[mattjstead]

Hello all,
here is an update and also I need more advice.

So I had my appointment with the new psychiatrist. Filled out paperwork, worksheets, questionnaire, etc.

The doctor was friendly, but not overly talkative. Neutral, which is fine with me.

Here is where I have a hang-up...
He is aware that I am paying out of pocket ($200 first consult, $125 each apt after). Today we viewed my history and former doctors. What irritated me was that he spent lots of time going over and asking questions about my history that I had just spent 30 minutes writing on endless forms. "When were you first diagnosed with anxiety/depression?" , "Well, 2009." "Ah, and who diagnosed you?" ,"Dr Castiglioni." I felt like saying, "Look at the paper in front of you and I did a very detailed timeline! Regardless, each doctor is different, so I went with it.

What got me is that what is debilitating to me is Panic Attacks and Anxiety. Which then spirals into depression, and throw in some manic episodes and there's my mental life. Instead of talking about the Panic Attacks and anxiety which I am on nothing for now (Well, nothing for anything, Thankyou BlueCross BlueSheild...crooks), he focused on my Bi-Polar diagnosis (no problem, I figured one way or another we would get to each). When I told him that I was on Lamictal 200mg and Latuda 40mg before I had to stop them due to trippling in cost, he balked and began lecturing on that Latuda is "not needed" and only for psychotic episodes, etc. And, I quote, "Lamictal, if used in big doses, going up to possibly 400mg, can work for both the mania and depression."

Then, and I was a bit shocked I didn't know how to respond, he said, "And, so that will be all the time we have today. I would like to see you back next week. We will start you on 25mg of Lamictal and work from there."

So...Here I am. Still have Anxiety...spoke nothing of Panic Attacks...And have a prescription for Lamictal 25mg that he said, "I needed to get filled immediately and take it within the next 2 hours." I did. What have I got to lose?

I don't know guys.....
Maybe I was expecting too much? Maybe I am not giving him a chance.
What is your reaction/thoughts? I'm just confused and want to go back to when I had everything straightened out. Stupid American healthcare.

[gina_re]

I try and give doctors at least two visits if I feel that he or she has the potential to treat me respectfully and knowledgeably and I feel comfortable with him or her. If I get a bad vibe, I'm really hesitant to go back unless I'm desperate.

[mattjstead]

Thanks Gina. I agree...God paying out of pocket is killing me. Thank God for GoodRX app or I couldn't afford the medicine.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[gina_re]

Originally Posted by mattjstead

Thanks Gina. I agree...God paying out of pocket is killing me. Thank God for GoodRX app or I couldn't afford the medicine.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I just heard on the news about this blink health website/app. It bypasses insurance to get medications cheaper than paying full price. I just tried the website, but I feel like since they just reported it, everyone is trying to access it because I can't get through. I would check it out.

[mattjstead]

Originally Posted by gina_re

I just heard on the news about this blink health website/app. It bypasses insurance to get medications cheaper than paying full price. I just tried the website, but I feel like since they just reported it, everyone is trying to access it because I can't get through. I would check it out.

I just checked and compared prices to "Blink Health" and the App "GoodRX" and it seemed "GoodRX" was substantially cheaper. It has not gotten a lot of publicity...and it is no wonder since more people knowing would mean decrease in profits. But today I got Lamictal 25mg 60, Retail $141 for $13.91. The Blink Health seemed that it would only bring it down to around $100. Although, with other medications it could be cheaper. Always good to have multiple options!

[gina_re]

Yeah when I finally was able to check my medications there wasn't a huge difference with my insurance for the dosages I take. I guess it depends on what you take. Oh well, hopefully it works for others..

[raspberrytorte]

It's lousy how expensive medications are and how it dictates your treatment. Like I can't even try latuda because even with my insurance it's one hundred dollars a month. Just sucks. And I've run out of AP options and am stuck with seroquel which makes me eat like a pig and I'm gaining weight.

[gina_re]

I have major depressive issues and have tried various types of ADs. Last pdoc wanted to try the new drug Brintillex (sp?). But when I went to go fill it, I knew that I couldn't afford $50 a month on top of everything else. I try and ask for drugs that have generics. She even suggested trying a MAOI, but I'm nervous about those. Either way, even with insurance it all adds up for the six meds I have.

[gina_re]

Originally Posted by mattjstead

I just checked and compared prices to "Blink Health" and the App "GoodRX" and it seemed "GoodRX" was substantially cheaper. It has not gotten a lot of publicity...and it is no wonder since more people knowing would mean decrease in profits. But today I got Lamictal 25mg 60, Retail $141 for $13.91. The Blink Health seemed that it would only bring it down to around $100. Although, with other medications it could be cheaper. Always good to have multiple options!

I also just checked the GoodRx website. I guess my insurance is pretty decent. For my dosages, they're about a few dollars off.

Well every pdoc I've been to has said lamictal is good for the depression part of bp but not the mania part. Their go to has always been depakote. I think he also should have addressed your anxiety. I would give him one more chance and voice your concerns more. Good luck!

[Victoria'smom]

your anxiety maybe do to mood fluctuations. He could have at least giving you a small amount of benzo. I know I take welbutrin for anxiety but I couldn't do that without being stable ish on lamictal. Many drs use AP for mania but some drs don't agree with that.

[Redskins89]

Originally Posted by gina_re

I just heard on the news about this blink health website/app. It bypasses insurance to get medications cheaper than paying full price. I just tried the website, but I feel like since they just reported it, everyone is trying to access it because I can't get through. I would check it out.

Saved my life ! My ins doesn't cover Modafinil for off label (even tho 90% of sales are for off label use) so instead of the $400+ at Walgreens, I paid $133 with the Blink Health app.
I break the 200mg in half so lasts me 60 days...$2.22 a day but is way better than not having it at all....has helped my depression

[BeyondtheRainbow]

check Rx Outreach | Patient Assistance Program, Discount Prescription Drugs for what is usually substantially lower prices on meds. I used them a lot when I didn't have insurance. I think they typically beat goodrx.com

www.xubec.com is a similar site that never had the meds I needed so I don't know how it works.