BiPolar- Moving Abroad

cheese5969

I've recently been diagnosed with Bipolar and am on the expensive anti-psychotic xeplion. I am in the process of rebuilding my life and would like to consider moving abroad for a year to teach english. Is there any way I could be supplied with this injection while abroad (taken monthly) or should I just give up on my plans. This injection cost 479 monthly and I currently have a medical card.

blatantrereg

Talk to your doctor. They might be happy to take you off the anti-psychotic if you're stable. Lithium is very cheap. I would look for their opinion on your move and heed any advice they might have also.

cheese5969

Unfortunately I think I'll need to be on this medicine for the rest of my life. Every time I go off the medication it ends in disaster. I see my dr tomorrow so I can ask him. I was just wondering was there any chance they would post medicine out to me in a foreign country.

blatantrereg

Do you give yourself the injections?

My understanding is that usually injections are administered where there is a risk of non-compliance with daily oral meds.

Changing meds might be an option where discontinuation isn't. More common to be on a mood-stabilizer long term than anti-psychs for bipolar patients.

Really this is just speculation though. You'll be able to sort out what your options are with your doc.

cheese5969

I discontinued my lithium myself but I prefer this medication than lithium. There is no risk of discontinuation in future. I suppose I'll wait and see what the doctor says.