[waterknob1234]

I am at a place I am not sure what I should do and wondered what any of you think. Last week I broke down and spent $300.00 to go to a psychiatrist. He wants to change my meds from citalopram 40mg and buspirone 5mg to wellbutrin and buspirone 10mg. I have also been plagued for about a week now with recurring migraine headaches. The medicine that helps the migraines the most costs $75.00 for 9 pills. I have an appointment Wednesday to see my medical doctor for the migraines. He also had been treating my depression before I went to the psychiatrist. The new antidepressant is so expensive. The pharmacy will only hold the prescription for a few days. I want to get my medical doctor's input on all this. I am hoping he might can refer me to a cheaper psychiatric service as well as treat the migraines. Should I start the new antidepressant or wait and stay on the one I am taking? I'm tired of feeling physically and mentally so bad. I really don't know what to do anymore.

[TheOriginalMe]

I'm not sure what I'd do, Citalopram is cheap and has a low side effect burden, though I seem to remember that I had a lot of migranes when taking it. However, if it has pooped, it won't magically start working again. I've no experience of Wellbutrin, is there a cheaper generic available? Double check any interactions, because I've noticed a lot of anti-depressants contra-indicate certain migraine meds, you should be able to check that out online but your medical docs opinion is worth hearing on that one too. I have a vague memory that certain anti-depressants can be used to treat migraine, but for the life of me I can't remember which ones, or even if it was just something that I imagined. Again, that is something that you can check out online.

Aside from whether you have the funds to pay for expensive meds in the long term, do you actually have the funds to pay for the short-term supply right now? If you don't or if financial stress is a significant trigger for you then I'd say it probaly isn't worth giving yourself the extra stress. However, if you have the money, get the migranes treated, you know the drug will work and once you've got them back under control there is every chance you won't need that med in the longer term. Anti-depressants are a long-term med, so finding one that is both effective and affordable has to be a priority. Hopefully, your medical doc can refer you to a cheaper psychiatric service.

BTW, Prescription meds is something the NHS does get more or less right. I go to my GP, he writes a 'script, I take it to the pharmacy and pay £8.05 and I get my meds. The true cost may be much more (or much less) but all I pay is £8.05, each different med on the 'script incurrs a charge, but if I need more than three items I can buy a prepayment certificate for £30, this lasts three months and covers me for an unlimited number of items. Just thought I'd share something good, because I'm usually moaning.

[maddnessreturns]

I agree with the above on the migraine meds and depression meds. They can have some funky interactions so be sure to let both doctors know you take migraine meds. I know they are so expensive it is ridiculous. I wish migraine meds were cheaper also.

[Altered Moment]

Isn't there a generic for wellbutrin? I thought there was by now. If Celexa isn't working I would change to wellbutrin. It is really to bad when we have to factor in costs for these crazy expensive drugs when they could really help us and we can't take them because of costs.

Ask your docs about drug company programs where you can get them for free if you qualify. Also the drug company websites usually have pretty decent discount cards on them.

[Fuzzybear]

i am on wellbutrin... I am not 100% sure if I get a generic or the brand name. But I picked up my prescription yesterday and with my insurance - it was FREE (meaning that my insurances views it as less expensive to give it to me than what it would cost them if I did not get it).

I think this could be a good thing for you. play it out and see what it really costs. I think it could help you.