Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
Many mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, are best managed with medication taken consistently over months or years. Unfortunately, cost is one of the most common reasons people cut pills in half, skip doses, or stop treatment altogether. Understanding your medication options and knowing how to save can help you stay on track with treatment.
Why Is Taking Mental Health Medication Consistently So Important?
Most mental health medications take several weeks to reach their full effect and work best when taken every day as prescribed. Stopping and restarting medication because of cost can lead to antidepressant discontinuation symptoms, a return of symptoms, or a slower response when treatment resumes. For many people, medication works best when combined with therapy and other forms of mental health support.
Which Antidepressants Are Usually the Most Affordable?
Generic selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are among the most affordable mental health medications. Common examples include:
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
These medications are widely available as generics and often cost much less than their brand-name versions while providing the same active ingredient.
What About Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) and Other Types of Antidepressants?
If an SSRI isn't the right fit, several other antidepressants are available as affordable generics, including:
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
- Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Your healthcare provider can help determine which medication is most appropriate based on your symptoms, health history, and potential side effects.
How Much Do Mood Stabilizers and Antipsychotics Cost?
Many mood stabilizers are available as affordable generics, including:
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
- Lithium (Lithobid)
- Divalproex sodium (Depakote)
Several antipsychotics also have generic versions, such as:
- Aripiprazole (Abilify)
- Quetiapine (Seroquel)
- Risperidone (Risperdal)
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
While generic medications are often inexpensive, newer brand-name antipsychotics can cost substantially more.
Why Are Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics More Expensive?
Long-acting injectable antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole extended-release (Abilify Maintena), paliperidone palmitate (Invega Sustenna), and risperidone extended-release (Perseris), are commonly prescribed for schizophrenia and, in some cases, bipolar disorder.
These medications often cost more than $1,000 per dose because they use specialized extended-release technology and are typically administered by a healthcare professional. Although more expensive upfront, they can improve medication adherence and help reduce the risk of relapse for some patients.
Can a 90-Day Prescription Help Lower Costs?
A 90-day prescription may lower the cost per pill for stable maintenance medications like sertraline or lamotrigine while reducing trips to the pharmacy. However, savings vary by pharmacy, and some pharmacies charge additional dispensing fees for extended supplies, so it's worth comparing prices on the RxLess® app before filling a 90-day prescription.
Can Switching Medications Within the Same Class Save Money?
If your current antidepressant or antipsychotic is expensive, your healthcare provider may recommend another medication in the same class that's available as a lower-cost generic. While medications within the same class often work similarly, individual responses and side effects vary, so any medication change should always be made under medical supervision.
Do Manufacturer Patient Assistance Programs Help?
Many pharmaceutical manufacturers offer patient assistance programs for expensive brand-name mental health medications, particularly newer antidepressants and antipsychotics such as Vraylar (cariprazine), Caplyta (lumateperone), Rexulti (brexpiprazole), and Auvelity (dextromethorphan/bupropion). Eligibility is typically based on income, insurance status, or other financial criteria and may significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Should You Ever Stop a Mental Health Medication Because of Cost?
No. Stopping antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotics abruptly can cause discontinuation symptoms or increase the risk of relapse. If affordability becomes a concern, talk with your prescriber or pharmacist before making changes. They may recommend a lower-cost generic, a therapeutic alternative, or a patient assistance program that better fits your budget.
How Can You Save Money on Mental Health Medications?
Since many mental health conditions require long-term treatment, even modest monthly savings can add up over time. Comparing pharmacy prices is worthwhile because the cost of the same medication can vary significantly between pharmacies.
The RxLess® Assurance Plan provides free digital prescription coupons and real-time price comparisons at more than 70,000 pharmacies nationwide, helping patients save up to 88% on many generic medications. Simply download the free RxLess® app from the Apple App Store or Google Play to automatically become a member of the RxLess® Assurance Plan and start comparing prices before you fill your prescription.
** Always take mental health medications exactly as prescribed and consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.**
