I went to Dr. Thomas asking to switch off of Effexor due to the side-effects I am experiencing. He saw me for about 10 minutes (on a first visit, red flag number one) recommending that I switch to Pristiq. I agreed, but when I tried to fill out the script, it was nearly $300 for a 30 day supply. I simply can't afford that. I am fresh out of college, so money is not quite free flowing.

I called him back to ask if he could prescribe Cymbalta instead (generic form). The nurse said she would call back. After a week (red flag number two), I called them again to get an update. The nurse told me that my options were to use a coupon, taking $60 off the Pristiq (still nearly $240 for a 30 day supply), or to up my dose of Effexor which was the whole reason I went to go see him in the first place. She also told me that I would have to go in for another visit if I want to switch to Cymbalta. This would cost another $200. I explained my financial distress to the nurse once again and she said that Dr. Thomas refuses to talk to me directly. Aside from generating revenue, I see no reason to for me to have to go see the doctor again. Nothing has changed with my situation.

Even after explaining all of this, the nurse still has nothing to offer. I felt as though the doctor is abandoning my care and is holding me hostage for another $200.