I take 60mg of Buspar a day. With money being so tight, I had to cut my Buspar to 30mg per day. I will still run out a week before I can get them. I can feel a big difference in my reactions to stressors. My anxiety is going off the chart. My headaches have come back with a vengeance.
Ive also had to stop some of my gastro meds for the same reason. I take Bentyl and Zofran. Im totally out and have no ideas for substitutions on any of these drugs. If anyone can help me, I would be so grateful!
Thanks,
Tee
Im running out of my meds and Im scared?
Question posted by Tee6759 on 19 Jan 2013
Last updated on 24 July 2013 by OrangesTears
Added 19 Jan 2013:
My biggest concern is going through withdrawals as my medicine gets lower to the point where I am out of it completely. I'm concerned as to whether I will go through a withdrawal period. It will be a week before I can get my meds. Thanks for your help and advice.
14 Answers
OrangesTears
25 July 2013
There are Pharmacy Discount Cards were you could save up to 75% off of your prescriptions have you ever use one before? You can look on line for the cards hope this will help you out a lot.
Tee6759
22 Jan 2013
To all my dear friends,
I swallowed my pride and asked my dad for help. I was able to get my meds before I ran out completely. Im unable to see my doc until I can afford to pay out of pocket. She will not adjust my meds until I return for a visit.
I really appreciate all that everyone did to help me get thru this trying time. It means so much to know I have those of you who cared enough to respond.
Love to all,
Tee
butterflylynn
22 Jan 2013
Tee,
I know how hard it is to swallow your pride & have to ask for $ as I have been there...
But I am very proud of you for doing it.
You have to remember you were not only doing this for yourself but also for your Families sake...
You have to stay healthy for your family & for all of your friends,,, (Like ME) :) :)
But still get that list together & email it to me so maybe we can get things started on the Patient Assistance for Next Month..
( Hugs) .. I am Very happy to know you are going to be ok, now. Talk to you soon, Kathy
sara12345
20 Jan 2013
Hi Tee, So sorry to hear about your medication problems. In addition to the other suggestions, Klonopin is relatively cheap as clonazepam. I got 60 pills of .5 mg for $23.83 for a seizure condition (myoclonus). But it is known as an anti-anxiety medication. That cost about 40 cents a pill. If you can afford it, I would try to get a few pills of that until you can get your meds up to dose.
Hope that you will not find this offensive, and if so, I greatly apologize. Beans and brown rice are very cheap and good sources of protein, fiber, and vitamins. You can add vegetables to the rice and a bit of olive oil if you want. The beans are very cheap if you cook them from the dry bean. My husband and I eat a lot of rice which we get at a food co-op where you measure out how much of it you want to buy. Also potatoes are cheap for the nutrition that they provide. Of course if you don't like these foods, forget the suggestion.
Just I hear your desperation between food and your meds.
Really hope that you can get your medications more cheaply. It's a real hardship to go to lower doses than your system is used to. That can cause physical anxiety in itself. Wish you the best. Sara
butterflylynn
20 Jan 2013
Tee,
Sorry to hear you are still struggling with getting your meds. I know about a month ago I mentioned that I would help you run down patient assistance for your meds.
But I need for you to send me an email with the list of medications you are taking & I will start looking into finding you contact websites to print off the documentation & your daughter can help you fill them out.
As you know I have mentioned to you before that I get about 10 different medications from manufacturers for NO COST... So send me an email with your list of meds.
Also on MONDAY you Really need to call your Drs. Office & leave a message for his nurse & when she calls you back... You need to make Sure she knows that you CANNOT Afford your meds... See if she can talk to the Dr. to see if there is an alternate Generic drug that you can take.
Also ask if they have Any discount Co pay cards you could get from them. I have heard that Alot of Drs. do not receive as many samples as they use to but alot of the Mfgrs. give the Dr. Special Co-pay cards.
Also go onto several Pharmacy websites & see if any of them have the meds you take on the $ 4 Month Generic list. Check into Walmart & Walgreens & CVS almost all of the larger pharmacies have special priced Cheap drugs.
