Thursday, September 18, 2008

Generics

So, I've been on a combination of Zol.oft and Well.butrin for a couple of months now. Things were going really well up until 3 months ago, when everything started going to the scheisshaus in a big way. Faster and deeper mood swings, increased depression, very much increased anxiety.

This is not fun.

I did, however, figure out why this is happening. It's because the pharmacy gave me the generic for Zol.oft and not the brand name. See, to get the brand name, your doctor has to specifically note that only the brand will do. Otherwise, you get the insurance company's first pick, the much cheaper (for them) generic (I'm paying the same co-pay no matter which they give me).

Generics are supposed to be the exact same as the brand with the same active ingredients and everything. But the generic form of Zol.oft appears to affect (or not affect, as the case may be) many people in ways different from how they respond to the name brand.

Why? Who knows? I suspect that this is the Splenda effect (a doctrine invented by yours truly). John Dear, who knows just enough about certain things to be dangerous, explained to me that in order to make sucralose (aka Splenda), the chemists just manufactured a mirror image of a real sugar molecule. So, it's basically sugar, only your body doesn't recognize it as such.

I think that the generic Zol.oft works in me the same way. It's backwards, so my brain doesn't recognize that it should effing stop absorbing the serotonin and pass it on to the next neuron. You hear that, Brain!! I'm on to you!

I made an appointment to see Dr. Chai and hopefully can convince her to get me back on the real stuff. Unfortunately, I'll have to deal with an all-intensive in-laws weekend sans good drugs. John Dear and I will be staying at a nearby hotel, so I'm hoping that I can at least minimize some of the graduate level crazy that goes on with those people.

10 comments:

Chelle said...

I completely agree. Sometimes, you just need the "real thing". I hope you get it straightened out. Good luck with the in-laws and thank goodness for hotels!!

Meghan said...

I've had that problem with generics before too. Any chance a few bottles of non-generic wine will help you get through your weekend with the in-laws ;)

nancy said...

Well that just sucks big time donkey assholes! I hope you get it taken care of quick. :)

Happy said...

According to my neurologist generics aren't as closely conrolled. The drug is supposed to be the same, but... So, when my anti-seizure med came out w/a generic version she didn't want to chance it and specifically requested the real thing. Ask your doctor for a new script.

Io said...

In laws with no drugs? Good luck dude.
I hope you get the real things again soon.

Antigone said...

I hope you're able to have a few alcoholic beverages for me.

Tricia said...

Oh god.. I hope all goes well with the in-laws and that you get the real Zoloft soon. Hugs.

kirke said...

Oh thank goodness for hotels...at least you won't have to make nice before you have your morning dose of caffiene.

HereWeGoAJen said...

Interesting. I thought generics were required to be identical.

LJ said...

I'm on the exact same drugs, and I too am on generics. I wonder how I'd feel on the real stuff...