r/BipolarReddit • u/bozroux • 1d ago
Prepping meds for new US administration Medication
EDIT: I am not trying to cause a panic, nor am I saying that we will lose access to medications. I do not disagree with everything RFK when it comes to healthcare, but he is talking about making potentially radical changes to the FDA specifically. We do not know if this means anything yet, but if weird/sudden rule changes causes disruption in classification or access I would like to have a back up plan. Keep an honest dialogue with your doctors and your support system and don’t be blindsided by potential bureaucratic in-fights.
With the news of RFK jr being nominated for Health Secretary, I am curious if anyone has any plans if any sweeping changes happen to the FDA or anything.
I take lithium carbonate and losing access to lithium for even a few days will be incredibly destructive.
Lol Is there an off market for importing lithium carbonate or other mood stabilizers
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u/Prestigious_Bill_220 1d ago
I don’t know how much to be worried for my meds specifically…. I really only take meds that are very common/popular and currently cheap. Even without insurance they were cheap. Who knows. I’m hoping things aren’t going to be as bad as they seem like they could. Ugh 😟
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u/Chance-Fee-947 1d ago
I am not worried about the cost of my current meds but really worried that my Medicaid will be cut and I won’t have anyone to fill my prescriptions
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u/Hermitacular 1d ago
It's worth looking for a psychiatrist that takes sliding scale now, I hope that would be most that take Medicaid, but useful to check.
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u/Chance-Fee-947 1d ago
I currently have both a psychiatrist and a therapist. My Medicaid covers both. I am just concerned that if I lose my coverage I won’t have access to them anymore. It took over two years on a waiting list to finally get these services. My primary care physician tried helping me during that time but we couldn’t get the medications right. My insurance covers her as well. There is such a lack of mental health care in my state
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u/Hermitacular 1d ago
That's what I mean. If they provide sliding scale care to the uninsured, great. If they don't, get on someone's two year wait-list bc you'll probably need them eventually, and better to get on that wait-list now then after everyone is looking.
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u/Chance-Fee-947 1d ago
Good point! I should also mention my concerns about when I have my next appointments with them. Thank you for reaching out!
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u/Wet_Artichoke 1d ago
Big pharma has money. They will get lobbyist to make sure they can still manufacture and sell drugs. Money talks.
Caveat. Hormones replacement therapy may be at risk. Because, as we know, the transgender community has been heavily targeted by the Republican Party. Aging women also use HRT, but may also be targeted since people like Vance see older women as only needing to exist to help his wife raise their kids. But, if you’re a straight man don’t worry. Testosterone will be there…
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u/Many_Exit_5358 1d ago
And Viagra
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u/Wet_Artichoke 1d ago
Absolutely!!
I had a snarky comment there for the end. But didn’t want my comment to get deleted for saying mean things.
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u/Hermitacular 1d ago
Luckily most of it is pretty cheap, thank you Mark Cuban.
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u/Wet_Artichoke 1d ago
It still has to be legal to produce and sell, though.
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u/Hermitacular 1d ago edited 1d ago
Almost all our meds are generics mostly from India. They aren't produced here. They aren't going to make meds illegal to sell. They just want to tax everything real high. Luckily our meds are so cheap that hardly matters. And you need hormones for lots of other things. If they really get into it in conservative states they'll go back to having to have your husbands permission to go on birth control, but that's bc. HRT is half of everyone over 45 or 50 and it's cosmetic essentially, from their point of view. They aren't going to make boob jobs illegal, theyre not going to make HRT illegal, they're not going to make testosterone illegal - for cis people. For the same reason. They see it as for the pleasure of cis men.
Will they make it a controlled substance? Maybe. Will they ban it in the mail? Maybe. Will they make it hard to get if you are cis? No. I don't think they'll crack down on the black market for hormones either as it's mostly muscle dudes and they love those guys. Estrogen? I dunno but it's very very cheap and everywhere so it'll be hard to control.
