[thickntired]

Hi Everyone,

I'm so scared I made an appointment with my pdoc. About 6 weeks ago she switched me from Abilify to Risperdal for financial reasons. I was doing fine then:

I had to put my dog down last weekend
I hate holidays & company in my house
It's dark, cold and I haven't been to the gym so my jeans are too tight.

So, that being said I'm crying everyday. I so, so, so hope it's not the meds. I don't think I can take a new anti-psychotic, and I can not afford $1K for Abilify.

Do you all think that being uber-sensitive could be the reason and not medication? I know, I know nobody here is a Doctor. But let's just say this is a poll. Could these factors cause a nervous breakdown on a medicated person per say?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Odee]

I have definitely experiences a complete breakdown/intense depression and anxiety from my last two visits to my family at home. It's kind of ridiculous considering that I love and miss them, but I still get a lot of anxiety from the situation.

The point is, I came back to a couple days later and I don't think that there was any gap in my meds, just life circumstances I'm a little vulnerable to.

Also, if you only switched 6 weeks ago, maybe you need more, stress free time to really tell if the med works.

[thickntired]

Well I saw my pdoc and she said it was 100 percent going off Abilify. Guess I will have to pay my $1k until Medicare kicks in, but I'm thankful there is a med that works

[Insignificant other]

Hang in there. You are going thru a lot right now .. its gonna take time.
Believe me it will get better .. I had to put my dog down in Aug and was devastated but, time does heal us.
Oh the holidays suck for sure .. I hate them too and cringe at the thoughts of being around anyone at this time of year.
I didnt think I would ever get over the loss of my beloved critter but I am and have found a new pup. This one will never replace my Barney but, it will help me cope better.
I hope you find peace soon.

[~Christina]

Ask your Pdoc about Abilify samples. Also depending on your income the drug company can help with the cost.

Good Luck

[eskielover]

Also, look into patient assistance for the medication. I am on a pain medication that costs $2500/month & the patient assistance covers it all because I'm not on any drug coverage plan.....mostly because it would cost me more since that's the only med I'm on & the other med I can get for cheap....a lot less than a drug coverage plan would cost. My income is too high to actually qualify, but they have an appeal process if you might need because of the high cost of the med.

It's always something worth it to look into
Google "patient assistance programs & your med name" & see what you come up with

[thickntired]

Originally Posted by morethingswrong

Ask your Pdoc about Abilify samples. Also depending on your income the drug company can help with the cost.

Good Luck

I was very fortunate. She gave me 4 months of samples!! I've been her patient for a few years.

In 2015 Abilify will be generic & Medicare should cover. It just makes me sick how insane the profit margins are for pharmacies.

Thank you for your reply.

Missed this earlier but man o man, I'm so glad the med availability has been resolved. I assume your doc wishes some more time to pass with the Abilify before assessing you for effectiveness? Apparently it's a med that has to build in the system and requires some time to reach levels that are beneficial.

It's a really tough time...I'm sorry. It could well be an overload. At your best even, all these events culminating, could surely tax your abilities to cope. You've had a plateful to digest...add the med change and the whole thing becomes even harder.

Sorry about your dog...that's really hard. You're made it past some bumps though and while the holidays and season can be tough it'll come and quickly be gone.

TnT...You're hanging in...say hello anytime. Take care...and best of wishes. Q