How to Cope with the Cost of ADHD Medications
The demand for ADHD medication during the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with the access to drugs via online diagnosing sites has led to a widespread medication shortage, leaving many people paying significantly more for medication they rely on to help focus at school and at home.1 Read on for tips on how to save on higher-than-usual medicine for ADHD symptoms and find out more about using non-prescription alternatives.
Coping with higher-than-usual costs can be stressful, but there are various strategies and resources available to help navigate this situation. Here are some valuable tips to help you save on ADHD medication during this shortage.
Generic and Non-Prescription Alternatives
When considering generic and non-prescription alternatives to ADHD medication, keep in mind we are not advocating for purchasing through unknown and unverified websites, which are notorious for carrying counterfeit ADHD medications without a prescription. Such pills can contain too little of the active ingredient or, worse, be laced with dangerous and toxic drugs like fentanyl, posing a serious health risk. To verify whether an online pharmacy is safe, visit the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy for resources.2
Generic versions of your ADHD medication may be easier to find than popular brand names. For instance, generic Adderall® consists of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine salts. Generic Ritalin® is methylphenidate hydrochloride. There are even generic versions of non-stimulant ADHD drugs like atomoxetine, which is generic for Strattera®. However, as of December 2023, the amount pharmacies paid for certain dosages of both brand-name and generic Adderall were said to rise faster than inflation, still posing significant financial pressures on consumers.
Another option is to consider using a non-prescription medication like Brillia that is gentler than pharmaceutical drugs and has no harmful side effects. When coupled with holistic lifestyle changes like those mentioned in Brillia’s 5 Pillars (proper nutrition, adequate sleep, controlled screen time, and mindfulness practices), we have seen some customers be able to completely switch from using their prescription medications to using Brillia, which is clinically proven to reduce symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, restlessness, and impulsivity without harsh, synthetic chemicals. Brillia can also be useful in conjunction with prescription medications to help with secondary side effects and symptoms not addressed by prescription medications, such as anxiety that commonly occurs with stimulant medications. It is very important to discuss this with your prescribing physician and follow their guidance on how stop using your prescription medications if you are not able to get your prescription medications or need to try alternatives for any other reason.
Brillia’s active ingredient consists of targeted antibodies to the S100B protein, an important regulator of various intracellular and extracellular brain processes, which include enzyme activities, calcium homeostasis, and communication between neurons. In essence, Brillia improves the ways your brain cells communicate with each other, lessening problematic symptoms related to ADHD and anxiety without any off-target effects. As a result of Brillia’s regulating effect, the levels of monoamines (serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine) also stabilize, which are the same neurotransmitters targeted by prescription drugs. The result is more calmness, clarity, and focus, without the drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, or appetite changes associated with prescription medication.
If you find that Brillia provides the support you need in conjunction with or as a replacement for prescription medications, you don’t have to worry about any side effects related to starting Brillia. But it does usually take two to three weeks for Brillia’s active ingredient to build up in the system (if not longer) so it’s important you take the correct dosage consistently to achieve the medicine’s full effects. (Learn about dosage guidelines here.) You can also stop the medication at any time without any “coming” off effects. Brillia’s safety and efficacy is verified by clinical studies, which show the medication has pronounced therapeutic effects in patients with mild to moderate ADHD with no harmful or serious side effects. There are also no contraindications associated with Brillia so you can add the medication to your regimen without worry, even if you are already taking other medication or supplements. (Learn about combining prescription medication with Brillia.) Just be sure if you are considering stopping any current prescription medications that you discuss this choice with your doctor first so you can discontinue your medication(s) safely.
Brillia is available in two versions: Brillia for Children & Teens 5-18 and Brillia for Adults.
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Patient Assistance Programs
Many pharmaceutical companies understand the financial burden that medications can impose on patients. Therefore, some of them have established patient assistance programs to provide medications at reduced costs or even for free.3 Researching and enrolling in such programs can significantly alleviate the financial strain associated with ADHD medication during this shortage. You can find more information at websites like Medication Assistance Tool (MAT), RxAssist, and RxHope.4, 5, 6
If you try Brillia and find the right dose that provides the support you need, you can also save on costs with our subscription program and our loyalty program/referral program. There are no subscription fees and no long-term commitments, either. All you have to do is pick which dosage works for you and then choose how many months’ supply of Brillia you want delivered at once. The three-month subscriptions are shipped every three months and offer the highest discounts and free shipping. Monthly subscriptions are also available for those who want to spread out their payments. The monthly subscriptions offer a 15% discount in addition to free shipping. We are doing our best in hopes of removing the cost as a barrier to having parents try Brillia.
