Latest news with #Adderall
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Health
- Time Business News
Insurance Coverage Differences Between Vyvanse and Adderall
Introduction to Vyvanse and Adderall Vyvanse vs Adderall are two of the most commonly prescribed medications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Both belong to the stimulant class of drugs and are highly effective in managing symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, when it comes to insurance coverage, there are notable differences that patients and caregivers should understand. Knowing how each medication is handled by insurance companies can make a significant difference in treatment affordability and access. Managing Mental Health with Antidepressant Support Many individuals struggling with depression or seasonal affective disorder benefit from medications that enhance mood and energy levels. One such medication is Bupropion, known for its stimulating effects and unique mechanism of action compared to traditional antidepressants. While it's primarily prescribed for depression and smoking cessation, it can sometimes influence anxiety levels. In some cases, people report increased wellbutrin anxiety during initial use, especially if prone to nervousness or panic. However, for others, it improves focus and motivation with minimal side effects. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to determine if this medication suits your individual needs. Brand vs. Generic Status and Its Impact on Coverage One of the most significant factors influencing insurance coverage is whether a drug is available in generic form. Adderall is available as a generic (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine salts), which generally leads to broader insurance coverage and lower out-of-pocket costs. Most insurance plans favor generics due to their lower price point, often placing them in a lower-tier category with minimal copay requirements. Vyvanse, on the other hand, was only available as a brand-name drug for many years. Although a generic version of Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) was approved in 2023, it is not yet as widely available or as inexpensive as generic Adderall. As a result, some insurance plans still treat Vyvanse as a brand-name drug, placing it in a higher-tier category with higher copays or requiring prior authorization before coverage is approved. Prior Authorization Requirements Another key difference in insurance coverage between Vyvanse and Adderall is the requirement for prior authorization. Prior authorization is a process used by insurance companies to determine if a specific medication is medically necessary before they agree to cover it. Vyvanse often requires prior authorization, especially when the insurance company offers coverage for cheaper alternatives like generic Adderall. This process can delay treatment as it requires the prescriber to submit documentation proving why Vyvanse is the preferred or necessary medication over other options. Adderall, particularly the generic version, is less likely to require prior authorization, allowing for quicker access. Formulary Placement and Tier Levels Insurance companies organize covered medications into formularies, which categorize drugs into different tiers. Each tier reflects the cost and coverage level. Generic drugs are usually Tier 1, preferred brand-name drugs are Tier 2, and non-preferred brand-name drugs are Tier 3 or higher. Generic Adderall is almost always placed in Tier 1, making it the most affordable option for most patients. Brand-name Adderall XR (extended-release) may be in Tier 2 or Tier 3, depending on the insurance plan. Vyvanse is more often found in Tier 2 or Tier 3 due to its brand-name status. If the generic version of Vyvanse is not yet included in the plan's formulary, patients may still have to pay higher prices or request exceptions. Consequently, Vyvanse users frequently face higher copays or coinsurance than Adderall users. Medicaid and Medicare Coverage Differences Medicaid and Medicare are government-sponsored insurance programs that also show differences in how they cover Vyvanse and Adderall. Medicaid tends to favor generic medications to control costs, so generic Adderall is usually covered without issue. Vyvanse may be covered but often requires a prior authorization or proof that other ADHD medications were ineffective. Medicare Part D plans vary significantly, but similar trends exist. Generic Adderall is more widely covered and affordable, while Vyvanse might be placed in a higher tier with more restrictions. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer better coverage for Vyvanse, but this varies by provider and location. Cost to Patients Because of differences in insurance coverage, the cost to patients can vary widely. A month's supply of generic Adderall may cost as little as $10 to $30 with insurance, and some pharmacy discount programs may reduce this even further. Vyvanse, due to its brand-name pricing and formulary placement, can cost anywhere from $100 to over $300 per month without insurance. Even with insurance, patients may face copays of $40 to $75 or higher, especially if prior authorization is required or the drug is non-preferred. Manufacturer Savings Programs To offset the high costs, the manufacturer of Vyvanse (Takeda Pharmaceuticals) offers savings programs and coupons for eligible patients with commercial insurance. These programs can reduce copays significantly, sometimes to as low as $30 per month. However, these discounts are not available to patients with government insurance like Medicare or Medicaid. Adderall, being widely available as a generic, does not have a manufacturer coupon. Instead, patients typically rely on pharmacy discount cards or programs like GoodRx to obtain the lowest price. Choosing Between Vyvanse and Adderall Based on Insurance When choosing between Vyvanse and Adderall, insurance coverage plays a vital role. If cost and accessibility are primary concerns, generic Adderall may be the more practical option. It is widely covered, less expensive, and usually does not require additional steps like prior authorization. Vyvanse may be the better choice in certain clinical scenarios, such as when patients experience fewer side effects or improved symptom control with it. However, patients must be prepared to navigate potential insurance hurdles, including higher copays and the possibility of needing prior authorization or exception forms. Conclusion Vyvanse and Adderall are both effective treatments for ADHD, but insurance coverage can create significant differences in patient access and affordability. Adderall, especially in its generic form, is generally easier and cheaper to obtain through insurance. Vyvanse, though effective and sometimes preferred clinically, often faces more restrictions and higher costs. Patients should consult their insurance plan, healthcare provider, and pharmacist to understand the financial implications and coverage details before starting treatment with either medication. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
New York Post
5 days ago
- New York Post
‘Homeless by choice': Tragic last days of Netflix reality show realtor killed in Hamptons hit-and-run
Sara Burack sold luxury homes to the Hamptons' wealthiest buyers — and even appeared on the Netflix reality show 'Million Dollar Beach House' — but at the time of death last week, the golden girl was 'homeless by choice' and suffering from mental health issues, despite an outpouring of family support, sources told The Post. 'She was a real businesswoman. Savvy, smart. She was a really hard worker and a good person,' her close friend and former boyfriend Mike White, a builder from Southampton, told The Post. But she was also, he added, a 'workaholic times 10.' And while that meant that 'she became one of the top agents here,' it also may have fueled a dangerous reliance on pills. 9 Sara Burack, who sold luxury homes to the Hamptons' wealthiest buyers, and appeared on the Netflix reality show 'Million Dollar Beach House,' died last week in a fatal hit-and-run. Sipa USA via AP 'She kept taking Adderall to stay awake and keep working,' White said, 'She was trying to work longer and longer staying up for all types of hours.' It's unknown why Burack was walking on Montauk Highway, near Villa Paul restaurant in Hampton Bays, in the middle of the night when she was struck in a hit-and-run last week. Police found her unconscious around 2:45 a.m. on June 19, and she was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital, where she died. Amanda Kempton, 32, was later charged with leaving the fatal scene, a class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison, according to the Southampton Town Police Department. She pleaded not guilty and was released on $100,000 bail. 9 It's unknown why Burack was walking on Montauk Highway, near Villa Paul restaurant in Hampton Bays, in the middle of the night when she was struck by a car. @luxgrouppalmbeach/Instagram 9 'She was a real businesswoman. Savvy, smart. She was a really hard worker and a good person,' her close friend and former boyfriend Mike White told The Post of Burack. Brian Zak/NY Post White, who said he was by her side in the hospital, believes she was likely looking for a place to stay. 'She was staying in bank foyers,' he said, again stressing that it was by choice. Last year, Burack apparently sold her car and condo. 'She wasn't driving anymore. She didn't lose her apartment, she sold it. She didn't have financial problems at all,' White said. 'She just didn't want to deal with anything anymore.' Her family, he said, 'never gave up' and were distraught over Burack's state. 9 White, who said he was by his friend Burack's side in the hospital, believes she was likely looking for a place to stay on the night of her death. 'She was staying in bank foyers,' he said, stressing that it was by choice. Sipa USA via AP 'Her mom was going to get her an apartment— she didn't want it. She said it was bugged by the US government,' White said. 