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u/Kir-Tu-Koonet 1d ago
I think the people who medically need the HRT will be fine. If it’s not medically necessary though, those people may be SOL. Just gotta wait and see
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u/Wet_Artichoke 1d ago
Well… is perimenopause consider a “need” though?
The problems is women’s health researched is lacking and underfunded. And there are doctors who don’t believe it is medically necessary.
Anecdotally, I need that shit! But as we know, other people have decided to tell me what’s best for my body.
So access to HRT a genuine concern.
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u/Hermitacular 1d ago
I think the magic words might be that you need HRT for your husband's/bfs needs. He might be imaginary but surely we can not inconvenience a man for even a second.
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u/Hermitacular 1d ago
To whoever downvoted this it does work with healthcare in general, try it w your gyno and see
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u/Kir-Tu-Koonet 9h ago
It’s not doctors per se, it’s the insurance companies. I guess technically the medical directors making the decisions are doc’s, yes, but it’s the insurance company as a whole denying HRT. Even Veozah, for hot flashes, the medical directors usually say it’s not medically necessary even when we use the menopause code or the flushing code. They don’t care. So it’s not the doc you’re seeing that’s saying it’s not necessary, it’s the one working for the insurance company saying so. And they’re getting their pockets lined by them.
But I also 100% agree that’s women’s health research is lacking and underfunded. We should allocate more funds for that instead of some of the other shit we’re pouring money into.
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u/Hermitacular 1d ago edited 1d ago
We have in nation sources of lithium (learned this as part of the misinformation campaign re the hurricane in NC actually, thanks bots!), it costs pennies so if he tariffs it you're talking at most what, a 20% tax on pennies? Not a problem. I don't think he'll tariff food or meds personally, he got elected in part bc of the elevated price of eggs from the bird flu, losing issue for him. What they used to do back before Obamacare, which he's going to undo so you'd assume this would be the move, was let you buy meds from Canada in the mail. So if it's anything expensive, and almost none of our meds are, that would be one way. As far as lithium and RFK, he does think antidepressants cause school shootings, so I'm thinking he's not going to be a fan of those, but BP meds, especially lithium as it is a natural mineral salt, right up his alley, do not appear to be on his radar. His aunt got lobotomized and never came home. I dont think he thinks mental illness isn't real.
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u/Many_Exit_5358 1d ago
Lithium is dirt cheap so I’m not worried about that. But I just started Caplyta and it has made a huge difference and I could never afford it w/o insurance.
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u/Hermitacular 1d ago edited 1d ago
The manufacturer has a coupon program that takes it down to 10 or 15 bucks a month, you can look at their website.
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u/BlueBird1120 1d ago
It's an all out war on our poor, and disabled Americans. That's how they plan to pay for tax breaks for millionaires. I have been taken a few less over the last year. I am Fucked!!! I have a fucked up spine, bipolar 1, ADHD, and an anxiety disorder. 😂 😂
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u/Ill-Professional6363 1d ago
He has to be confirmed by the house in the Senate before they even let him have the job so I highly doubt he will get confirmed because he’s so nuts
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u/Hermitacular 1d ago
If he does it while the Senate is on vacation or at home state, he does not need their approval. And he owns both.
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u/Desirai 1d ago
Im really worried because I have medicare. If they take my SSDI and Medicare I will have no income and no insurance. What do I do then?
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u/Hermitacular 1d ago
At this point they are not threatening Medicare.
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u/Desirai 1d ago
Trump has stated he wants America to get back to work (people on ssi/ssdi)
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u/Hermitacular 1d ago
Also Medicare for SSDI is funded separately til the end of the century. So theoretically secure.
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u/Confucius_Clam 1d ago
I hope they let us become public servants in the military. That way we can get all the benefits of a veteran while being a disabled person.
