Is it possible get reductions on psychiatric medicines as a student?

LegacyUser

I've been prescribed antipsychotic medicine as well as some xanax as the doctor is seriously concerned about my mental state, however he does not believe it warrants an admission into a clinic involuntarily.

I'm 19 and live with my parents however our relationship is quite strained. Not just between myself but moreso among themselves. Money is tight in our household and they made it pretty clear that this is the last visit to the G.P. until a long time. I do understand their point but I find it strange that they disapprove of me "managing" it my way.

Okay so perhaps drinking two beers in the morning and two in the evening isn't 'healthy' and they believe it's an addiction, but i've tried managing my disturbing thoughts and it hasn't worked. I definitely don't like drinking but IMO, it seems like the "lesser of two evils". Even some my classmates who I didnt see after being dismissed from school were genuinely surprised and commented that I appeared more "normal" and more importanly, didnt write/engage in disturbing conversations.

I know this is only a temporary solution and thats why myself and the GP want to try some therapy combined with suitable medication. The trouble comes with the price. Generic medicine are min €35-45 while the branded ones are €80-120.

I know that alcohol isn't medicine and honestly I don't really like it. Not against anyone using it in moderation or even someone who has the same issues as me trying to 'self medicate' but I dont really get any recreational benefits, only sedative ones. But if I cant afford the appropriate ones, I might descend back into it.

Neyite

Have you enquired about getting a medical card?

That should be the first step to be honest. If you or your household can't afford doctor visits and medications that you need, then there is a good chance you'd be eligible for one. This explains the criterion you need to meet.

You can't go on drinking and self medicating that way. Doctors don't prescribe anti-psychotic drugs for the lols. You need these. Chances are you'll feel much better on proper medication than you do on drink and when you are , you can tackle your drinking.

zoobizoo

€35-45 a month or per week?

A cheap crate of beer is €24 for 24. That's €4 per day x 30 days = €120 per month.

baby and crumble

I’d bet you’ll be paying more for your beers than he generic medication. Factor in a fair few pharmacies have €10% off or something similar for students and then you definitely will be. If it’s only price then that’s a mark in the favor of medication.

Be aware too that drinking 4 beers a day is going to be causing you serious problems with your liver, you obviously can’t drive at all if you’re drinking in the morning, you’re probably breaking college/ work rules if you’re attending while under the influence... I’m not trying to lecture you but surely you can see that long term, getting a handle and getting meds will be the cheaper, and less impactful route to take.

maxsmum

I am not sure of the medication but my brother takes antipsychotics and he gets in an injection form, they advised it as it only needs to be done monthly and it's free. Not sure if it applies to you but it saved him a few bob as the one they prescribed by tablet was pretty pricey. Also I suspect like yourself he would have chosen something more exciting to buy if he was on the tablets!

Tenigate

possionmind wrote: »

didnt write/engage in disturbing conversations.

You should avoid negative thinking in general. If you feel drawn to "disturbing" convos, leave the discussion. It might take some effort but look uo a centering exercise and do it instead

OP you really need to stop drinking. If you're already going through an episode then alcohol is the worst thing. Alcohol is a depressant, so you're generally making yourself worse.

And, realistically, €30-€45 a month isn't bad, considering that's likely what you spend on alcohol, if not much more ... If we're being totally honest with ourselves.

If this is something you cannot do and something you'd struggle with, then you do likely have an addiction, which should be treated alongside your depression.

The other reality is that you shouldn't mix alcohol and anti depressants.

So the steps are:

1: get your medical card
2: get a prescription for your medication
3: stop drinking
4: ??
5: profit

Or something. Seriously though. You need you take steps 1 - 3.

Rachiee

If there is a hiltons pharmacy near you they are by far the cheapest. Ask for the generic, They also do 10 % discount for regulars. It wont work out as more expensive than the beers. Have you told your family that your doctor has prescribed you tablets? They may actually be supportive.
Other thing is if there is anyone else in your family on medication the capping works for the household so just make sure you are registered as a unit with the Drugs Payment Scheme. (if yis dont qualify for a medical card)

neonsofa

Are you a university student? Or in secondary? A lot of universities/colleges have a campus doctor that is free or reduced cost. Many of those that do tend to also have a pharmacy locally that reduces prices for the students who use the university doctor. So i would check about medical supports in your university/college. Even if there is no doctor, link in with student supports. They can sometimes help with financial supports or even just budgeting and accessing other external supports available,like the medical card etc.

Where do you get the money for your drink? Surely that money would be better used on medical care? Do your parents give you the money? Or are you on a payment of some kind?

Teyla Emmagan

There are a lot of mental health charities. Get in touch, maybe one of them can fund the cost of the medication. Though you may as well be throwing money away if you don't also stop drinking.

Xterminator

Hi Op

First of all, shopping around will save you money, as will substituting generics if possible. Also consider buying in build, il getting more than one month dispensed at a time.

a number of chain pharmacies are running schemes that discount your bill. i moved a script from mccabe's into one of these schemes & it nearly halved the monthly bill.Plus the next time i got an antibiotic it was a quarter of what i pad for the last one!

i know of 3 schemes , Healthwave and Limitless Health & Pure Pharmacy. I'm with limitless, and i think all 3 of those do free delivery so even if their not close by you can avail.

LLoyds are offering free delivery on prescriptions of €40 plus, so that could save you money if you have to drive to your pharmacy to collect your bits.

As I said before -- before the OP even considers taking any sort of anti-depressant/anti-anxiety tablets, they need to stop drinking. Alcohol and prescription medication like this should never be mixed. I don't know if it's medical advice to say that, but it's generally advise by most GPs.