Why is it that one of my prescriptions has only one or two refills on it?

Question

I have one prescription (antidepressant 37.5 mg. once a day) that the doctor only allows one or two refills each time, so I have to call her office every month or two for a refill, which takes 10 to 15 minutes on hold. It also takes their office 2 or 3 days to call the refill in. Other refills from my neurologist for migraines allow me 12 refills so I can go to the doctor for an annual visit (no annoying phone calls each month or two at all). I've been seeing this doctor for 15 years, am a middle-aged married mom with 2 children, not suicidal, and seem low to no risk for drug dealing/selling and pharmacies only allow you to refill once a month anyway. Why does the doctor do this and is there anything I should or can do about this irritating situation? I just ran out over the long holiday, they just filled the prescription with no refills this time as she was out of the office, so I'll be calling in 2 or 3 weeks again!

re: the amount I'm taking: the 37.5 mg daily is the lowest dose you can take, the more common dose on Effexor from what I've read is 75 or above so that is probably not a reason for concern I don't think.

Answer 1

Have you asked your doctor why you only get a couple of refills each time? I'm on an antidepressant (though maybe a different one) and I get at least 6 refills each time I get a new prescription.

Definitely talk to your doctor.

good luck - I understand.

Answer 2

Here's a thought, when your prescription runs low, call the pharmacy that you use,and lots of times they are more than happy to call the doctor for refills for you unless the medication is on the controlled substance list. Give that a try. Good luck.

Answer 3

It sounds like she is concerned about the amount you are taking.

They can cause serious suicidal tendencies. A new prescription every 2 or 3 weeks sounds serious. If it were I , I would wean myself off.

Migraine meds are less serious.