Thinking of stopping some meds. What would you do?

Question

I've suffered from depression my entire life. When it started, depression wasn't considered an illness and brushed off my many doctors. In 2002 I had a life changing epiphany that I had serious issues. Let's just say I'm thankful the police didn't arrest me for my out of control actions. So I started seeing a shrink who said it was depression and biploar and put me on meds, one for depression and one to help stop the racing thoughts at night. He wasn't listening to me that I didn't feel better so I changed docs who in turn changed my meds. My new antidepressant worked and still works great for me but I was still having uncontrolled outbursts. My doc thought it could be ADD and we started treatment. Now, I'm totally in control for the first time in my life with the drug combo I'm currently on. My problem is that my insurance changed and I no longer have drug coverage. The cost of my meds is beyond my means so I was thinking of coming off the anti-d. Of course I would do it under docs supervision and let family and friends know to monitor my behavior. I don't want to spend the rest of my life on meds and want to see if I can safely come off them after so many years but I'm scared I might start the outburts again and lose yet another job. What would you do? I feel great these days but I'm not sure if it's a drug induced great or if I'm actually over the true depression. Advise?

Answer 1

You already got some good answers. Like others said, talk to your doctor about the $$$ issue. Maybe he/she can get extra free samples for you. A doctor and also a pharmacist sometimes know about dealing with insurance companies and drug companies.

Most drug companies have what is called patient assistance programs (or indigent patient programs) to help people who can't afford their meds. Some companies make you fill out long forms and provide info about how much $$$ you have. Other companies make it very simple. For example, ask your MD to write a brief letter saying you need the med but can't afford it.

Lots of info is available from the following link. You may have to know the name of the company that makes your med.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=ind...

Here's an example of a drug website. On the left side, slightly below the picture of the guy sorta smiling you will see a patient assistance program link to get meds. Click on that link.

http://www.pristiq.com/?WT.mc_ID=7D74D7F...

I know what you are going through. I once had a shrink who kept telling me to take Neurontin for my major depression. It would cost me at least $400 a month, so I told my shrink to forget it. (That was before I knew about patient assistance programs.)

I thought you might want to give up the ADD med before giving up the anti-d. But I am sure you know more about your situation than I do.

By the way, I have 3 cats. The mother cat's name is Grace or Gracie. Is that your dog's name? I'm glad you found meds that work for you.

Answer 2

stop taking them

Answer 3

i understand totally about the money aspect.  perhaps there is someway that you can talk to your doctor about getting samples each month?  i know it is a long shot, but maybe just explain to your doctor your situation and perhaps they can come up with a way to help you.

if you have lost jobs in the past because of this, chances are if you go off meds there is a good possibility you are not in the clear... it would just be a matter of time (and i know from experience it sucks hearing that).  but, you want honesty, right?  for your own sanity, you have to do what is best for your mental health.

good luck to you.

Answer 4

Check with you local doctors office and the local hospital to see if they have a medication assistance program for people with low income. My husband is on this program here in my state and it helps pay for the meds.

If you have a Wal-mart or Hannafords near by, see if any of your medications are on the $4 list. You can also contact the pharmaceutical companies to see if they have a presciption assistance program to help pay for your meds...but the medication assistance program can help with this.

There are some options. While you are waiting for one of these resources to pan out, consider asking your town/city welfare office to help pay for a couple of months to get you through.

Answer 5

You've finally found the medication you need to control what is obviously a problem with your body chemistry (seratonin reuptake problem).  Why would you change it?  First of all, never go off your meds without a doctor's help.  You'd need to titrate, and you need the doctor to tell you the exact plan of action.  In addition, I'd fight the insurance company.  Have your doctor write a letter tellling the insurance company that this is a medical necessity.  Lots of times, the insurance companies back down.  Regardless, stick to what works even if you have to pay out of pocket!

Answer 6

The ant-depressant can, among other things, protect you from having a bad reaction to the stimulant you are taking.  The stimulant alone could make you even edgier then you already are.  The anti-depressant smooths things over and also is a buffer against stimulant withdrawal.  As you might have noticed, you feel differently when the stimulant begins to taper off.  Now just imagine that feeling mega-intensified.

If you are going to stop then don't stop cold turkey.  Taper off in slow increments.