How to get non generic meds?

[Ace M]

I am currently getting Venlafaxine and i requested Effexor as looking on forums people say results were better with the latter

[Vync]

The VA pharmacy has procedures they follow before they can explore non-formulary meds. I do not know if this works for all medications.

Back before Singulair became generic, I had to try this and that medication and then get authorization from the department chief doctor before they got it for me.

[broncovet]

I got a "non generic" once because my doctor requested it.  It had to be approved, apparently, by someone in the VA hospital.  Ask your doc, and explain why you want the non generic.  

My example was Welbutrin XL.  Well this is an "extended release" and puts a small amount of the drug in your system over time.  This was much preferred to the Buproprion which was not extended release that dumped a whole bunch of meds in my system then nothing.  The name brand Welbutrin had an extended release, while the generic, Buproprion, did not.  It was nite and day difference.