Same Molecule, Different Experience: The Science Behind Why Brand-Name and Generic Drugs Can Feel Distinct
When patients switch from a brand-name drug to its generic equivalent, some report that the medication simply feels different — less effective, or accompanied by new side effects. Rather than dismissing these observations, science offers a nuanced explanation rooted in inactive ingredients, bioavailability windows, and the measurable influence of patient expectation. This article examines what the FDA's equivalency standards actually mean, where legitimate pharmacological differences can arise,
