Going back to Ritalin - Should I try generic?

[runner]

I started on Ritalin over 7 years ago, then switched to Adderall, moved to Adderall XR, then finally Strattera, and finally off all meds. for the last 8 months.
All were 'somewhat' effective, all had side effects, & all seemed to lessen in effectiveness over time.
Recently, due to lack of motivation & disorganization in my life, I've decided I again need to medicate.
As I have no health insurance, I am considering the generic equivalent of standard release ritalin, simply for cost reasons.
I am supposing that it is the least expensive ADD stimulant medication, at least in the U.S.
I don't mind taking several pills a day, & feel that standard release meds. are often more effective than extended release meds, despite their 'peaks & valleys' .
Can anyone confirm that in fact generic ritalin is the 'cheapest way to go'?
Also, can anyone tell me if Wellbutrin (Buproprion) has a generic equivalent?
If so, I'll ask my Doc for a 'scrip' on Monday!
Thanks!

[t-bird]

Wellbutrin does come in the generic "Bupropion", it is quite a bit cheaper than the name brand.

Methylphenidate is probably the cheapest A.D.D. med but I have heard that it isn't as good as the name brand Ritalin. It would probably be worth a try though, I'm sure it helps some people.

Hope thiis helps a little!

Britawn

[Gregster]

Generic Ritalin (methylphenidate)will be one of the cheapest. Generic dexadrine (dextroamphetamine) will be pretty inexpensive too - as compaired to name brand drugs, that is.
They should be just as good as the name brand - all that's different is the fillers in the pill when you're talking about regular release versions.
Good luck,
Greg

[Andrew]

So, here's my $0.02 on this issue.

There is a difference between brand name and generic Ritalin. However, the difference between the two is only discernable to SOME ADDers (like me). I found (when I was taking Ritalin for 11 years), that I did not get the same consistent benefits from the generic, that I did from the brand name.

In fact, even generic compounds can vary from one generic pharma company to another.

[Ace]

Generic works for me just fine, and my pocketbook agrees. I know that not everyone gets the same results, but generic is a good place to start, IMHO.

[runner]

Thank you all for your answers on, & experiences with,: generic Ritalin & Buproprion.
FYI: 1 month's worth of Strattera out of pocket: $ 390.00 US!
Now you know why I'm not considering it!

[FlakeyGirl]

Theiving B*&^%$ds!

[David]

I'm late to this thread but wanted to ADD my comments.

I can definitely tell the difference in "generic" methylphenidate and the "brand" Ritalin.

Coming off the gereric stuff I feel significantly more run-down and tired. I also feel a bit more dirty if that makes any sense. (It's hot & humid down in Texas) To me, the brand is much more clean, long lasting and I experience less side affects. Also, it takes more generic mg's to give me the same affects as the brand.

I spoke to my past doctor about this and he said there may be as much as 1/3 more meds in the brand than the generic and that he has a lot of patience that had more negative side affects with the generic.

I guess it depends on our bodies chemistry but this is my experience. I don't like paying the extra money for the brand (out of pocket for the most part) but it is worth it to me.

[David]

I thought I would also add that I purchase the 20 mg. brand tablets and break them in half and take 10 mg's at a time. I can tell the difference in the 10 mg. pills and the 20 mg. pills which are cut in half. I get more side-affects with the brand 10 pill than the halved 20. Strange, I know.