Mental Health Information

TexasTowelie

(112,102 posts)

5. There is also the issue where doctors prescribe the more expensive medications

Wed Dec 28, 2016, 12:20 AM

Dec 2016

than are only marginally more effective than cheaper generics. That is true for both anti-depressants and neuropathic medications. I noticed that whenever my doctor would switch me to this new "great" medication that within six months there would be a major advertising campaign promoting those medications on TV.

In the case of Lyrica, a 100 pill bottle runs over $315 (that was when in 2014 when I last took it) compared to gabapentin that runs about $20 for a 60 pill prescription. In addition, Lyrica is a Schedule V controlled substance and I had to come in at least every six months to the doctor to have my prescription renewed so my doctor had a financial incentive to prescribe that medication.

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Do insurance companies suddenly cut you off of anti-depressants and other psych medications? [View all] progree Dec 2016 OP

It has happened to me TexasTowelie Dec 2016 #1

But no problem with the insurance company setting some limit? BTW she's Medicaid-insured progree Dec 2016 #4

There is also the issue where doctors prescribe the more expensive medications TexasTowelie Dec 2016 #5

Thanks! nm progree Dec 2016 #8

Companies/corporations have no 'humanity.' elleng Dec 2016 #2

Yes, but she's worried about the insurance company not paying anything on the claim progree Dec 2016 #3

She should speak to the prescriber - presumably a physician- about her concerns, No Vested Interest Dec 2016 #6

Thanks! nm progree Dec 2016 #7

They're not considered controlled substances, with a few exceptions, Crunchy Frog Jan 2017 #9

Thank you. Perhaps in some jurisdictions (someUS states) they are considered controlled substances. No Vested Interest Jan 2017 #10

it could happen, but i think it is unlikely. a lot of pharmacists mopinko Feb 2017 #11

Thanks! progree Feb 2017 #12