Does Medicare Cover Nardil?

The last thing you want when experiencing anxiety or depression is to have to worry about how to afford your treatment. Your doctor may recommend Nardil if you have a mental health problem, such as depression. This guide explains whether Medicare covers Nardil and explores the out-of-pocket costs. 

What Is Nardil?

Nardil is a brand of phenelzine; an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). It's a type of monoamine oxidase inhibitor that improves the balance of certain substances inside the brain to relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

Most people take between 15 milligrams and 90 milligrams of Nardil three or four times a day. Typically, your doctor will recommend starting on a lower dose and gradually increasing it if necessary, until you achieve satisfactory symptom relief. However, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen depending on various factors, so you should always take Nardil precisely as instructed. 

It's also essential to ask your doctor for advice if you want to stop taking your medication. If you stop taking Nardil abruptly, it can cause a relapse of your condition or withdrawal symptoms, such as vomiting, headaches and dizziness.

Nardil Side Effects

Nardil can cause certain side effects. Common side effects include:

• Mouth dryness
• Weight gain
• Low blood pressure
• Headache 
• Constipation
• Drowsiness

Occasionally, Nardil can cause more serious side effects, such as hypertensive crisis or serotonin syndrome. Seek urgent medical assistance if you experience severe symptoms, such as seizures, fever or heart palpitations.

Does Medicare Cover Nardil?

Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) plans generally cover Nardil. You can find out if your plan covers your medication by consulting the formulary, which lists the drugs covered by your insurer. Most companies list Nardil under Tier 2 of their formularies. 

How Much Does Nardil Cost With Medicare?

You must cover your annual deductible before your Part D plan pays for your medication. Deductibles vary by provider, and some companies don't charge Part D deductibles. As of 2024, deductibles cannot exceed $545.

You must usually cover the entire cost of your medication until meeting the deductible, although some insurers waive this requirement for specific drugs. Typically, Nardil costs around $128.91 for 180 15-milligram tablets. 

The Post Deductible stage begins once you meet your annual deductible. Your insurer pays for your treatment during the Post Deductible stage, minus the co-pay. Co-pays for Nardil are generally affordable — expect to pay around $1 or less. 

Does Medicare Restrict Nardil Coverage?

Whether your Medicare Part D plan restricts Nardil coverage depends on your insurer and the terms of your policy. Some providers may require prior authorization, which means your doctor must certify that the medication is medically necessary. Your insurer may also restrict how much medication you can receive at a time.