'Her poor mother did everything. Her mom and her dad are the nicest parents in the world.' A spokesperson for the Burack family told The Post in an emailed statement: 'People say all kinds of things when someone dies. However, the fact remains that our daughter, Sara, was run over and left for dead by a 32-year-old woman who claims she thought she hit a cone. Our family is in deep mourning and we will not comment further as we try to digest the loss of our beloved daughter who was a loving sister and friend to many.' White, 56, met Burack, who grew up in Westchester and graduated from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Penn., at Hampton Gym Corp in Southampton around 2019. The two briefly dated, and he called her an 'angel' who helped him rent out homes during the pandemic. 9 White told The Post Burack, who appeared on the reality real estate show 'Million Dollar Beach House' in August 2020, had a supportive family who 'never gave up' and were distraught over her state. Entertainment Tonight/YouTube In 2020, she was a cast member on the Netflix reality series 'Million Dollar Beach House,' which followed agents from the luxury brokerage Nest Seekers International as they sold mansions in the Hamptons. The show ended after one season. But White started to notice that Burack's behavior seemed off in early 2022, around the time that she was involved in a $200,000 commission dispute with her employer, Nest Seekers, and Douglas Elliman over the sale of a multi-million dollar property in Southampton. 'She was obsessed with losing her listing and not getting her commission,' said White, adding that he sold the home as the builder. 'We don't comment on pending litigation and given the tragic events over the last week it should not be the focus,' Nest Seekers Hamptons area regional manager Geoff Gifkins told The Post. 9 Driver Amanda Kempton was charged with leaving the fatal scene, a class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison, according to the Southampton Town Police Department. T E McMorrow for NY Post The Post has reached out to Douglas Elliman for comment. Burack, according to White, became suspicious of her colleagues and grew increasingly reclusive. 'She thought there were things going on … that people were trying to put anthrax in her food,' he said. 'She wasn't eating regularly.' Consumed by the court dispute, Burack 'began spending all her time at the library, constantly researching things for no clear reason,' White said. 9 White started to notice that Burack's behavior seemed off in early 2022, around the time that she was involved in a $200,000 commission dispute with her employer, Nest Seekers, and Douglas Elliman over the sale of a multi-million dollar property in Southampton. @luxgrouppalmbeach/Instagram Multiple sources also confirmed that Burack spent 'hours' in the Rogers Memorial Library in Southampton. (The library did not return The Post's request for comment). 'She'd sit on a bench with me for an hour or so and show me all these papers and her business plan,' White said. 'She was needing mental health help for a very long time,' a Southampton source told The Post. 'The last year or two, she was homeless. I would see her walking around with her bag. She was always at the library which was a sad place to go.' White said that he and Burack's family 'tried to get her into rehab. We tried to help her. Her poor mother did everything to help her. Her mom tried everything … she got an interventionist.' 9 White said that he and Burack's family 'tried to get her into rehab. We tried to help her. Her poor mother did everything to help her. Her mom tried everything … she got an interventionist.' Brian Zak/NY Post The Sunday before the accident that took Burack's life, White said, she called him up and said she was in Hampton Bays and wanted to get food. 'I only gave her enough money for food and for the bus,' he said. 'She wasn't destitute. But she didn't carry any money with her. I still don't understand. Maybe she was just tired of it. Sometimes you become a slave to money and your career.' The Southampton source was surprised to hear that Burack had been in an accident out of town. 'When I saw that she got hit in Hampton Bays, the first thing that came to mind was 'what is she doing in Hamptons Bays?' I don't know how she got there. 9 'She had a million friends … She had everything,' White said of Burack. @luxgrouppalmbeach/Instagram 'This was a tragedy – everyone knew what was going on and no one did anything,' the Southampton source added. 'It was only a matter of time before something like this happened.' White believes the tragedy began when people turned away from Burack. 'She had a million friends. She had material things, immaterial things. She had everything,' he said. But once things started going wrong for her, 'They all scattered.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Mass. man accused of manufacturing pills for ‘high-level drug trafficking scheme'
