dexedrine.

Here's some good info: http://healthcalls.com/QuestionsAnswers.htm#Stimulants_and_other_treatmen ts_

Oh boy, this is a hot-button topic for me. In fact, I just wrote a blog post on Consumer Reports new edict on ADHD medications (that you should avoid the newer medications and use generic Ritalin and Dexedrine!). (Google those terms if you want more details.)

I have a nagging feeling that these kinds of "studies" will influence any healthcare reforms. What a tragedy that would be.

You are exactly right to insist on a brand name if you notice the difference, and don't let anyone convince you otherwise. Smart docs know this is the case.

I've posted it before, but below are some visuals so that we're all on the same page:

There's actually been quite a bit of discussion here about this topic, and I'm sure there will be more.

Brand name Adderall had been manufactured by Barr for the past few years (Barr bought the rights to Adderall IR from Shire).
Barr also manufactured a generic version. The brand name was fine, though many folks had issues with the generic.

The problems with the brand name med began when Teva Pharmaceuticals bought Barr just a few months ago.
Teva/Barr changed the formula of the brand name med. (Amazing, but true.) Unfortunately, the new formula does not feel as effective as the old formula.
They also changed the "imprint" on the pill. It's now imprinted with a lower case "d" over a lower case "p", the imprint of DuraMed Pharmaceuticals.
(DuraMed is another division of Teva/Barr.)

I've been on the phone with people at Teva/Barr who've confirmed the change in formula, and who've said there are no plans to return to the older formula.


http://www.sliated.com/adderall_types.jpg

Well, I just got off the phone with my pharmacist. She called Teva to find out what the deal was, and the representative told her that they have been receiving a huge amount of complaints about this, since Barr had changed the brand formula (apparently unbeknownst to Teva).

My pharmacist was shocked and upset that the formulation could have been changed so drastically. She is taking the next steps to contact the FDA and lodge complaints from her perspective.

In the meantime, the pharmacy will be refunding me for this last Rx fill, which is nice. Unfortunately, I still do not have a viable alternative med as of yet.

I sincerely doubt it was unbeknownst to Teva. They are well known for being one of the shadier pharm companies when it comes to cost cutting. Not saying they do anything illegal, but they do know how to cut costs. Plus, didn't this come out AFTER the Teva acquisition. Maybe not, but ESPECIALLY if it came out before, they would have known about it. I am just luck the Barr generics work for me. Not as well as the old brand name did, the generics have more side effects (namely sweating a LOT) but I find they do give me a bit more of a kick in the pants to get working.

I noticed last month that I had different pills. They were BARR previously, now they are TEVA. Interestingly, I had been on BARR with great success after having switched pharmacies, about six months ago. Before that, I was given Corepharma (at Walgreen's). The switch from Corepharma to Barr was very noticeable. But then last month, the switch from Barr to Teva has been rough. I've been very moody, and my focus is not as great. Actually, I am tapering down my dose now because I need to stop taking Adderall (am going to get pregnant in the next few months), and I feel like having the Teva this past month has done me a service, because it's making this taper very easy.

In what way can the formula actually change? I mean, aren't the main acting chemicals d/l amphetamine salts? I understand it's possible to have certain variations, but I would be really curious to find out which chemicals are actually active and how these chemicals have been adjusted in the new formulation. Anyone know where to find such information?

This really is not fair to us! The pharmaceutical companies who make adderall keep throwing around the formulation and don't consider what the buyers need.

I really hate that they can just play around with our health like they do. Communist I say, communist.

Twinch

I only get the capsules. 10mg x2 a day. Got some generic amphetemine salts. Just didn't seem right. Had my gallbladder out a couple months ago and seemed ok, but now I feel more depressed. Ya there are some issues there, but I've felt worse. So I get the regular Adderall, then another batch of Barr stuff. Something isn't right. I've taken 3 in one day to see if it made a difference, but not really. The engine is reving, but won't go into gear.....know what I mean?

So all of this could be because they're jacking with the ingredients??:rolleyes: I'm ready to go see the Doc and maybe go to WB and give it a try and get off Adderall. This is sucking. I am just beat everyday. Motivation is slim to none, so I have to listen to the "why aren't you getting this stuff done?" I am drained.:(

This really is not fair to us! The pharmaceutical companies who make adderall keep throwing around the formulation and don't consider what the buyers need.

Twinch[/quote]

IMO what Teva/Barr has done with Adderall IR is beyond unethical.

But in addition to posting here - which is important since it makes the community aware of the problem - we can also contact the FDA.

The FDA has jurisdiction over this issue and is apparently not even aware of the change in formula!!
I've already phoned, and today I wrote a letter.
Let's make our concerns public and perhaps something good will happen.

