How frustrating. My son takes Zyprexa - 7.5 for $350. I'm amazed you were quoted the same price - or at least twice the dose for twice the price. I always figure the pharmacies play with the prices with some charging more than others. My son has Medicare, so he only pays $2.60 for his share.

I'm really surprised you've found that Zyprexa was the cheapest. Even since it went off patent last October and became available as a generic, it's really expensive, as you've found. The first time my son had an episode, he was given a prescription for risperdal. He didn't have insurance at the time, so my mom paid cash for it. It was only $80. Also, the older typical antipsychotics should all be much cheaper - haldol, thorazine, etc.

I know people say the side effects are worse on the older meds, but studies don't seem to bear than out. The side effects are different. And some of the worst side effects, like tardive dyskinesia, don't show up until after many years of use. So the drug companies were claiming the new meds didn't cause it, but in fact it's starting to show up in people who've taken the newer meds a long time.

The older meds used to be given at too high a dose, so they seemed like they had worse side effects. At a more sensible dose they can be very helpful with fewer side effects.

Good luck!