A Medford man was arrested earlier this month in connection with manufacturing counterfeit pills as part of a "high-level drug trafficking scheme," the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office said. John Dinius, 30, was charged with trafficking cocaine and methamphetamine, possession of oxycodone with intent to distribute and conspiracy to violate drug laws, the district attorney's office said in a press release. His arrest was part of a joint investigation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency with the goal of disrupting large-scale drug distribution efforts in Middlesex County. Following a two-month-long investigation, federal, state and local law enforcement officers executed a search warrant in a Medford home on June 10, the district attorney's office said. The search was focused on the basement of an apartment in which they discovered illicit drugs, counterfeit drugs and a pill press that can be used to make imitation prescription pills. During the search, they seized 571 grams of counterfeit Xanax, 1,454 grams of a different type of counterfeit Xanax, 466 grams of counterfeit Adderall, 80 grams of cocaine, 138 grams of crystal meth, 18 grams of oxycodone pills and a mechanically-operated pill press, the district attorney's office said. Dinius is alleged to have been manufacturing the counterfeit pills out of illegal drugs such as meth, the district attorney's office said. The counterfeit pills were made to look like prescription drugs, but field testing revealed that they all contained meth. Dinius was arraigned on the drug charges in Somerville District Court and ordered held on $75,000 bail, the district attorney's office said. He is due back in court on July 10 for a probable cause hearing. Harvard researcher accused of trying to smuggle frog embryos into the U.S. indicted Two educators charged in 12-year-old Pittsfield student's 2024 drowning death FBI continues to track down plutonium allegedly sold by Hadley man Brockton man ID'd after fatal shooting outside Dedham BJ's Mass. teen's death in N.H. shooting ruled a homicide; investigation ongoing Read the original article on MassLive.
Time Business News
7 days ago
- Health
- Time Business News
Natural Alternatives to ADHD Medication for Anxiety Sufferers
Living with best adhd medication for adults with anxiety can be challenging, especially when traditional stimulant medications like Adderall or Ritalin intensify feelings of nervousness or agitation. While these medications help manage focus and impulsivity in ADHD, they often come with unwanted side effects—particularly for those also struggling with anxiety. Thankfully, there are natural alternatives that may provide relief without the harsh impact of pharmaceuticals. These approaches can support cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall well-being, making them viable options for many. When it comes to managing anxiety or depression, finding the right medication is essential. Two commonly prescribed options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), each with unique effects and side profiles. While both are effective, individual responses can vary depending on personal health history and symptom severity. Comparing Zoloft vs Lexapro, Zoloft may cause more gastrointestinal side effects, while Lexapro is often preferred for its tolerability. However, one may work better for a specific individual. Consulting a healthcare provider can help determine which option aligns best with your treatment goals and minimizes unwanted side effects. What you eat plays a critical role in brain function and emotional health. People with ADHD and anxiety may benefit from eliminating processed sugars, artificial dyes, and preservatives that can worsen hyperactivity and mood swings. Instead, focusing on a whole-foods diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can make a big difference. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids—like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds—support brain health and may reduce ADHD symptoms. Complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, oats, and sweet potatoes help regulate blood sugar, which can reduce anxiety and promote calmness. Additionally, magnesium-rich foods like spinach and pumpkin seeds may help reduce restlessness and nervous tension, common in both ADHD and anxiety. Several herbal remedies are known to support focus and reduce anxiety naturally. One such herb is Rhodiola rosea, an adaptogen that may improve attention and reduce mental fatigue. Another popular option is Bacopa monnieri, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance memory and learning while reducing anxiety symptoms. Ashwagandha, another adaptogenic herb, is known for its calming properties and ability to balance stress hormones. Studies suggest that it can help reduce cortisol levels, improve resilience to stress, and support cognitive function—all of which benefit those with both ADHD and anxiety. Ginkgo biloba may also support cognitive clarity and memory while easing anxiety symptoms. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider before adding supplements, especially if you're currently taking medications or have underlying conditions. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to significantly benefit individuals dealing with ADHD and anxiety. Regular mindfulness practice helps train the brain to focus on the present moment, increasing self-awareness and reducing impulsivity. For anxiety sufferers, mindfulness provides a grounding technique that can interrupt cycles of worry and overthinking. Meditation doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Even five to ten minutes a day of focused breathing or guided mindfulness can yield noticeable benefits over time. