Need help with Weaning myself off antidepressents?

Question

I have a major problem. I will try to make this short but there is a lot to tell. I was knocked off my moms insurance at the end of november because I finally turned 25. I have been under the doctors care since I was 18. I have severe depression, anxiety and may be bi polar... never really figured that out tho. I do not have insurance anymore so therefore there is no way for me to get my prescriptions filled. I have about a week and a half before my medicines will be gone. I take pexeva, lamictal and seroquel. I know going off them cold turket won't be a good idea but I am not sure how I can wean myself off of them by myself. I have no insurance so I have no one to go to:/ I have talked to the county and I can go to the emergency psychiatric before I am able to get on their insurance but they will only write a prescription. Yes I will have a prescription but I have no insurance and there is no way i can pay 400-500 dollars on these meds. I don't have the money. So what can I do?

I am so scared. I have had withrawal symtoms before and I am on high dosages... 2 of them I am on like 200-300 mgs.. the other one is lower but I don't have the drug in front of me right now. Is there ANY way I can wean myself off of these.

I take... 1 30 mg of pexeva a day, 1 200 mg of lamictal a day and 1 300 mg of seroquel. I am so scared :/

I am screwed because even if I go to the county it still takes time for them to get you insurance.

Answer 1

First, contact the companies that make the medications, they may be able to help you with the cost. Then talk to your doctor. The doctor may be able to recommend generics, which are much less expensive. If you still need these meds, it isn't a good idea to stop taking them. In fact, it could be very dangerous. Third, see if your state had a program for uninsured low income people that might help.

Answer 2

Wal-mart has the 4 $ doller prescription plan!! check into that! Also just the other day my daughters psych said its best to stay on meds for ever because the meds fill tiny wholes where the chemicals in the brain misfire and sends the signals the wrong way . The meds block those holes so the brain can transmit the currents! Stay on the meds!!!Goodluck! Social services doesnt take that long to cover you!Try that too! Also Most Dr.s can give samples to help!

Answer 3

There is this really interesting machine called an AlphaStim. It puts alpha waves into he brain and it helps with:
AD(H)D
Depression
Insomnia
Pain
It is really expensive ($500 is how much I got mine for o.O) but it's effects are cumulative and all takes 20 minutes to an hour everyday or every other. It's nice to use in the morning since it's "lift" gets you awake. It is expensive but it is a lot cheaper than the meds.
I'm not sure if it will completely wean you but it will dramatically cut your dose. my current meds are half of what they were before I got it.

Also try to see if you qualify for PPA.

K Based on your additional details, you should try reducing about 10 mg/ day or something. I didn't even know it was possible for a human to take upwards of 3100 mg of meds a day. I think I was taking about 300 mg/day. I don't know if it is in your budget but you may really want to look into the AlphaStim.

Answer 4

DO NOT try to wean yourself off of these meds yourself! Not only is it dangerous physically, but it can have very negative consequences mentally also! I have depression also and I recently lost my prescription coverage. Instead of seeing a private doctor, I go to a facility run by the county I live in. They charge according to income and help with prescriptions. It is very important to get help NOW before your meds are gone. Call your local state or county assistance (welfare) office and ask where you can get help. They can tell you where a mental health clinic is located or at least who else to call for the answers you need. If worse comes to worse, go to the emergency room when you have no more meds and tell them what physical and mental problems you are having and that you are afraid that you are going to get worse. If they admit you to the hospital you will see a doc and they will help you become aware of what assistance is available to you. I know you don't have insurance to go to the emergency room but keep in mind that most medical bills can NOT affect your credit score. At least you will get the help you need. But hopefully it won't come to that, and the assistance office can point you in the right direction. Good Luck!!

Answer 5

First off. call the Wal Mart pharmacist -- the reason I'm saying this is because I heard they will sometimes sell certain prescriptions for like $4.00.
This may sound crazy but there seems to be some truth to it. Go on Montel Williams website -- he started a prescription program where a LOT of people are able to get free prescriptions. If you have severe problems and you aren't able to work, have you tried to file for disability benefits? That may be an option for you. My kids had to go off my insurance when they turned 18..so I'm kind of surprised you had it this long. I wish you the very best. You may get some nasty answers on here and if so, ignore them. If you ar bipolar....that is very serious if left untreated.

Answer 6

You absolutely have to find help with this. You can't just go off of them and you don't have enough to wean off properly. You need to talk to the doctor that prescribed these drugs to you and ask for help, they can suggest the correct way to handle it, maybe they can give you samples or coupons to get $ off. You sound like you may need to stay on them due to the depression and other issues. Good luck.

Answer 7

seriously, contact your congressman, state senator,
or u. s. senator.
they should be able to offer you some guidance. good luck.