[NoWhereToGo]

I have been taking the generic form of Ritalin for about 4 yrs. I only take 2 pills a day, 10 mg. each, the psychiatrist prescribing them is now wanting me to switch to the long acting version 20 mg one pill a day, I do not think that will help and it costs alot more (213 dollars) than the one I am currently taking (8 dollars), and I do not have ins. that will pay it, how can I get her to understand my frustrations, I have an appt. on Tues. with her to try to work this out. I also am very depressed and suicidal and very aggitated at everything and really am confused as what to do.

If anyone could offer some suggestions on this I would greatly appreciate hearing them.

Thanks

[Redsoft]

With the way things are with insurance and the absurdly high costs of prescriptions, docs are very happy to listen and adjust where necessary. (I've been there.) A doc once prescribed me one that was over $800 dollars! I waited ten minutes as the pharmacy called my doctor, and suddenly I was given an alternative for less than $15. Ridiculous. Don't be afraid to speak up.

Also, depending on your location, there may be some programs you qualify for that can help out with the cost of prescriptions. Where I live, the state provides a free prescription discount program to anyone that spends the five minutes to sign up, the only catch being that you go to their associated pharmacies - which are huge places like Kroger, Target, Walgreens, etc. so it's no trouble at all. I just lost my insurance and am lucky to be on generic medications, so my meds ended up being discounted greatly, and only cost me around $7 more than when I had insurance! They are, at full price a few hundred dollars.

The cost of prescriptions' rising costs is a serious issue, and medical professionals are very aware and understanding of it. So again, don't be shy about speaking up.