This Medicine Is Supposed To Make Me Happy, Not Upset Me

Today was a testimony in frustration.  I figured on the second anniversary of getting laid off, I would pretend like I still had a job and get up nice and early to run the errands I had to run.

First of all, I should have known better than to think that I would want to go outside once the reports of ice and my friends slipping on it started to come in on Facebook and Twitter.  And, secondly, I should have known that I would not want to go to sleep at a decent hour to accomplish this if I didn't have to.  When I finally did go outside at 10:30 a.m., I should have realized this wasn't going to be my day.

I did discover that the Logan Square Library isn't open until noon.  I figured I'd pass the time picking up my personal effects which were being held at the post office.  When I got there I discovered that I had four boxes waiting.  Four.  I guess things build up in 11 years.  I finally just printed off my insurance cards at the Bucktown branch.

The most soul sucking errand, however, was getting my prescriptions filled.  I went to Walgreens first, only to be told that they only gave $10 off with my prescription discount card.  I checked the card's site and it looked like Target had it for much cheaper.  After dealing with the less competent employees and long waits there, I was really hoping that was how they kept cost down (like Wal-Mart).

However, it turned out to be the same $10 discount.  I had accidentaly looked up Effexor as opposed to Effexor XR.  But that did bring up a bit of advice...

If anyone reading this is on a prescription, check with you insurance to see if a similar prescription (in this case, a high dose as opposed a gradual dose) is available and check with your doctor to see if they'll switch it.


Here's my example:

• Effexor 75 MG XR: $154.86
• Venlafaxine 75 MG XR: $127.52
• Effexor 75 MG: $42.75
• Venlafaxine 75 MG: $34.26

I mean, I had that extra $100.00 now, but it would probably come in handy in the future.  I left a voice message with my doctor to change the script, but I haven't heard back yet.

One of the lovely side effects of suddenly stopping Effexor (besides crying spells) is head rushes.  I was getting those pretty bad, so I couldn't wait to get the prescription filled this time.  Next time I know to check in advance.  Or I should have just gone on the internet where I just discovered that Pfizer has a $4 co-pay deal (http://www.effexorxr.com/) that takes $50 off the higher price one.

Live and learn and cry a little, I guess.  At least I'm happy now.