I know you are overwhelmed with all the stress. And I know also how hard it is to concentrate. I think an easy way to get help is when you send me the list of your meds for me to check into Patient Assistance programs maybe you should also send the list to your Daughter & let her check into the Cheap Generic list for pharmacies around you.
Take some SLOW & DEEP BREATHS & try & calm down. You are strong & you will get thru this just like all the other hurdles.
Hope to hear from you soon my friend.
Kathy
Tee6759
22 Jan 2013
Dear Kathy, I know youve always got my back, girlfriend! I love you for that.
I'll be in touch soon.
Love
Tee
MacIntosh12
22 Jan 2013
Great, fantastic info, Kathy!!
butterflylynn
25 Jan 2013
Thanks Mac, it was great chatting with you the other day.
If you have Any other questions just shoot me an email.
Take care my friend, Kathy
smileyhappy
19 Jan 2013
Hi Tee,
You need to call your doctor and at least leave a message for him to know what you are doing and what is going on. Make sure he calls you back. Also I know someone who needed meds and was stuck like you and the pharmacy actually helped her out! What you are doing can make you very sick. You don't want to end up in the hospital.
Take care,
Tee6759
22 Jan 2013
Dear Smiley,
My doctor wants to see me in her office ASAP before she does any more prescribing. I wont have the $$ til Friday.
So much for help.
Thanks for your help!
Tee
Darling Di
19 Jan 2013
Hi Tee, sorry u r going thru this- I can relate for sure! I recently could just not afford my Lyrica (was in donut whole) & went without for 2+ months- my fibro went crazy & this was right after neck surgery so it was terrible.
Anyways, talk with your doc to see if they can rx you the generic for phenergan. Its an older and much cheaper anti-nausea med that is powerful. I myself switched to that from Zofran because Zofran was $7 a pill! There are a couple other older ones but my doc thought Phenergan was the best next to Zofran. Also, if u r ok with taking benzodiazapines for a short while perhaps your doc would be willing to rx something like Klonopin which would probably help while you cannot afford your Buspar. But definitely talk with your doctor, he or she will obviously know best what would help until u can again afford your regular meds. Let us know how u r doing & what your doc & u figured out would be best (if u don't mind of course). I wish you all the best!, Di
Tee6759
19 Jan 2013
Dear Di,
I tried using Lyrica but it gave me severe double vision. I cant use Phenergan as it wont work in my stomach because of my gastroparesis. Zofran seems to be the only med that works for my nausea. I do have Valium 2mg tabs just in case.
I really appreciate your concern and support!
Seeking peace,
Tee
Darling Di
21 Jan 2013
Hi Tee, just FYI i definitely wasn't suggesting Lyrica for you to take- i remember how terrible your reaction was to it!! I just mentioned it as i could relate to your current situation with your meds being too expensive- i finally broke down and bought some- it was $165! Better that before when i was in the donut hole & it was $270!
I'm sorry to hear phenergan doesn't work well for you but i certainly understand. The Zofran that dissolves sublingually, is amazing. I just want it to generic yesterday! Ha- i wish.
Glad to hear you have some valium for any "just in case" issues that might arise. However, i hope you doc has some wisdom to shed on your situation & can help. All the best!, Di
MacIntosh12
19 Jan 2013
Hi dear Tee,
Have you gotten ahold of all the manufacturers to see if you can get your meds free? (Please pardon me if I'm repeating someone else's answer, as I didn't have time to read all your answers!)
Most manufacturers will help with no or low cost meds, as I'm sure you know.
Start calling them yesterday, since it's saturday, one never knows if the mnfctrs are doing business on the weekends. Ok, seriously, call them on Monday, asap. You may get the help u need!
Love,
Lara
Tee6759
19 Jan 2013
Dear Lara,
I havent been able to reach anyone just yet. But thank you for taking the time to respond! You've always been so supportive. I promise to try and get in touch with the pharmacies to see what I can.
Seeking peace,
Tee
MacIntosh12
25 Jan 2013
Hi again Tee, If you list your meds and the current manufacturers of generics, I can get phone numbers for you.
Just do it right here, on your thread, OR pq me, with the info and I can post the phone numbers right on your Q. If I post it here, it may help others.
