Epilepsy Drugs Crazy $$

 Back in June I lost my job because I had strange reaction to new Generic form of Topamax (Carbamazipine)  I then found that even though We are only collecting 1 unemployment check-We make too much to qaulify for Medicare in South Carolina.  Now I would purchase my meds but the new drugs that Dr.'s have everyone on start around $400 a month.  The quaetion is why???? For 20 years I was on Phenobarbitol and unless I came off I was fine just memory difficulties.  Now when I want it no one prescribes it anymore, I wonder why is it because it is bad or because drug companies that help line Dr pockets push new MUCH more expensive drugs on the market???  Just curious what everyone else has to say on the topic.