Here's the FDA's contact information:

http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDER/default.htm#How%20to%20Contact%20Us
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/ConsumerComplaintCoordinators/default.htm
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/default.htm

In what way can the formula actually change? I mean, aren't the main acting chemicals d/l amphetamine salts? I understand it's possible to have certain variations, but I would be really curious to find out which chemicals are actually active and how these chemicals have been adjusted in the new formulation. Anyone know where to find such information?

That information is proprietary to Teva/Barr - but the FDA has jurisdiction over the situation.

Two different people at Barr have recently told me on the phone that the formula has changed.
(I was frankly shocked at how forthcoming they were about it.)

And it's entirely obvious anyway - just look at all of the posts on this issue.
It's just the tip of the iceberg, too. Because the new formula just hit the pharmacies this month.

The question is still on the table. Has the mix of ingredients in the medication being sold as generic Adderall significantly changed?

All I have seen so far are subjective reports...

That information is proprietary to Teva/Barr - but the FDA has jurisdiction over the situation.

Two different people at Barr have recently told me on the phone that the formula has changed.
(I was frankly shocked at how forthcoming they were about it.)

And it's entirely obvious anyway - just look at all of the posts on this issue.
It's just the tip of the iceberg, too. Because the new formula just hit the pharmacies this month.

The question is still on the table. Has the mix of ingredients in the medication being sold as generic Adderall significantly changed?

All I have seen so far are subjective reports...

Generic Adderall?

I have no idea; I've never tried generic Adderall.

I thought we were posting about brand name Adderall!

I have contacted Teva and got this response.
Dear Mr. Sather,

The formulation change involved certain inactive ingredients, the most noticeable being a change of the sweeteners from Lactilol to a combination of sucrose (table sugar) and saccharine. The active ingredients were not changed. Should Kaiser Permanente be able to provide a lot number please forward that information along so that the manufacturing site can review the production records for the lot.

Best Regards,
Daniel L. Loss, BA
Auditor, Quality Assurance Services
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA

How many people here believe that the aspirin marketed by Bayer is somehow superior to that available in generic form at Wal-Mart? In either case you are simply buying acetylsalicylic acid.

Same story with 'Adderall'. It may be manufactured and marketed by Shire or it may be manufactured by 'Teva'. At the end of the day it's still a mix of amphetamine 'salts':

1/4 dextroamphetamine saccharate
1/4 dextroamphetamine sulfate
1/4 (racemic dextro/levo-amphetamine) aspartate monohydrate
1/4 (racemic dextro/levo-amphetamine) sulfate

FYI:

In 2006, Shire agreed to sell rights to the Adderall name for this instant-release medication to Duramed Pharmaceuticals<sup id="cite_ref-adderallxr_2-0" class="reference"></sup>

Ultimately, DuraMed Pharmaceuticals was acquired by Teva Pharmaceuticals in 2008 when Teva completed its acquisition of Barr Pharmaceuticals (including Barr's Duramed Pharmaceuticals division). <sup id="cite_ref-test_3-0" class="reference"></sup>

Therefore, following its acquisition of Duramed, Teva Pharmaceuticals is in the somewhat unusual position of manufacturing both a generic forumulation of Adderall instant release (under its Barr Division) as well as "brand name" Adderall (under its DuraMed division.) [Emphasis added]

-- Wikipedia 'Adderall' (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adderall)

I have contacted Teva and got this response.
Dear Mr. Sather,

The formulation change involved certain inactive ingredients, the most noticeable being a change of the sweeteners from Lactilol to a combination of sucrose (table sugar) and saccharine. The active ingredients were not changed. Should Kaiser Permanente be able to provide a lot number please forward that information along so that the manufacturing site can review the production records for the lot.

Best Regards,
Daniel L. Loss, BA
Auditor, Quality Assurance Services
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA

Are you kidding me?? When I took the previous brand-name Adderall (the kind that actually worked), I avoided sugar like the plague because it would almost always kill the efficacy of the Adderall.

And now these geniuses decide to put sucrose directly into the formulation?? What the hell??!! Why don't they just throw in some citric acid for good measure?

Unbelievable. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. I'm leaning towards the latter.

Thanks Teva!

"The active ingredients were not changed."

End of story.

I have contacted Teva and got this response.
Dear Mr. Sather,

The formulation change involved certain inactive ingredients, the most noticeable being a change of the sweeteners from Lactilol to a combination of sucrose (table sugar) and saccharine. The active ingredients were not changed. Should Kaiser Permanente be able to provide a lot number please forward that information along so that the manufacturing site can review the production records for the lot.

