Does generic Wellbutrin work? (7 signs to check)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will answer: “Does generic Wellbutrin work?” We will also discuss the FDA recommendations and signs to know whether generic Wellbutrin is working or not.
Does generic Wellbutrin work?
Yes, generic Wellbutrin, also known as Bupropion HCl, works effectively in treating depression and anxiety. Wellbutrin is the brand name, but there are various generic versions of Bupropion available and approved by regulators.
The generic versions have the same active ingredient but may have different excipients or fillers, which can affect how they work in the body. However, they are all considered to be just as effective as the brand-name Wellbutrin in treating these conditions.
What does research suggest?
Bupropion hydrochloride is FDA-approved and marketed under the names; Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban and other Bupropion hydrochloride generic forms (1)
Once approved by the FDA, generic drugs must contain the same active ingredient, dosage form, method of administration, and labelling as the brand-name product. They must also be bioequivalent, meaning their absorption rate and extent should not differ significantly from the branded drug.
The FDA considers generic drugs to be therapeutically equivalent to their branded counterparts. This means that these drugs can generally be substituted for one another, with the expectation that the generic product will produce the same therapeutic effects and safety profile. (2)
A trial involving 70 adults with major depression in stable remission tested the bioequivalence and therapeutic equivalence of generic bupropion XL 300 mg compared to the brand-name product.
The result showed that the generic versions were found to be both bioequivalent and therapeutically equivalent to the brand-name medication, indicating their effectiveness and safety for patients in stable remission from major depression. (3)
The controversy about generic Wellbutrin
The controversy surrounding generic versions of Wellbutrin XL 300 mg has been a concern. A randomised clinical trial suggested that three generic bupropion XL 300 mg versions (PAR, Watson, Mylan) were bioequivalent to the brand-name Wellbutrin XL 300 mg and therapeutically equivalent in adults with major depression.
However, back in December 2012, the FDA made a notable recommendation. They advised the removal of a specific generic version of Wellbutrin XL 300 mg, which was produced by Impax Laboratories and distributed by Teva Pharmaceuticals.
This recommendation was made because the generic version did not meet the bioequivalence criteria compared to the brand-name Wellbutrin XL 300 mg at the same dose. This development understandably raised concerns about its safety and effectiveness.
It’s important to note that this information pertains to a situation in 2012. As of now, all the generic versions of Wellbutrin XL 300 mg have received FDA approval and are considered effective and safe. (4)
If someone experiences side effects or concerns when switching between different forms of this medication, the best course of action is to contact their healthcare provider for guidance and to address any specific issues they may be facing.
How to ensure the safety and quality of generic Wellbutrin?
Ensuring the safety and quality of generic Wellbutrin is essential. The FDA mandates that generic drugs must meet the same rigorous standards for safety, effectiveness, and quality as their brand-name counterparts.
Generic Wellbutrin is subject to bioequivalence testing to guarantee that it is therapeutically equivalent to the brand-name drug, assuring its effectiveness. You should trust the regulatory authority here.
It is also advisable to obtain generic drugs from trustworthy sources to ensure product quality and safety.
How to check if generic Wellbutrin is working?
Ideally, generic Bupropion should be as effective as the brand Wellbutrin. You can look for the following signs to determine if your medicine is working or not. (5)
- Improved mood with reduced feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
- Increased energy and motivation.
- Better focus and concentration.
- Improved sleep patterns.
- Increased interest in daily activities.
- Enhanced ability to function at work or school.
- Improved decision-making abilities.
It’s important to remember that individual responses to medication can vary. It may take several weeks for Wellbutrin to show its full effect.
What to do if generic Wellbutrin is not working?
If you find that generic Wellbutrin isn’t effective for you, it’s advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare provider. Here are some general steps to consider:
- Verify that you are taking the medication as prescribed, including the correct dosage and timing.
- In some cases, switching to the brand-name Wellbutrin might be a viable option, as certain individuals may respond better to it than the generic alternative.
- If you experience side effects or believe the medication is not working as expected, promptly inform your healthcare provider. You can also report your experience to the FDA’s MedWatch program.
- Discuss alternative options with your doctor, which could involve changing the medication or incorporating psychotherapy.
It’s worth noting that individual responses to medication can vary, and it may take some time to find the most suitable treatment plan.
Collaborate closely with your healthcare provider to monitor your symptoms and make necessary adjustments as part of your ongoing care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, generic formulations of Wellbutrin have been found to work effectively. It’s important to trust your healthcare provider’s guidance regarding medication choices.
If you ever feel that the generic version is not effectively managing your condition, consult your doctor and discuss the possibility of switching back to the brand name or exploring alternative treatment options.