Love,
Lara
Tee6759
26 Jan 2013
Dear Lara,
You are such a dol to be offering to help me out so much! Kathy is helping me too, and it makes me feel very good to have such friends willing to do so much for me. It brings tears to my eyes to know that I have such caring friends as all of you. I can't express the words the cover my extended family here on DC. As for my medications, it is an extensive list. Here we go: amitriptaline, celexa, bentyl, zofran, buspar, metocloprimide, tramadol, valium, gabapentin, dulera inhaler, aspirin, mirtazipine,omeprazole, xanax, and I think thats it. I cant remember for sure, my daughter sets up my pill box for me. Go ahead and list the info as it might help others. Thanks again for your help, and to those others who have helped me out!
Seeking peace,
Tee
MacIntosh12
28 Jan 2013
Tee,
I need manufacturer names, look on the pill vials and on the right side (usually) toward the bottom, will be a name such as "Teva Pharmaceuticals" or an abreviation of just Teva, or Qualitest, or Quali.
If you list the manufacturers, I WILL get phone numbers for you, I cannot get numbers unless you've manufacturer names. If the meds are all name brand, it will still list who makes the med, such as Pfizer or Warner Lambert, etc.
I wish you the best Tee!!!
Lara
XXXXX
MacIntosh12
28 Jan 2013
p.s. I've had computer problems the last week, so I apologize for not getting back to you sooner!
Inactive
19 Jan 2013
Hello Tee. I knowthat you are going through such a rough go of it. Try and remember and it does and can help. Anxiety, be it short term, long term, passes. Meaning be it moments of panic or longer, the anxiety will ease up. Hope you feel better and soon, pledge
Tee6759
19 Jan 2013
Dear Pledge,
Thank you for your support and encouragement. Your words of wisdom are greatly appreciated. You've always been a big help ever since I came here to DC. Have a good one, and thanks again.
Seeking peace,
Tee
4N Substances
19 Jan 2013
Hi Tee, It's not easy to keep a lid on your anxiety with all you've got going on. But you know that anxiety begets anxiety it feeds on itself. This is uncomfortable right now but it is a temporary situation. It had a beginning and it will have an end. It's manageable. You are made of strong stuff! You MAY have to go to the ER/Urgent Care for a few pills to get you through. You can have anxiety next month over how to pay for the visit-ha ha! Just a little attempt at humour from one worry wart to another.
My only question is..how did you run out of your anti-anxiety meds so many days early. Are you overusing them my dear one?
I'm holding a good thought for you. Try to be aware when your anxiety may be ratcheting up and make that huge effort to self soothe, don't "awfulize" <~ I'm soo good at that. Please keep us posted. Love to you "SweetTea."
Your Pal,
Frenchie
Tee6759
19 Jan 2013
Dear Frenchie,
No, I dont overuse them. Right now is the time for my regular monthly refill. Unfortunately, it's come at a time when Im unable to pay for them. We are surviving only on my husband's income. Ive yet to hear anything on my appeal for disability. Its difficult but I, unfortunately, had to make the decision between groceries or meds. With 3 of us here, groceries won out over my meds. Many here have given such wonderful support and information! Thank you for your support and concern, Frenchie! It means a lot to me.
Seeking peace,
Tee
4N Substances
19 Jan 2013
Dear Tee, as I reread my reply I am hoping that you were not insulted by my question of overusing your anxiety meds. I don't know you well and I'm sorry that it may have sounded insensitive. In your situation, coping is so difficult, it's very clear. No one should have to decide between meds or putting food on the table. It's just wrong, wrong, wrong. Could you get the pharmacist, especially if they know you, to advance you just 2-3 pills you could pay for? I have had success requesting that in the past, when awaiting insurance approval. Once again, I'm hoping you took no offense at my over-reaching question. My words come only from a place of genuine caring and concern, which I hope members who know me would echo. I did not intend to add to your burden by sounding like a complete idiot.
I wasn't myself last night-please forgive whoever I was.
You're in my thoughts and prayers. Try to self-soothe as much as possible during the tough moments. Anxiety begets anxiety.
