I'm sorry you're having a hard time right now, Mari...

I don't know why or in what way your boss was being difficult, but it must have been frustrating since it was your meeting and you've been running on inadequate sleep. Maybe telling her to leave was a faux pau, but you owned it by calling the big boss, and the end result (reduction of responsibilities) seems worth it to me.

You probably can get the new med approved by insurance, but that doesn't mean you'll get it any cheaper.
Unless you've had issues with effexor, I'd push to try it first. JMHO

Mari
Enter the sandman...

Kay