Docs no longer allowed to taper narcotics???

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makai808

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My doc told me at our appt. that I was not supposed to tell the pharmacist I was being tapered, but rather that my pain levels were just lower and that is why my doses are being decreased. Apparently the docs are being told they aren't aloud to taper people anymore?? (not sure if that is just our state or all over). They are getting ready to make it a law or rule or something, that requires all people like us, to have to get treatment from licensed treatment centers who they feel are more equipped to deal with it. This is not just for people who abuse medicine but for anyone who requires to be taken off narcotic therapy. I don't think I like having my choices taken away. Maybe that is good for some people. But to me, it just seems they are 1)trying to find reasons to control us more 2) giving docs more of a reason to not help you once they get you addicted. They would have no accountability.

I am not sure if this is a good thing or bad thing. I know for me, I am glad that my doc has chosen to see my care through to the end. Anybody else know about this or have any thoughts?
 
I "ditto" what Izzy says. I've never heard of anything like that. First of all, IMHO it's absolutely none of the pharmacist's business why you might be getting lower doses of meRAB. They shouldn't even have a right to ask you why your doctor is lowering the dose.

This is a matter between your doctor and you, so you shouldn't have to explain it to anyone.

I also agree with Izzy in that I'm interested to know if this is something that is going to become some sort of law too!

Take care, and I'm sending positive thoughts your way in your recovery.
 
Sorry I should have gone into more detailed. I forget you all aren't mind readers! ;) lol

I asked my doc why he wrote the script differently, usually he writes it with something like taper as directed or something. This time it said take 2 every 8 hours as neeRAB for severe pain. Then he gave me a separate schedule to follow. I asked him why it was different and that is why he told me. You are right it is none of the pharmacists business but he said the pharmacist are known to be the ones to alert on things and so he didn't want me to accidentally mention the word taper to them. I will be seeing him in 3-4 weeks, so I will make sure to ask him for details.

Oh and my doc isn't really a pain doc and doesn't dispense lots of pain meRAB, in fact I think I am one of few so I don't think he would have any restrictions personally. Everyone loves my doc in our state, he is the wackiest coolest guy. I can't imagine he is in trouble or anything. At least I hope not! :(
 
Chances are the pharmacist may have said something re: the last script...Maybe even called the Doc...That's why he changed it.

The law re: tapering is very vague....Depending on why you're taping. And I'm not asking for you to reveal why. For example, Docs aren't permitted to write narcotic scripts just to keep a patient out of WD...There must be a medical need. So, a heroin addict can't go to a doc and get Oxy or something similar just to stay out of WD. The laws are very strict and somewhat vague...There is often a fine line between a "medical need" and no need, depending on the justification




A Pharmacist can deny any script for any reason. And if you did happen to mention "taper" to him, he could deny it. Or even worse, he could send it up the flag pole and make an issue out of it and create problems for your Doc.




Undoubtedly, this is probably part of the issue. Because he doesn't write a lot of narcotic scripts, he's probably a tad wary. Also, the DEA in your State may be extra tough or something. There are probably several inter-related factors.

Hope this helps,

Ex
 
Wow!!!!

All of that is news to me.. Thanks for everyone who gave great info!!!!
 
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