Hi
My medical aid will not pay for Leximal but they will for Cipramil because apparently it is a more "refined" product. If the Leximal is better for me I will stay on it because I would like to wean off after 6 months and I can manage the R230 a month cost. If I have to stay on medication I would change but I would not like to go through the nasty side effects I had when I started Leximal although I started them 3 days after stopping Stressam abruptly which I took for 6 days but went off without my doctors knowledge for 3 days before sobbing and going back to another doctor. Surely after 6 months after my serotonin levels are back to normal I can wean off the pills. At that stage I would like to go to a Pschotherapist to help me cope. I think it would be worth the expense. Are my suggestions valid or should I be looking at a different route?
Thanks
Jonathan
Dear Jonathan
Oh Dear the Problems we have with medical aids. Cipramil is an ethical product whereas Lexamil is the generic version of Cipralex which is the improved version of Cipramil. If you are doing well on Cipramil I would suggest you stay on it as it is an excellent product and it is not advisable to switch if you are well controlled on any product. If you are still not feeling well on the dose of Cipramil then you should go back to your doctor and let him/her reevaluate your dose. Seeing a psychotherapist is always a good idea and studies have shown that many patients who take medication together with psychotherapy often have better outcomes.
I think you should discuss all your options with your doctor as he/she knows you best and will give you the best advice.
Good luck
Kind Regard
Elaine