Posted by SandyWeb on April 12, 2006, at 19:46:05
In reply to Re: Bye Bye, Topamax » SandyWeb, posted by Storm Rider on April 12, 2006, at 17:51:00
Hi Kat,
"Exception status" are meds listed in each provincial formulary that are not covered by the province's prescription plan IF they are being requested for off-label use.
My doc first tried to just exchange the Neurontin (exception status that WAS approved for me for social anxiety) with the Topamax, as it has been researched positively in this area. Well, no go.
Then he tried a different tactic. The Remeron caused excessive weight gain (and the only antidepressant that I've been able to tolerate), but I'm prone to diabetes because of having gestational diabetes not ONCE but TWICE...with both my kiddos. There was a very real health risk at continuing to gain the weight, PLUS the Remeron disconnected the suicidal thought from suicidal action. He also mentioned I was a rapid cycler, meaning bipolar. Believe me, I know about the bouncing around and both the Neurontin and the Topamax have kept me fairly stable in that regard. And did I mention spending thousands and thousands of dollars on my credit cards when I had to move last year??? Thousands and thousands!!! LITERALLY!!!! But when I came "down" from that, I embarrassingly returned thousands and thousands of dollars worth of goodies. THAT'S humiliation.
So he's trying. But he's not in charge of PharmaCare. And guess what? I'm just another Welfare case. Why would they want to spend countless dollars on a person who can't even hardly leave her own home without a safe person with her? So what if she goes loopy? Only her two cats will take notice, and more money for the the tax-payers.
I know...feel sorry for Sandra-night. I don't have a lot of options. And I don't have a lot of gumption to stand up for myself and try to make my voice heard. Because, truly, I'm just a drain on the medical system. Maybe they didn't realize when they approved the Neurontin that I didn't have a job. Heck if I know.
At least they allow me to have 3-month supply of anti-anxiety meds for $5. Maybe they feel it will just keep me quiet. But I *WANT* the old Sandra back. And even with the doctor's help, PharmaCare's not willing to go the extra mile for me, it seems.
Oh well, such is life. Maybe one day soon Topamax will no longer be classified as an "exception status". Seroquel was taken off that status a number of months ago simply because doctors were prescribing it so much. I use it as a sleep aide.....never would have passed the off-label criteria a year ago. So there's always hope.
Take care.
Sandy
poster:SandyWeb
thread:5053
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060412/msgs/632336.html