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer ADHD- and anxiety-specific meditations to help users get started. Physical activity is a powerful, natural tool for managing both ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Regular aerobic exercise increases the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin—chemicals that regulate mood and attention. Activities like jogging, swimming, cycling, and dancing can all help reduce hyperactivity and improve focus. For anxiety sufferers, exercise also serves as a natural stress-reliever, decreasing tension and boosting mood. A consistent workout routine of at least 30 minutes most days of the week can lead to long-term improvements in mental clarity and emotional stability. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a research-backed therapeutic approach that helps people change negative thought patterns and behaviors. For individuals dealing with ADHD and anxiety, CBT can teach practical strategies to manage attention, control impulsivity, and reduce anxiety triggers. Unlike medication, CBT empowers individuals to take control of their emotional and cognitive responses. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and exposure therapy help address core issues and provide long-term coping skills. Working with a licensed therapist experienced in ADHD and anxiety is key to maximizing the benefits of this approach. Quality sleep is often overlooked but is vital for managing ADHD and anxiety. Sleep deprivation can worsen inattention, impulsivity, and irritability, while also heightening anxiety levels. Establishing consistent sleep routines and prioritizing good sleep hygiene can dramatically improve symptoms. Simple steps such as limiting screen time before bed, avoiding caffeine in the late afternoon, and maintaining a regular bedtime routine can make a difference. Natural sleep aids like melatonin or chamomile tea may also help regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Ensuring restful sleep allows the brain to restore itself and improves daily cognitive performance and emotional regulation. Aside from dietary changes, some individuals benefit from targeted supplementation. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, have been shown to improve attention and reduce symptoms in both ADHD and anxiety. High-quality fish oil supplements can help fill dietary gaps, especially for those who don't consume enough fatty fish. Other helpful nutrients include zinc, iron, and vitamin B6, all of which are involved in neurotransmitter production and brain health. Deficiencies in these nutrients are more common among individuals with ADHD and anxiety, and correcting them can lead to noticeable improvements. Always work with a healthcare provider before starting supplements to ensure proper dosages and avoid interactions. Too much screen time, particularly from fast-paced video games or social media, can worsen focus issues and heighten anxiety. Setting boundaries around technology use—such as limiting recreational screen time to one hour per day—can support better focus and mental clarity. Creating a calming environment at home or work can also help. This includes decluttering, using noise-canceling headphones, and creating distraction-free zones for studying or working. Reducing environmental stressors allows the brain to function more efficiently and supports emotional balance. For anxiety sufferers with ADHD, finding the right balance can feel like a constant battle. While medication helps many, it isn't the only solution—and for some, it may exacerbate symptoms. Natural alternatives offer a holistic, sustainable path to managing both conditions without harsh side effects. From nutrition and herbs to exercise and therapy, these approaches empower individuals to take charge of their mental health in a more personalized and mindful way. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
7 days ago
- Health
- Time Business News
Addiction and the Brain: What Science Reveals
Addiction is not merely a lapse in willpower—it is a profound neurological entanglement. The intricate interplay between the brain's chemical symphony and compulsive behavior paints addiction as a chronic, relapsing disorder rather than a moral failing. To unravel the nature of addiction, one must venture into the labyrinth of the brain's architecture. The evolving landscape of neuroscience offers compelling insights that shape modern approaches to treatment and recovery. Navigating Dual Treatment Complexities Managing coexisting mental health and substance use disorders often involves complex medication strategies. One such combination includes Suboxone and Adderall , which are sometimes prescribed together under careful medical supervision. Suboxone is used to treat opioid dependence, while Adderall addresses symptoms of ADHD. Though they serve distinct purposes, their interaction can be significant due to opposing effects on the central nervous system. Patients using both must be monitored closely to avoid adverse outcomes such as heightened anxiety, sleep disturbances, or cardiovascular strain. Individualized treatment plans, frequent