Best Regards,
Daniel L. Loss, BA
Auditor, Quality Assurance Services
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA

"The active ingredients were not changed."

End of story.

"End of story"? What's that supposed to mean?

I guess the new Adderall formulation works just fine, and all of us who believe otherwise must be delusional.

Thanks for clearing that up - very helpful.

Are you on some type of ultra-strict diet? The sucrose in those tabs is minuscule -- especially compared to that unknowingly ingested by the average American on a daily basis...

If there is a difference, it is in you not the medication. Can you say 'tolerance'?

Are you kidding me?? When I took the previous brand-name Adderall (the kind that actually worked), I avoided sugar like the plague because it would almost always kill the efficacy of the Adderall.

And now these geniuses decide to put sucrose directly into the formulation?? What the hell??!! Why don't they just throw in some citric acid for good measure?

Unbelievable. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. I'm leaning towards the latter.

Thanks Teva!

Are you on some type of ultra-strict diet? The sucrose in those tabs is minuscule -- especially compared to that unknowingly ingested by the average American on a daily basis...

If there is a difference, it is in you not the medication. Can you say 'tolerance'?

You wrote: "The sucrose in those tabs is minuscule"

Do you have any specific info on exactly how much sucrose is in the tablets? If you have specifics of exactly what (and how much) is in the new formulation, please share it with the rest of us.

In response to your post, I try to keep a strict diet in the sense that I avoid consumption of things that contraindicate the Adderall, (as described in the Rx info sheet I get from the pharmacy).

BTW, I don't appreciate your smarmy comment of "Can you say tolerance?" Is that supposed to be helpful in some way?

I don't think it befits an "ADDvanced Forum Guru" to showcase such presumptuous arrogance in a forum that is supposed to be comprised of constructively helpful feedback.

I don't choose the labels. Myself, I would have gone with "Forum Madman". (Check out the signature. Consider yourself duly warned...)

Okay, how about this: "Have you considered the possibility of tolerance?" Better?

No I haven't done the necessary research. I have more pressing matters to see to. When you have done so get back to us. Until then I will go with my initial intuitive assessment.

You wrote: "The sucrose in those tabs is minuscule"

Do you have any specific info on exactly how much sucrose is in the tablets? If you have specifics of exactly what (and how much) is in the new formulation, please share it with the rest of us.

In response to your post, I try to keep a strict diet in the sense that I avoid consumption of things that contraindicate the Adderall, (as described in the Rx info sheet I get from the pharmacy).

BTW, I don't appreciate your smarmy comment of "Can you say tolerance?" Is that supposed to be helpful in some way?

I don't think it befits an "ADDvanced Forum Guru" to showcase such presumptuous arrogance in a forum that is supposed to be comprised of constructively helpful feedback.

I don't choose the labels. Myself, I would have gone with "Forum Madman". (Check out the signature. Consider yourself duly warned...)

Okay, how about this: "Have you considered the possibility of tolerance?" Better?

No I haven't done the necessary research. I have more pressing matters to see to. When you have done so get back to us. Until then I will go with my initial intuitive assessment.

Retromancer, it has absolutely nothing to do with tolerance. I have been taking Adderall IR for 10 years, so I know how it affects me.

The new Teva "brand" IR is significantly less effective (30-35% effectiveness vs Shire IR is generous), and produces far more negative side-effects (perhaps 300-500% more, including side-effects that never occurred with Shire IR).

The first day I took Teva IR, I couldn't even drive myself home (and at that point, I wasn't even aware that I had been given replacement "brand" pills).

Maybe they didn't adjust the active ingredients, but the adjustments they did make to the formution otherwise destroyed the usefulness of the drug. I function far better without it.

Your initial assessment that this is all in peoples' heads is both overly presumptuous and downright wrong.

I was being presumptous. I apologize for placing you in the same category as the young man who swore that he could "taste the dopamine" when he took Adderall -- whatever the hell that meant.

I think I will go back to old reliable dex. It's hard to screw that up...

Retromancer, it has absolutely nothing to do with tolerance. I have been taking Adderall IR for 10 years, so I know how it affects me.

The new Teva "brand" IR is significantly less effective (30-35% effectiveness vs Shire IR is generous), and produces far more negative side-effects (perhaps 300-500% more, including side-effects that never occurred with Shire IR).

The first day I took Teva IR, I couldn't even drive myself home (and at that point, I wasn't even aware that I had been given replacement "brand" pills).

Maybe they didn't adjust the active ingredients, but the adjustments they did make to the formution otherwise destroyed the usefulness of the drug. I function far better without it.

Your initial assessment that this is all in peoples' heads is both overly presumptuous and downright wrong.