[Dickie1958]

The last psych I saw gave me an Rx for provigil. I know it's generally rx'd for narcolepsy. Several years ago my internist also tried to get approval for it. Insurer refused. Anyway I took recent Rx to rph .... $500 generic per month. Didn't fill it. Should I ask for Ritalin etc ???

[AncientMelody]

I'd just tell the psych it wasn't affordable and ask what else he or she recommends

[Rohag]

Hello, Dickie1958. I don't know if this answers your question: I had a bad experience with Provigil 15 years ago. Much more recently I spoke with an MD about "activating" medications other than Provigil. He told me that if I had trouble tolerating Provigil, Ritalin would be worse for me.

In other words, Ritalin could be noticeably more powerful - for better or worse - than Provigil.

[pinkflower17]

Originally Posted by Dickie1958

The last psych I saw gave me an Rx for provigil. I know it's generally rx'd for narcolepsy. Several years ago my internist also tried to get approval for it. Insurer refused. Anyway I took recent Rx to rph .... $500 generic per month. Didn't fill it. Should I ask for Ritalin etc ???

Your provider may be able to fill out a prior authorization and get approval that way. If not, you may have to start w something cheaper.

[RisuNeko]

I've had good luck with getting prior authorizations on meds that cost too much and aren't covered by insurance and I just have my state's crummy government insurance. You just have to tell your doctor to do it, and they should take care of it.

But if it's adhd and not narcolepsy you're trying to have treated, I don't know why he would start with provigil and not an actual adhd med.

[pinkflower17]

Originally Posted by RisuNeko

I've had good luck with getting prior authorizations on meds that cost too much and aren't covered by insurance and I just have my state's crummy government insurance. You just have to tell your doctor to do it, and they should take care of it.

But if it's adhd and not narcolepsy you're trying to have treated, I don't know why he would start with provigil and not an actual adhd med.

It's also indicated for shift work disorder, obstructive sleep apnea and MS fatigue. It's used not uncommonly for ADD/ADHD. It's a scheduled class IV rather than a II. I works similarly to wellbutrin, inhibits dopamine reuptake. Kind of like starting with Strattera or wellbutrin...

[RisuNeko]

Hmm maybe I should bring up this med with my pdoc.