evaluations, and open communication with healthcare providers are essential for safe and effective use. At the heart of addiction lies the brain's reward system, a delicate orchestra led by the neurochemical dopamine. This neurotransmitter floods the brain with sensations of euphoria and satisfaction when an individual engages in pleasurable activities. However, addictive substances and behaviors hyper-stimulate this system, igniting a dopamine surge far beyond natural levels. The nucleus accumbens and the ventral tegmental area form the core of this reward circuit. These regions light up like a flare when exposed to drugs, alcohol, or other addictive stimuli, forging a potent association between the substance and pleasure. Over time, the brain recalibrates, requiring more of the addictive substance to achieve the same euphoric response—a sinister progression that seeds dependency. The brain's remarkable ability to adapt, known as neuroplasticity, is both its salvation and its Achilles' heel. Repeated substance use engraves powerful neural pathways that prioritize the addictive behavior above all else. These circuits become highways of compulsion, bypassing logic and self-restraint. Even after detoxification, these pathways endure like ghostly footprints, making relapse a constant specter. The brain clings to these neural imprints, triggering intense cravings when exposed to environmental cues. The synaptic highways built during addiction are not easily dismantled; they require deliberate, persistent retraining. Addiction wages a quiet coup in the prefrontal cortex, the command center for judgment, impulse control, and decision-making. As addiction tightens its grip, this region's functionality erodes, leading to impulsivity and an impaired ability to weigh long-term consequences. The addicted brain fixates on immediate gratification, even in the face of devastating outcomes. This neurological sabotage fuels the relentless cycle of use, regret, and repetition. Rational thought is eclipsed by primal urges, as if the brain's compass has been permanently demagnetized. Some individuals are genetically predisposed to addiction, carrying variations in genes that govern dopamine regulation, stress response, and metabolism of substances. These inherited susceptibilities can tilt the scales, making certain people more vulnerable to developing addiction. Yet, genetics is not destiny. Environmental factors—such as trauma, chronic stress, or exposure to drugs during adolescence—can leave epigenetic marks that activate or silence genes linked to addiction. This dance between biology and experience underscores addiction's complexity, where nature and nurture conspire in subtle, intricate ways. As addiction deepens, the brain embarks on a perilous adaptation. It diminishes its natural dopamine production, anticipating the regular influx of external stimulation. When the substance is suddenly removed, the brain spirals into a neurochemical void, manifesting as the agony of withdrawal. Tolerance compounds the peril. The brain's receptors become desensitized, compelling the individual to consume larger doses in pursuit of the initial high. This escalating chase is a neurological quagmire, often dragging the addicted individual deeper into the vortex of self-destruction. Amidst the shadows of addiction, there is radiant hope. The brain possesses an extraordinary capacity for healing, a resilience that modern science is beginning to fully appreciate. Neurogenesis—the birth of new neurons—can occur, particularly in regions like the hippocampus, fostering recovery. Therapeutic interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and medication-assisted treatments like buprenorphine and methadone can gently guide the brain toward balance. These approaches can gradually rewire dysfunctional pathways, cultivating new habits and restoring fractured decision-making faculties. Understanding Medication Appearance for Identification Prescription medications often vary in appearance, which can sometimes cause confusion for patients. One such example is the Suboxone round orange pill, commonly used in the treatment of opioid dependence. This formulation typically combines buprenorphine and naloxone, working together to reduce withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings. Its distinctive color and shape help differentiate it from other medications, making it easier for patients and healthcare providers to identify. Always follow a medical professional's guidance when using such treatments, and never share or misuse these medications, as improper use can lead to serious health risks and complications. Addiction is an intricate dance of chemistry, genetics, and lived experience—a multifaceted disorder that defies simplistic explanations. Neuroscience not only demystifies addiction but also illuminates the pathways toward recovery, blending scientific rigor with empathetic care. The pursuit of understanding the addicted brain is a journey that demands curiosity, compassion, and relentless inquiry. Only by embracing the full spectrum of addiction's biology can society offer truly transformative healing. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
