Ambien CR and Lexapro APPROVED!

Just a little post with some good news on the medical front.


I got a phone call this week that my psychiatrist (locally) was able to get both my Ambien CR and my Lexapro approved!


Many of you who have read my blog since the beginning remember how hard I tried to get that little blue pill, the Ambien CR, approved.  It was a stressful and frustrating process, to put it mildly. I guess I finally jumped through enough hoops--sleep study, great letters from the sleep doctor, help from a psychiatrist--to get it approved.  This is a HUGE out of pocket expense relieved.


When I went to see Dr. Neuropsych Lyme, he switched me from Celexa to Lexapro, on which I am doing much, much better. Of course, with my insurance, I must 'try and fail' at a list of medications in the formulary before I can receive the medication I need. In the past I have tried all of those medications. Somehow my local psychiatrist was able to get the approval through, after the neuropsych doctor left me in a total bind (no samples left, no willingness to follow-up with MA, and we ended up paying out of pocket).  


Over the past twelve years I have tried 23 (count 'em) other psych meds (SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, benzodiazapines, and everything in between) before finding those that would help with sleep, anxiety, depression, and some of the ANS over-stimulation (SSRI's are a first line treatment for POTS). So, we are definitely celebrating finally having the ones that work covered!


We're still dealing with other insurance battles, but when I got the phone call about these meds I was definitely rejoicing!




Blessings,


Emily


Photo:  Little blue pill