Doctor won't re-authorize medication

[Deziicl]

My psychiatrist won't authorize my medication because I haven't seen him in 6 months and I'm am completely out and am sick from withdrawal and he knows this and doesn't care. Can I hold legally responsible for any harm that is caused by my actions while I'm suffering mentally through this withdrawal?

[TheGeekess]

Short answer: No.

[Blue Meanie]

Originally Posted by Deziicl

My psychiatrist won't authorize my medication because I haven't seen him in 6 months and I'm am completely out and am sick from withdrawal and he knows this and doesn't care. Can I hold legally responsible for any harm that is caused by my actions while I'm suffering mentally through this withdrawal?

The Doctor can't LEGALLY authorize a Rx without seeing you regularly. It is your own fault for not going to your appointments.

(This was the "longer" answer)

[JKBee]

It's imperative that the doctor see you on a regular basis. This could lead to malpractice on the doctor's part if he just kept writing prescriptions and you had any problems.

In order to get some immediate, but temporary help, go to someplace that has a psych emergency department. Someone there can usually set you up with a very small amount of your prescription so you do not have to go through withdrawal. Just know that this will be an extremely limited amount of medication! You will be expected to make an appointment immediately with your doctor to get the prescription renewed.

If you can't find such a psych emergency department, go to emergency at your local hospital. After about an eight hour wait they should help you for short term, limited medication.

[medicmom74]

I agree JK. As a paramedic I have seen the damage someone can do to themselves when going through withdrawals. Please go to your local ER and get help. Then see your Dr.

Good Luck.

[ecmst12]

If you are having withdrawal symptoms, GO TO THE ER.

If you are taking medication that will cause withdrawal if you stop, you should know your doctor's requirements for getting new scripts. If you didn't follow proper procedures, of COURSE he is not going to prescribe more. You should know to call the doctor at least 2-4 weeks before you run out, even if you're not sure whether you'll need to come in that time, so that if it IS time for a checkup, you'll have time to schedule it. That's taking responsibility for your own care, and being compliant with the doctor's requirements.

[lealea1005]

Can I hold legally responsible for any harm that is caused by my actions while I'm suffering mentally through this withdrawal?

YOU are responsible for YOUR actions, including your noncompliance.

Did you After being informed that your Rx wouldn't be refilled, did you make an appointment for follow up with your Physician? He may agree to give you enough medication to last until that appointment.

[xylene]

ALSO

What medication are you talking?

For what condition are you taking it?


Very few medications truly cause withdrawal... are you sure you are not confusing withdrawal for the loss of therapuetic benefit... or both?

[ariastar]

I get the inkling that the OP is wanting a renewal on a narcotic.

[ecmst12]

It's a psychiatrist, so I'm thinking it's more likely to be Xanax or something in that family. But either way, when any patient enters into a treatment relationship that involves regular use of controlled/addictive medications, the physician will have them sign a treatment contract which outlines EXACTLY what their responsibilities are as far as keeping appointments etc, in order to make sure they get their meds as needed. If the patient isn't being compliant, then the doctor can and SHOULD refuse to write the script.

I'm also betting this isn't the first time OP has failed to schedule an appointment in time and begged for a script anyway.

[TheGeekess]

Originally Posted by ecmst12

It's a psychiatrist, so I'm thinking it's more likely to be Xanax or something in that family. But either way, when any patient enters into a treatment relationship that involves regular use of controlled/addictive medications, the physician will have them sign a treatment contract which outlines EXACTLY what their responsibilities are as far as keeping appointments etc, in order to make sure they get their meds as needed. If the patient isn't being compliant, then the doctor can and SHOULD refuse to write the script.

I'm also betting this isn't the first time OP has failed to schedule an appointment in time and begged for a script anyway.

I've not ever signed that kind of treatment plan.... and I've been under psychiatric care getting scheduled medications.

[ecmst12]

It's common with pain management especially, but I assumed psychiatrists use the same tactic with certain medicines. Perhaps if you've never had issues with compliance, your doctor hasn't found it necessary.

[lealea1005]

Every provider handles it differently. We only require medication contracts when the patient has a history of non-compliance with their meds or appointments. It's for the protection of both the patient and the Physician.

[longsally111]

who write go to the ER? we DO NOT fill RX for narcootics and wont. We might give a rx for 2 days worth but them you are right back where you started, bad idea.

[slwx]

i'm guessing this isn't necessarily for a narcotic -- my son is on a mix of anti-depressant and anti-psychotic meds.

if he was suddenly without them, not only would his body withdraw, but his mind would as well. they are not on the list of controlled substances or deemed addictive in a getting high sense of the word, but your body has a dependence on them.

on the script warnings, it says to never, ever suddenly stop taking them. you need to taper under a doctor's care.

they don't have the saying -- off your meds for nothing.

not condoning not seeing the doc -- i think it's very important to have follow-ups on those kinds of meds. maybe they've already given several emergency renewals on the promise of a visit?