Your Friend,
Frenchie
Tee6759
19 Jan 2013
Dear Frenchie,
Please know that I understood what you meant while I was reading your response. There was nothing I felt offended about by your response. Im sure there were others, too, that were curious if I had overused my pills. Please do NOT feel bad about this, okay? Your response was greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support!
Seeking peace,
Tee
Dumpster Diver
19 Jan 2013
Oh Tee, You are in a quandry and my heart hurts for you. As i turn in for
tonite, my thoughts & prayers go right to you. luv, D-Squared
Tee6759
19 Jan 2013
Dear DSquared,
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers and love. That means an awful lot to me. I just hope this works out better than I fear it might go. I will keep you posted.
Seeking peace,
Tee
endlessPred
19 Jan 2013
Tee, if it gets real bad you may need the hospital. Better that than agony. Hope you have someone to help you make some of these calls. I have experienced the inability to do things when in this high anxiety, do you have someone to make these calls we are suggesting? Karen
Tee6759
19 Jan 2013
I can't really afford to go to the hospital, Karen. My daughter is willing to help me search the information and make the phone calls. She is going to college for medical assistant. I really appreciate your concern. Thank you for all the help you've given me.
Seeking peace,
Tee
papasam
19 Jan 2013
Tee,
You need to talk with your doctor about your needs and quickly. It is very difficult to deal with anxiety I know this first hand, and it is esy for me and other people to say try to think about things that make you happy, unfortunately they are right and it is a difficult task. But i know that you can talk with your doctor and possibly get some help. In the meantime I will pray and continue to pray for you. I'll be honest with you, Buspar did not help me very much and I had to tell my doc that, you may be in the same boat. I wish you the best for sure.
endlessPred
19 Jan 2013
I do agree with you papasam. Been there myself. Somehow my thoughts would get lost and I would forget the obvious. Tee knows that from our previous talks. I am glad you understand too. Karen
Tee6759
19 Jan 2013
Dear Papasam,
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Anxiety can be a real bear sometimes. I found the medication works really well for me but I have run out. I will not have the funds to purchase it until next week. I'm concerned about any type of withdrawal symptoms that may occur . Thank you again for your concern. I greatly appreciate all that you have done.
Seeking peace,
Tee
DzooBaby
19 Jan 2013
Tee, this wouldnt be a quick fix but have you tried contacting the manfacturers for assistance programs. Perhaps you could get your meds cheaper this way. There is also the CoPay Relief program at 1-866-512-3861 or www.copay.org, Suddenly Senior www.suddenlysenior.com/patient assistantprograms.html, NeedyMeds www.needymeds.org, Partnership For Prescription Assistance 1-888-477-2669 or www.pparx.org and Patient Assistance www.patientassistance.com. You could try these to see if they can help you. I'm not sure what you can substitute. Have you tried talking to your Dr about samples? Perhaps he has some samples to get you by until you can purchase them. Or there might be something less expensive. Poor Tee! I hope you can find a solution.
Tee6759
19 Jan 2013
Dear Dzoo,
Thank you for all the information you gave me. I will be checking into it to see what I can find out. My doctor's office no longer give out samples. That's what I ran into a a problem with my fibromyalgia. Unfortunately my anxiety is off the charts. I'm trying to keep things together, but we have so much going on right now. This is all triggering the major stressors. I'm trying to do everything I can to stay calm, but some of them are not working. Again, I truly appreciate the information you've given me. It means a great deal to me. Thanks for all your help now and in the past.
Seeking peace,
Tee
Maddy_1985
20 Jan 2013
Tee, do you have a good friend or partner that can make calls for you? Is there someone in your life you can designate a power of attorney to help you in medical matters? It could take some of the load off of you if you had someone in your court helping you. I totally get how disabling it can be when you're suffering and can barely do what you need to do to take care of things. I've been there, too, and am still there, but it helps me a lot when I have at least one other person who can advocate for me. I hope you have someone who can advocate for you.
Maddy_1985
20 Jan 2013
P.S. I don't believe there are withdrawals with stopping Buspar. It's generally with the benzodiazepines (like Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, Ativan) that there could be withdrawals when stopped suddenly. Benadryl, an allergy drug, can actually be sedating and may help some with anxiety. You can try taking 25 mg first to see how you like it or tolerate it.
