[misty324]

Hi Everyone,

I made the decision to go to my dr. tomorrow to discuss possible new meds to help me with my depression and ADD. I've printed out my insurance company's prescription formulary so I can take it with me and talk about the possibilities.

Before, my dr. had recommended Provigil, but it's a tier 3 drug and would cost me over $80 a month - not feasible. The insurance companies suggest the alternatives of methylphenidate but I already know my dr. won't prescribe it because of my high blood pressure. I also know he' s against Ritalin.

This leaves me with, in my price range, the following to choose from - if the dr. even goes with any of these:

For the ADD:
amphetamine salt combo
dextroamphetamines

For the depression:
citalopram
bupropion HCI or XL
venlafaxine

My question - are the two suggested ADD meds too close to the dexmethylphenidate? Meaning, if my dr. is against it, would he likely be against these two drugs as well - same side effects with the BP and cardiac?

From what I'm reading, the only drug that's a tier 1 for me that even remotely would work is the bupropion. But does it work for the ADD also?

My problem is that I don't know what's worse right now - the depression or the ADD. I almost feel as if the ADD is causing the bulk of my depression. But I don't want to take a drug just for depression if it's not going to help my ADD. From my experience with my dr. though, I don't think any of the "approved" ADD meds are going to be to his liking. All other drugs on the formulary are out of my monthly price range - both depression and ADD drugs.

If anyone has experience with any of the above drugs, I'd sure appreciate hearing about them - good or bad things. So I know exactly what concerns to discuss with my dr. tomorrow.

Thanks!!
Misty

[gardenergirl]

I'm not a meds expert, so I can't address the technical parts of your questions. But in my experience, treating depression effectively can often help ADD symptoms as well. Have you had a formal evaluation for ADD? If not, perhaps your doctor would be more amenable to treating your ADD symptoms if he had the diagnosis from a colleague. Also, don't rule out therapy for both depression and ADD. Both can respond to behavioral interventions, too, and this approach works well with meds.

Good luck!

gg

[mrsmoggles]

there is so much a dr can do...a lot of lee way on what your chemical make up with deal well with and what it won't...while one will work for a week then peter out but the one slow to take effect is better and lasts longer...it is a med game, pick blindly out of the hat and see what they can start first...as your reactions are taken down and charted, the more the dr will know which ones will work best...good luck!!! i didnt like celexa myself, but it may be a dream to you...(((hugs)))))) melanie

[misty324]

Thanks guys!

I would love to try therapy again, however my insurance company will only cover 20% and the closest professional is over an hour away. I'm kind of stuck with online therapy for now.

I'll chat with my dr. today and see what ideas he has. He's usually good to have samples so maybe I can try something first.

[misty324]

Hi Everyone,

I visited my doctor today and we discussed this for about 1/2 hour and determined that the best course for me to try for now is Adderall - well, at least the generic version which is the amphetamine salt combo. I am to sort of play around with the dosage for the first week or so, slowly increasing from 10 mg to 20 mg if I can handle it.

I did find out that my CVS does not carry this drug - it's special order. But I was able to fill it today at another pharmacy. I took my first dose today and - maybe it's all in my head - but I feel so much better and focused. A little jittery like too much caffeine but I was explained that this may be a side effect. Dry mouth and very decreased appetite too, but that's not necessarily a bad thing since I need to lose weight anyway.

I'm feeling very hopeful that this will be my answer. I'll post updates so they might help others. Just wanted to thank everyone for their advice and input!

Namaste,
Misty

[mrsmoggles]

WTG Misty!!! I hope it works for you...if paying for prescriptions is hard, the walmart and target stores have $4 GENERIC scripts...

and sending good thoughts your way...melanie

[misty324]

Thanks, Melanie! I appreciate your support!

Luckily, the generic is a tier 1 with my insurance company so it's just $15/month. Also, if it works out and I go on it long term, my insurance is one of the few that will agree to long term controlled substance scripts - meaning I can get it mail order and get 3 months for 2 months co-pay. Would end up costing me $10/month.

I am going to take my BP meds to K-mart though for the 3 month generic plan there. I do hope they add more to those lists as these programs really do help out those of us who have to watch our wallets.

Take care!
Misty

Boy, ins.companies are deciding what meds we take? My pdoc sent the ins. co. articles & documentation that I should be on Concerta (72 mg) for ADD & Provigil (400 mg) for excessive daytime sleepiness. If the doc hadn't gotten involved & spoken for me, I doubt I would have been able to get my meds ...Also take Abilify, Lamictal, Trazodone, klonopin