If you’re a first-time Brillia user, you can also take advantage of our 10% discount on your first purchase.
Prescription Assistance Programs
Government programs, such as Medicaid or local prescription assistance programs, can be valuable resources for those struggling with high medication costs. These programs are designed to help individuals with limited financial means get the medications they need. Find out if you qualify for this type of assistance by visiting your state Medicaid office, the Medicare Rights Center, and the resource center Needy Meds, which has information on disease-specific assistance programs.7, 8, 9
Switching Medications
In some cases, switching to a different ADHD medication may offer comparable benefits at a more affordable price. Your doctor can provide guidance on suitable alternatives based on your specific needs and health history.
If you are curious about trying Brillia to see if it can provide the results you are looking for, it is recommended that you take Brillia in conjunction with your prescription medications to allow the active ingredient to build up in the system first and then under the care of your physician follow their advice on how to come off of your prescription medications completely.
Many patients notice a difference after the first two to three weeks of starting Brillia, though it may take even longer. During this time and even after switching over to Brillia completely, it’s important that you follow the healthy lifestyle factors outlined in our holistic 5-Pillar methodology and wait a full three months to decide if the medication is working for you.
Coupon Programs
Pharmaceutical companies often run coupon programs that provide discounts on prescription medications as part of their marketing strategy to introduce new drugs.10 These coupons operate within the pharmacy benefit provided by the employer and are implemented at the point of sale to decrease out-of-pocket expenses. These coupons are usually available at the doctor's office or online.
If you choose to try Brillia, be sure to contact the Customer Care Team to find out the best pricing options available to you at info@discoverbrillia.com
Mail-Order Pharmacies
Exploring mail-order pharmacies can be another avenue for cost savings. Some online pharmacies offer discounts and promotions that may not be available at local brick-and-mortar stores. Additionally, ordering in bulk through mail-order pharmacies can result in lower per-unit costs, providing a cost-effective solution for obtaining your ADHD medication.
According to one study by Consumer Reports on mail-order pharmacies, prices are often less than the average $12 copay that individuals using employer-provided insurance pay for generic drugs.11 Pharmacies explain that they keep prices low partly by not accepting insurance, which means they can avoid additional dispensing charges and other fees that might be incurred from an insurer or a pharmacy benefits manager.
Health Insurance Review
Reviewing your health insurance plan is crucial during times of medication shortages. Ensure that your plan covers your prescribed ADHD medication and explore any available benefits or cost-saving measures. While most medications prescribed by your doctor should be covered by your prescription drug benefit, some medications are not. Health insurance companies are therefore required to provide you with information regarding the drugs that are covered by your plan, including your out-of-pocket costs. It may be beneficial to consult with your insurance provider to discuss potential options for managing medication costs.
Prescription Savings Cards
Many pharmacies offer prescription savings cards and clubs with discounts on thousands of medications, sometimes lower than co-pays. Sometimes you’ll even receive bonus points and discounts on retail products as a thank you for being a member or using their savings card.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you’re having difficulty paying for or finding your medications, asking your healthcare provider about alternative medications can be an effective strategy. Discussing your concerns about the rising costs can lead to collaborative efforts to find suitable and affordable alternatives. Your doctor may also have insights into available resources or be able to adjust your treatment plan to accommodate your financial situation.
Facing higher-than-usual ADHD medication prices during a shortage can be daunting, but there are various strategies to help you save on costs. From exploring generic alternatives or non-prescription medications like Brillia to enrolling in patient assistance programs, these tips can make ADHD treatment more accessible and affordable during challenging times.
Find more resources on managing ADHD at the Brillia(nce) Resource Center.
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References: 1https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2023/12/21/adhd-drug-prices-increase-nationwide-shortage/71746194007/, 2https://nabp.pharmacy/initiatives/safe-pharmacy-resources/, 3https://www.healthline.com/health/reduce-adhd-costs-patient-assistant-programs-adderall#assistance, 4https://medicineassistancetool.org/, 5https://www.rxassist.org/, 6https://www.rxhope.com/, 7https://medicaiddirectors.org/, 8https://www.medicarerights.org/, 9https://www.needymeds.org/, 10https://www.rxbenefits.com/blogs/difference-manufacturer-coupons-and-patient-assistance/, 11and athttps://www.consumerreports.org/online-pharmacies/online-pharmacies-can-help-you-save-big-on-prescription-drugs/
