Is it possible for a doctor to prescribe a 30 day supply of 60 pills?

Question

Ok, so I just started taking Focalin XR for my ADD two weeks ago. I LOVE this medicine now that I am taking 15 mg...but it wears off after about 12 hrs. I am awake for more than 12 hrs. per day and therefore would need two pills per day...one for when I wake up and one for in the evening. Is it possible for my doctor to prescribe me a 30 day supply of 60 pills so that I can take two per day? I would ask him, but I won't get to talk to him until the 10th.

Ok...I did not ask for your opinions on increasing or decreasing my dosage. And of course I am going to talk to my doctor about it. Ugh...some of you are really rude. I only asked if it was possible. I am not abusing my medicine. I still have to be able to function at night and on weekends, and I cant. For your info, I am a ballet dancer and a college student and I drive all over the place. I cannot drive without medication. I cannot memorize choreography without medication. I cannot study without medication. That is much more than 8 hours. Thankyouverymuch.

Answer 1

Yep. He just changes wording on script to show dosage as twice a day.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, this is an all too common problem compounded by a great deal of misunderstanding. Widespread abuse of opioid analgesics has put many providers on edge and the people that really need these medications unfairly bear the brunt of the burden. More providers are starting to use pain contracts, which can put both provider and patient at ease. The terms of these contracts vary, but the general idea is that a physician will prescribe x treatment under certain conditions. In many cases, providers won't renew a prescription early if you run out ahead of time or lose it. Instead, they require you to make an appointment for the adjustment of treatment. Some ask patients to submit to drug testing and will terminate treatment if you come up positive for something else. And of course, if there's any confirmed abuse, Rx pad theft, or other nefarious activity, it goes without saying that treatment would be terminated. It sounds a bit harsh to some people, but these contracts are usually successful in weeding out the true abusers and have enabled many patients to get the treatment they require while limiting ethical and legal concerns for prescribers. Tramadol (Ultram) is commonly prescribed before going to a true opiate. It's not terribly strong and is not sufficiently effective for many patients. It sounds like your physician is one of the more wary ones and if you truly feel that you do not have an effective relationship and are not going to get the treatment you need, you may consider terminating the relationship. However, you should be aware that if you go to a new primary seeking such analgesia, you may run into many of the same issues. Your best bet may be to request referral to a pain management clinic or to a rheumatologist who does pain management. I'd suggest doing some research, seeing what's in your area, and making some phone calls to arm yourself for further discussion with your PCP in advance. I'm sorry this has happened to you. I hope this helps and that you are able to adequately resolve this issue in a timely manner. Best, -KCC MSN(c), FNP '12 Yale School of Nursing

Answer 3

You can only discuss this with your doctor. Even though you won't see him till the 10th, you can always phone his office, tell this to his nurse and she'll convey the message and get back to you. Mine does this and they always have answer by the end of the day or next day, though this was not the thing I was asking.
Sometimes doctors will change a prescription via a phone call if they have seen you recently but not always. Unfortunately too many patients think they can understand these kinds of things with no medical education or training or maybe just a partial training, like nursing. They can't. This is one of multitude of reasons doctors spend so much time in studying in medical school, training in their roations and they years of residency...you 'd have to spend that time to understand the why's and why nots here. Can you see why it is so complicated? Nurses only spend a couple of years in training if they are RN's and do not understand all of the minute details involved in this but at least they have enough of the basics to talk shop a bit with the doctors and then translate it to you, the patient. If you still don't get it, go to your local community college a take one of the beginning chemitry classes in pred med to take the begginers taste...and then sit in on an organic chemistry class and if you are really ready for a bigger taste try biochemistry.
I wonder how you 'd feel about someone who knows nothing about your job telling you how to do it, second guessing and coming up with all sorts of incorrect conclusions.

Answer 4

Medication for ADD isn't supposed to make you feel good. Thats abuse. Physicians specifically give you just what you need to get through the main part of your day because these meds are addictive and have high abuse potential.

Its normal to still have periods of the day where your symptoms act up, the idea is to be able to properly function at work or school (8hours). Not only is the answer to your question a resounding NO, but you're also supposed to skip taking the stuff on the weekend. Its called a drug holiday and designed to let you come down a little and keep from getting addicted.

Answer 5

Yes = If Thats How Much You Think You Need.

Answer 6

It is possible, but that decision is solely to the discretion of the doctor

Answer 7

yes he can if he thinks it won't harm u. but u have to ask him, if ur appt isn't until the tenth, see if u can get in earlier.. good luck

Answer 8

yes-taken twice daily