Adult ADHD Info and Tips:
www.helpguide.org/mental-health/adhd/adhd-in-adults
Controlled Medication Education
In psychiatry, medicines such as stimulants (for ADHD), some sleep aids (like ambien and lunesta) and benzodiazepines (like xanax and ativan for anxiety) are bound by special state and federal laws because they are more at risk for abuse and illicit sales. They are categorized as Schedule II medications by the DEA.
Here are some notable policies around Schedule II controlled substance medications:
● Lost or stolen medication cannot be replaced. Please be mindful to secure the medicine in your home and avoid traveling with more than is required.
● If the pharmacy is out of the medicine it’s best to wait for it to come in. Using multiple pharmacies is considered a red flag by pharmacists and can increase scrutiny by regulatory bodies.
● The medicine may only be filled in the state where I am licensed. If you travel frequently or live part time in another state, we can discuss a potential solution. I am licensed in CA, NY and WA.
● Prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances should be managed by one provider. Patients should also be on as few Schedule II medications as possible. Multiple prescriptions from different providers is a concern for misuse by regulatory bodies, pharmacies and providers.
● You will be required to provide vital signs every 1 to 6 months. You can buy an automatic blood pressure cuff for approximately $20 on Amazon or at a local pharmacy.
● There are no dangerous withdrawals from stopping stimulant medication prescribed for ADHD. I encourage you to take breaks from your medication to avoid building tolerance. I encourage you to take the medication five out of seven days of the week provided your demands in life allow for that.
● Given the need to take breaks from the medicine, there shouldn’t be urgency if the pharmacy requires an extra few days to fill your prescription. This is a great opportunity to reset your body's sensitivity to the medication.
● If you miss a follow up visit for any reason, refills cannot be provided. Please maintain regular appointments to ensure no lapse in coverage.
● Increasing your dose without approval may result in discharge.
● Providers are required to work with city, state or federal law enforcement agencies if there is any concern for misuse, sale, or other sharing of controlled medicine.