I was taking Venlafaxine (Effexor) but had to change my anti-depressant because I lost my job and insurance, back to Citalopram (Celexa) which is very inexpensive. I was on Celexa for at least a year since being released from the hospital after trying to commit suicide. My psychiatrist started me on Venlafaxine because the Citalopram wasn't realyy helping much. Venlafaxine is $284/mo and I can't afford it, so I went back on Citalopram, but am much more depressed. I've been on Citalopram for about 45 days now. IS THERE ANOTHER GENERIC ANTI-DEPRESSANT THAT MIGHT WORK AS WELL AS VENLAFAXINE that is LESS EXPENSIVE???
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Q: Is there an inexpensive generic anti-depressant equivalent to Venlafaxine?
Answers (1)
1/19/12 9:38pm
Hi Juliette
Were you taking the brand name or the generic? Effexor does come in a generic form.
Have all of your health benefits run out at this point?
Here is the prescription assistance form from Pfiizer. They may be able to help you there. Their number is 1866-706-2400.
Here is also an application for Wyeth.
Here is information about the Wyeth Patient Assistance Program.
Start with these and let me know if you need further assistance.
If SSRI's do not typically help with your depression you may want to ask about generic Wellbutrin as one option which is inexpensive. There are numerous options out there as far as antidepressants go. Sometimes you may just need a dose change or even supplementation with a second medication.
Let us know if you need more resources...we would be glad to help.
1/19/12 11:01pm
Hi again
Always have to ask just to make sure. Some people use the generic name and the brand name interchangeably.
And this is a high dose you are on of the Celexa. Make sure that you ask about or research the possible side effects. Actually Celexa can also be used for some anxiety related disorders including panic disorder. Here is more information about Celexa for treating anxiety.
You may want to read up on the antidepressant information we have here on the depression site. This is by no means an exhaustive list so my best recommendation is to talk to your doctor about a suitable alternative.
Or perhaps one of the prescription assistance programs will help. Please remember that we are not responsible for the usefulness or functionality of any external links. It is up to you to research the choices best for you.
I wish you the best of luck and remember that we are here if you need any further assistance or support.
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By Juliette— Last Modified: 01/19/12, First Published: 01/19/12
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Thanks for your input, just me. If you read my inquiry carefully, you'd see that I WAS taking the generic for Effexor..Venlafaxine! Welbutrin is not NEAR strong enough for me! I'm taking the maximum dosage of Citalopram (40mg) which is the generic form of Celexa. I think that the Venlafaxine has an anxiety relaxing component that Citalopram does not.
Thanks, though!