Concerta generic formula altered

[EmbertheStrange]

When I was first diagnosed with adhd around 2007 in my 30’s, the first and only medication I tried was Concerta. It was the most amazing feeling in the world. The chatter in my head was almost nonexistent. I felt calm and “normal” for the first time in my life. I stopped taking all medication’s around 2012 to have a child and never got back on anything for years. Fast forward 20 years, now facing menopause, I’m struggling pretty bad. I sought help and a fresh diagnosis along with therapy with both a psychiatrist and a therapist. So, of course, the first medication we tried was Concerta, it did nothing to improve my focus or forgetfulness, and it made me very irritable. It was devastating! I’ve since tried two or three other medications with no luck.

I was doing some research today and found out that the generic for Concerta that is available now is no longer equivalent to the brand, regarding its delivery process. They were equivalent back in 2007 when I first took Concerta. There currently is a pharmaceutical company named Actavis that does carry the identical generic to Concerta and they’re both made by the same manufacturer but that’s not the generic I was taking.

Has anyone else experienced this?

[Burnout67]

My son is on concerta and says he feels the difference but i am not sure if it is that generic kind ....probably is since he is covered with Eia and disability

[EmbertheStrange in reply to Burnout67]

I’m not sure that it’s an insurance thing as much as it’s a pharmacy thing. I don’t wanna tell you the wrong thing because I am not sure how disability insurance works, but here’s a little info that could possibly help.

I used to work as a pharmacy tech and one of my good friends is a pharmacist. Each pharmacy can order from different manufacturers and they may not get the same brand each time they order unless they specifically order a certain one. Not brand as in brand name vs generic, brand as in who manufactures the generic drug. I have great success with Sam’s Club and Costco pharmacies. That’s also where I worked years ago. They’re able to take more time, especially if you get a good pharmacist. This may be the difference for you because I’m not sure if you can use any pharmacy or are you limited to a select few with the disability insurance. Either way, talk to the pharmacist wherever you fill and request the brand that makes the equivalent to Concerta. As far as I know, there are currently two that are available, one of which is Activis. Explain the difference to the pharmacist, chances are they'll understand because Concerta is not the only drug that this has happened with.

Also, always check the generic price without insurance or try GoodRX. Places like Sam’s or Costco tend to have more affordable prices and you can even use your membership instead of insurance to get a discount sometimes. This doesn’t always work, but it’s worth checking out. Concerta and it’s generic, however, doesn't work this way. I just always try to share this information with people because many people don’t realize this . To give you an example, I used to take Zoloft generic, I was able to buy a 90 day supply for $6 instead of using insurance in which I paid $10 a month for the same medication. This may seem overwhelming, if you have any questions, just ask.

I also posted an update to Concerta, if you’d like to read it. I have been on the generic equivalent since Valentine’s Day and it’s been a huge difference!

[Burnout67 in reply to EmbertheStrange]

My son's meds are all covered by his social insurance... One thing I can say is where we live ( canada) we have really good medical coverage especially for those that are Social assistance.

Now we are pretty sure there is autism too and I am in the process of seeing if he can get some supports like an outreach person .

[EmbertheStrange in reply to Burnout67]

I’ve heard great things about Canada’s insurance and health benefits. I’m so glad you’re able to get your son the coverage he needs.

Just speaking from an ADHD point of view, I don’t have autism, but I have anxiety and bouts of depression so the Concerta works great for me! I do take other maintenance meds as well. I’m still going strong on the 18mg and haven’t felt the need to increase. Btw, the other company that is AB rated as having the same release mechanism as the brand is Camber. If you’re interested in Concerta for your son, I strongly suggest you ask your pharmacist for Activis or Camber. Good luck.