Posted by Noa on January 18, 2001, at 18:32:28
In reply to Re: Ok, how to find out about a specific state?, posted by danf on January 14, 2001, at 4:31:05
Even if your HMO restricts stimulants to narcolepsy for patients over age 19 (as mine did when I had an HMO), you can ask your doctor to submit a letter stating that it is medically necessary for treatment of whatever disorder you have (depression for me). They may require a little hoop-jumping from your doctor, like reauthorization forms every 6 months, etc., but I think it is possible to override the restriction. It is worth a try.
Personally, it annoys me greatly that I cannot refill my prescription for Adderall, and have to go to the doctor to get another scrip (although sometimes he gives me two in advance), and go to the pharmacy, etc. rather than just calling in a refill as with my other meds. I guess it is particularly annoying to me at the moment after the hassles I have had at the pharmacy--and getting oxycontin by mistake in the vial marked Adderall, which I think is far more dangerous than my having the ability to call in refills for Adderall.
As for the issue of abuse--isn't it interesting that the restrictions apply to adults, where adolescents are probably more at risk for abusing stimulants (probably more likely friends of the patient rather than the patient themselves). In any event, I also think the issue of stimulants sold on the streets, at least right now, is now as big a problem as people fear. I think right now alcohol, marijuana, and exctacy are the major street drugs for teens. I am not an expert--just MHO.
poster:Noa
thread:50745
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010111/msgs/51977.html