When your pharmacist offers you a generic medication instead of your usual treatment, you may be wondering: Is it really the same thing? Is it also effective? Are there differences? 🤔
Generic drugs are often seen as an economical alternative, but there are still many questions surrounding their effectiveness, composition, and impact on health. If you are taking regular treatment, especially for bipolarity, it is essential to fully understand what generic substitution involves.
👉 In this article, we take stock of what a generic is, how it works, if it is as reliable as the original drug, and in which cases it may be best to ask for an alternative.
A generic medication is a copy of a brand-name drug whose patent has fallen into the public domain. It contains the same active ingredient, with the same concentration and the same galenic form (tablet, capsule, syrup...).
📌 Why do generics exist?
example :
🔹 Tercian (brand) → Cyamemazine Biogaran (generic)
🔹 Xanax (brand) → Alprazolam Mylan (generic)
Key info: The generic must meet strict standards and prove that it has the same effect as the original drug.
If you want Understand the effects and disadvantages of medications here!
What is the same:
✔ The active ingredient : It is the molecule that acts on your body (ex: paracetamol in Doliprane and in Paracetamol Sandoz).
✔ The Dose and form : A 500 mg tablet of an original medication will have a strictly identical generic equivalent.
✔ THEefficiency and safety : A generic must demonstrate a bioequivalence (i.e. a virtually identical effect) to 80-125% of that of the reference medicine.
What may vary:
⚠ Excipients (inactive substances) : Some generics may have a slightly different color, texture, or taste. This does not impact effectiveness, but can be a problem in case of allergy to a particular excipient.
⚠ Appearance of the tablet : As brands also register the design of tablets, generics often have a different shape and color, which can be disturbing if you are used to treatment.
⚠ The release mode : In some rare cases, the way the medication is absorbed in the body may differ slightly (e.g., some extended-release medications).
Conclusion: In the majority of cases, the generic works the same way and is a safe alternative. But in certain specific cases (psychiatry, neurology), medical follow-up is recommended in case of substitution.
✔ WRONG! THEEffectiveness is scientifically proven before it is put on the market.
✔ WRONG! Generics are cheaper because there is no more research and development to fund, but their manufacture respects the same standards.
✔ WRONG! The side effects are The same, unless a person is sensitive to a particular excipient.
✔ WRONG! A physician may write “Not substitutable” on the prescription if they consider it essential that the patient receive the brand-name version.
Your doctor may say “Not Substitutable” on the prescription If:
✔ There is significant differences in absorption (rare cases in psychiatry and neurology).
✔ You are allergic to an excipient from the generic.
✔ One sudden change can be problematic (e.g. treatments for epilepsy, bipolar disorders).
You can ask your pharmacist to give you the brand-name medication, but in this case, it will not necessarily be 100% reimbursed.
Social Security encourages the use of generics to reduce treatment costs and allow more patients to access care.
In France, the price of a generic drug is 30 to 60% cheaper than the branded one.
👉 It is a compromise between efficiency and financial accessibility.
In most cases, generics are a good alternative. However, for some psychiatric medications, there may be adjustments to watch out for:
🔸 Lithium (teralith vs generics) : Some dosage variations may influence mood balance.
🔸 Antidepressants (Prozac, Seroplex... vs generics) : Little difference, but some patients experience a slight change.
🔸 Antipsychotics (Risperdal, Abilify... vs generics) : Generally no problem, but follow-up may be required.
If you feel a difference when switching to a generic, talk to your psychiatrist!
No! Generics are a reliable and scientifically validated alternative.
But it is important to be informed and to talk to your doctor or pharmacist in case of doubt.
To remember:
✅ Generics are as effective as the original medications.
✅ They cost less, but are subject to the same quality controls.
✅ They are suitable for most treatments, but require follow-up for some sensitive treatments.
If you are under psychiatric treatment and are offered a generic, remain attentive to your feelings and do not hesitate to consult in case of doubt!
💬 And you, have you ever had any experience with a generic medication?
Share your opinion in the comments! 😊
