Are generic drugs the same as name brand drugs?

Yes, but.....: Generic drugs are the same as the brand names, at least in the USA where their manufacture is carefully regulated. However, not every person will respond exactly the same to a brand vs a generic often due to differences in the manufacturing process, fillers, dyes and other factors, including some that might be how one perceives the two medications.

~15%: To be approved by the fda, generic drug manufacturers only need to demonstrate that their product is between 85% and 115% effective as the brand name product. For most patients and physicians, this isn't a problem.