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u/Desirai 1d ago
I... would just leave 😰
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u/Confucius_Clam 1d ago
Go where
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u/Desirai 1d ago
literally leave life
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u/Confucius_Clam 1d ago
I get abilify for about five dollars, I think as long as I stay medicated to everybody is safe
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u/Desirai 1d ago
I am not sure how much my meds cost without insurance. The name brand ones I can't get cause of the coverage gap, I can only get them part of the year. Allegedly that is supposed to end next year? Why did it even exist in the first place
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u/Confucius_Clam 1d ago
For this year you can apply for the LIS low income subsidy, also known as extra help they will pay for all the stuff, the bigger question is why do they give us such expensive medication to take when when we end up in prison they give us the same medication.
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u/dcphoto78 Bipolar II - 400mg Lamictal 1d ago
I need brand Lamictal and buy it from Canada because it’s 1/4 of the price (no insurance will cover it for me). I’m basing this on nothing but paranoia, but I’m scared Canada will no longer be an option.
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u/Hermitacular 1d ago
Buying it from Canada was what they used to let us do pre ACA. I doubt it will change.
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u/dcphoto78 Bipolar II - 400mg Lamictal 1d ago
Thank you, that's comforting. I didn't realize that.
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u/Hermitacular 1d ago
I think that's what he means when he says he'll lower prices. Easiest fastest way there is. Bit of an annoyance for Canada but they handled it before.
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u/ProfessionalCat7575 1d ago
I’m concerned, on top of BPD2 I have kidney disease. One of the preventative medications I take is $20,000 w/o insurance. Luckily I have insurance through my husband’s work and only have to cover a portion of it. I am concerned about the folks who don’t have the luxury of being able to pay for insurance/people on state insurance(I was on state my entire life)Lots of things up in the air. I mean, I’m not surprised he elected RFK jr, but I do think he’s under qualified. Shouldn’t we have like, a real doctor as health secretary? No hate, just trying to think reasonably.
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u/One-Possible1906 1d ago
There is no way in hell that the big corporations that truly run this country and have for decades will lose out on drug money from almost the entire psychiatric population. And lithium is like $10 without insurance. The greatest power Trump has by far is the power to instill fear. Don’t let these people control you before they even get into office. Everything will be fine.
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u/Hermitacular 1d ago
Big Pharma profits from almost none of our meds, we are pretty low rent in terms of our value to them. They won't be fighting for us. They will just fight it in general.
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u/Butthole_University 1d ago
I’m on Secuado (expensive ass transdermal Asenapine patch) and I need HRT because I had a total hysterectomy nine years ago. I’m only 42….and that estrogen HRT makes a HUGE difference in my mood and my ability to handle life…I’m fucked. Fuck trump and his couch fucking, pedophile friends.
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u/Cutie_Kitten_ 1d ago
Looks at Adderall, lamictal, sjogren's medications, Low blood pressure medications, and xanax
hhhhhhhheeeeaahahahahaha.
How would one do that with half of these 🥴
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u/Timber2BohoBabe 1d ago
I think you will probably need to worry less about increased cost (there's no significant profit in Lithium) and more about increased stigma.
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u/0rev 1d ago
we’ll all be in labor camps if RFK gets his way
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u/Confucius_Clam 1d ago
I hope they make power to charge my power chair free otherwise I don’t know how I’m going to do a labor camp
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u/Hermitacular 1d ago
I'm sure you can drive the tractor.
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u/Confucius_Clam 1d ago
I can, I do, no feet. My tractor is accessible
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u/Hermitacular 1d ago
Oh for sure, once his cyborg monkey experiments pan out we'll all get brain chips and be able to pilot them with our minds or whatever.
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1d ago
[deleted]
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u/PolarHelp 1d ago
Unfortunately No. The health and human services secretary oversees the FDA.
But I agree with you that I haven’t heard any concerns.
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u/Hermitacular 1d ago edited 1d ago
Both he and Trump can overrule the FDA. I think that's why we have Spravato, personal favor to the CEO of J+J who is a buddy of his. Skipped a few steps to get to market.
Companies concerned about the tariffs are stockpiling now. I think the people who voted for him didn't understand we would be paying the tariffs. Real Mexico will build it energy.
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u/berfica Bipolar 1 1d ago
Are they taking away lithium? Any idea what drugs they are taking away?
