[whitecrosses]

So, I have had chronic depression all my life, among other complications. I have tried some things, but nothing has helped for long if at all. I have just been prescribed my first ever anti depressant. Brintellix.
It has taken me so long to get someone to help me with this. So I guess I am trying not to get my "Hopes" up. I need to know, what will this generally cost after Insurance? (BCBS) and how is it with paranoid schizophrenia and anxiety disorders, and someone who does NOT mix well with any sort of stimulant.
Benzos have been the only thing that have ever helped any of my issues, but they are too addictive on their own.
Also, should I not take this with Wellbutrin? It helps me not to smoke, but I have heard a bad thing or two about combining these medicines. Also what about Abilify??
My doctor was quick to prescribe me this Brintellix, without really getting to know the core of most my issues, although I have heard great things about this drug. If anyone has any information on these things, I would greatly appreciate your input. Thanks.

[CANDC]

Whitecrosses, glad you are facing your challenges head on. Your psychiatrist or therapist are the best source for info. Also your pharmacist should be able to tell you about interactions and side affects.

There are other posts and articles that relate to your questions
Psych Central - Search results for Wellbutrin side affects combining Brintellix

As far as costs go, best to talk directly to your insurance company. If you must private pay mail order like Caremark will often save quite a bit on 90 day supply if you can get prescription from pdoc. Make sure they are working for you before bulk ordering.

[pinkflower17]

I'm currently taking this. It's claim to fame is regarding cognition, memory issues etc. It's supposed to be the best anti-depressant out there regarding these issues. I can't say I've noticed drastic improvements in depression symptoms, but have absolutely noticed improvements in general cognition. You should be fine combining it with both Wellbutrin and Abilify. The mechanisms of action are pretty different for the most part. I guess theoretically there's a risk of serotonin syndrome when combining it with abilify, but that risk is probably pretty low. I have a MDD diagnosis. I don't know how well it works regarding schizophrenia. Looking at it's mechanism of action, it probably doesn't do much for those symptoms, it's more likely to work on your depression, possibly anxiety. It's a serotonin agonist/antagonist at various serotonin receptors. Other than that, I don't have much to say about it. I don't think it's as great as they've made it out to be, at least not for me, but it has helped some with depression and some with cognitive symptoms. Hope that helps some.

[Patsfan]

I have been taking 20mg since November. I have MDD. It has worked very well for me.