Tee6759
26 Jan 2013
Dear Maddy,
Yes I do have someone, my daughter is my angel! She looks after me in every way. She and my husband have been wonderful thru all of this. It's so odd that you brought up the power of attorney. We were just talking about getting DNR papers and we were saying we needed to get our lawyer to help us out with them. Thank you for being so helpful. Its so kind of you to be so thoughtful!
Seeking peace,
Tee
deli4551978
23 March 2013
Dear Tee, I hope you have found some relief from your conditions, stress. anxiety & all. I noticed in your post that you mentioned fibromyalgia. If you call Pfizer, the company that makes Lyrica, possibly others for this condition also, they have an excellent co-pay program. My Lyrica 100 mg capsules, qty 60, costed $50 a month, my copay for that tier of medication. I freaked but paid. I was advised by the pharmacist to call Pfizer for assistance. Their copay program pays up to $70 per month as long as you pay $25. Example: mine was $50/month, now they pay $25 & I pay $25. If not for their program, I could have not taken this for the last three years. Many companies have these programs. Ask your pharmacy for all of your medications manufacturer's names & phone numbers, preferably their copay assistance numbers. If all you can get is their direct number, start there or have someone help you.
Also, if your insurance ever suggests that you take another drug instead of the one prescribed for you & say they will no longer let you fill at the pharmacy, forcing you to pay 3 months of copay for 90 day mail order supply all at once for your original medication, take that letter to your doctor. The doctor can say no, my patient must take this and only this. Then your insurance has to cover it, one month copay at a time, at the pharmacy. I learned this because of JUST the Lyrica at first. My insurance, united health care HRA plan, wanted me to take neurontin or they would no longer cover the lyrica at the pharmacy. Then I found out that the Pfizer copay card for the lyrica would not work for 90 say supply by mail order. So I would have been back to $50 per month but 3 months at a time, mail order with no Pfizer assistance. Not now. My insurance gave me one more refill at the pharmacy, which allowed me to use the copay card again,giving me time to take the letter to my doctor. My doctor disagreed to taking the other suggested medication & I still fill my Lyrica at the pharmacy with the Pfizer copay card. By the way, call Pfizer near the end of every year to see if they are still doing the copay program for the following year. They have for the last 3 1/2-4 years, still are as of this date, 10/23/2013 & told me it will most likely continue even beyond the end of this calendar year. I know this is all so stressful, which you don't need. Ask someone to held you or do it slowly, one medication at a time in the order that they need to be filled again. Best of luck to you & God Bless You.
endlessPred
19 Jan 2013
Hello Tee. Sorry to hear of how stressed you are. First, refills can happen seven days before end of thirty days. See when your pharmacy will refill.
Second, what is your doctor saying? Have you let the doc know that you are running out and had cut back? You need to tell him how you are feeling, current dose and explain to him how your dose failed to last. It is between the two of you and I hope you do this right away.
In the mean time you can practice reducing stress by not fixating on this and enjoying something that makes you happy. Practice relaxation techniques and know that this will be temporary once you let the doc know you are going through withdrawal.
Does any over the counter drug for Heartburn help you?
Keep us posted on how you are doing. You can find a good solution with the doctor. Karen
endlessPred
19 Jan 2013
Forgot to add something. This is your anxiety talking and not the smart confident you. You can take control and you can be strong. Karen
Tee6759
19 Jan 2013
Dear Karen,
I know it my anxiety talking and getting the best of me. Confidence is definitely not my best suit right now. I can't afford to see my doctor right now. I just don't have the money and her office no longer gives samples. I'm shaky, anxious and feels like I've just fallen apart. I have so much stress right now with everything going on in my life.
Thank you for the advice.
Seeking peace,
Tee
endlessPred
19 Jan 2013
Of course. I remind you because you cannot let go of that. You are wise and capable. Hang in there. Did you call the pharmacy?
Related topics
bentyl, buspar, zofran, neurologic disorder, headache, anxiety, insomnia, pain, panic disorder, fibromyalgia, generalized anxiety disorder, chronic pain, anxiety and stress, chronic
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