This is a belated follow-up to a post from several months ago.

TL;DR: New restrictions on controlled medications require that patients use a pharmacy within a few miles of their prescribing physician, and my psychiatrist is two hours away. Many comrades suggested looking into online pharmacies.

Developments

I called three online pharmacies and inquired if they could fill controlled prescriptions. They all said yes!

However...

None take patients without health insurance! meow-tableflip

And so, my routine continues. I'm going to the pharmacy tomorrow. If I leave by 8 AM tomorrow I should be back in time for afternoon classes. yes-honey-left

My Refill Workflow

  1. Leave a voicemail with my physician's clinic requesting a refill

  2. Pharmacy never automatically fills it, so I have to follow up.

  3. Call pharmacy. Robot says

Hi. What can I do for you? :blob-no-thoughts:

I'm inquiring about my prescription's status. comrade-raccoon

Okay, I can help you with that! Please say or enter your prescription number. :blob-no-thoughts:

As a matter of fact, I don't have it because controlled substances cannot be refilled and thusly every dispensation requires a new, unique prescription number which I have literally no way of knowing until I receive it. :morshupls:

I'm sorry, I didn't quite get that. Please say or enter your prescription number. :blob-no-thoughts:

I don't have it. comrade-raccoon

What can I do for you? You can say things like: "what are the pharmacy hours", or "refill a prescription" :blob-no-thoughts:

Motherfucker, if you don't put me on the phone with a person RIGHT NOW I will crawl through this goddamn telephone wire and SHOVE your stupid-ass code through your interface! knifecat

Okay. I'll get you to someone. :blob-no-thoughts:

Hello, mister pharmacy tech, sir. Can I pick up my prescription tomorrow morning? comrade-raccoon

I don't see any prescriptions here... Wait! Oh, it looks like there is a problem with your prescriber's DEA number. capitaldcolon

Yeah, that sounds right. The very same thing the last five times, too. The head pharmacist should be able to straighten it up. comrade-raccoon

Okay. Check back this afternoon. feinberg-sicko

  1. Call pharmacy again for Follow-Up: Round Two. Repeat the locution with the bot to speak to a pharmacist who confirms it's ready.

  2. Drive a zillion miles and pick it up.

God Bless America amerikkka-clap

  • Dirt_Owl [comrade/them, they/them]
    ·
    22 days ago

    Half the reason I don't medicate my ADHD is because in my country, controlled medication can only be prescribed by a psychiatrist, and with minimal repeats. So that means shelling out $200+ every month when I need a repeat script.

    So that, coupled with the fact that ADHD meds turn me into a mean and angry piece of shit, are why I don't medicate my ADHD.

    Typical angloid run country cares more about punishing people than having functioning system.

    Anyway, sorry about making that about me. I tend to empathize by sharing similar experiences. I'm sorry they put you through all of that comrade.

    • TankieTanuki [he/him]
      ·
      22 days ago

      Only psychiatrists can prescribe it here, too. I actually see a (wonderful) nurse practitioner, and she has to forward all those prescriptions to her supervising MD.

      Luckily, my particular generic is more affordable than yours, at roughly $40 for a months' supply.

    • ReadFanon [any, any]
      ·
      22 days ago

      Just FYI you'd be able to get a psychiatrist to provide authority to a GP to prescribe Schedule 8 meds.

      Some psychiatrists won't do this. Most who are willing to provide authority will want to make sure that you are tolerating stimulants well, that you aren't experiencing a manic episode or a psychotic episode due to the meds, before they do it so this often means a series of appointments with a psych before you get to the point that they provide authority to the GP.

      There's also some meds off the beaten path for ADHD. Modafinil is one that would be much less likely to cause you to rage, amantadine is almost certainly going to make you more mellow and focused. Each are much easier to get than (classic) stimulants. There's someone in this thread who might be taking pemoline, which is another good candidate for this but it comes with significant risks so I wouldn't be able to recommend it in good conscience. But there are options out there.

      The antidepressants that are prescribed for ADHD are probably not a good idea, besides bupropion or maybe atomoxetine, given the side effects you've mentioned but they should be a lot easier to get a prescription for too.

      I'd need to check to be certain but you get authority from the government body in your state that controls restricted meds once a year, I believe, and psychiatrists can prescribe at least 6 repeats for most stimulant meds.

      Just wanted to let you know that there are some options available to you if you do end up trying to navigate this particular healthcare maze.