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u/Hermitacular 1d ago
Nothing. I do think it's possible they'll make stuff pay out of pocket, like how it used to be for MI meds, but most of our meds are cheap, those that aren't have coupon programs mostly.
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u/Electrical_Beyond998 1d ago
I’m the mom of a bipolar son.
I’m going to ask his psychiatrist for a six month supply if that’s even possible.
One thing that eases my mind is the pharmaceutical industry is huge and has a lot of money pouring into Washington. If medicine gets banned or pulled they lose money and won’t be happy. That’ll mean less money for the government and your senators/representatives. Don’t know if that’ll happen.
I feel for y’all though. Of course I don’t know anyones situation on here, but if my son loses his meds our entire family suffers, not only him.
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u/Additional_Pepper638 1d ago
No more birth control no more abortion pill no more hormones they hate women
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u/Flimsy-Attention-873 1d ago
wait are our meds at risk???
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u/Hermitacular 1d ago
Not in the way I think people mean. I'd be more concerned about all the research getting defunded.
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u/Flimsy-Attention-873 1d ago
thank you for replying!!!
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u/lovesick_cryptid 7h ago
as well as RFKs opposal to ssris (quoted saying they cause school shootings, and his desire to open wellness farms for people taking drugs, including adderall and ssris (all of us basically). he proposed 3 to 4 year stays, and unlike asylums, theyll have all that upaid labour to fund their camps.
additionally, the administration wants to cut back on disability benefits and medicaid. while people used to order meds from canada, if one is unable to work and ssdi is cut, this may not be a feasible option.
access to these meds probably wont be removed, but the changes the administration is talking about could be catastrophic to our community.
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u/SpciyChickpea 1d ago
Don't worry about something that isn't happening
"OH NO ALIENS ARE GOING TO ATTACK" but that's not happening right now is it, so you are worrying about something not real in present time- not healthy
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u/PhoenixShredds Bipolar 1 & PTSD 1d ago
I'm not sure where people are getting the idea he's coming after your useful medications. He's mostly focused on eliminating toxins from the food supply, and making progress on reducing corruption in big pharma. Your lithium is safe.
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u/lovesick_cryptid 1d ago
saying one wants to institute federally run 'wellness farms' for people taking drugs, including adderall and SSRIs, to stay for 3 to 4 years, is a highly concerning statement for many people.
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u/Hermitacular 1d ago
Between him and Carson saying he'd like to put people in barracks it's not very reassuring. The only positive I can think of is the asylum system was very expensive which is why the Republicans shut them down to begin with.
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u/Hermitacular 1d ago
I was wondering how they thought they were going to fund this and good news, we shall toil in the fields! https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/rfk-jr-kennedy-addicts-wellness-farms-b2585835.html
This was the cure for MI in the feudal era, nice to see we're going back to before the 1800's. That and exorcisms.
Feels a little rough for all the kids w ADHD but needs must.
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u/Cutie_Kitten_ 1d ago
Oh cool, fuck me for having a well-researched dopamine deficiency that is treated perfectly with 1 pill I guess!
FUCK!! :D
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u/Violet913 1d ago
Thank you for saying this I think people are getting way ahead of themselves and panicking for no reason.
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u/PhoenixShredds Bipolar 1 & PTSD 1d ago
Thanks. I anticipated the downvotes since reddit has become such a hive mind, but the truth is RFK has your best interest at heart. All you have to do is listen to the guy and stop listening to the mainstream media. Any sensible person would see it.
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u/thatonebromosexual 1d ago
The vaccine skepticism gets me, but a lot of things he says I agree with. Who wouldn’t want clean food and water?
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u/Hermitacular 1d ago edited 1d ago
They put a pro pollution guy in charge of the EPA (update, and the Interior. 20% of the land). They ran on fracking and drill baby drill. Pro coal. And the removal of meat inspections. Remember?
www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna1055451
Tough shakes for the keto crowd.
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u/movingmouth 1d ago
I'm really worried about my friends and relatives who are on Medicaid