Posted by MarkinBoston on January 2, 2001, at 17:20:10
In reply to Controlled substances, what are the rules?, posted by PhoenixGirl on January 2, 2001, at 11:50:46
> Does anyone know what the laws are about getting controlled substances like modafinil and ritalin for depression?
> Do insurance companies tend to pay for them only if they are being used for the FDA-approved purposes? I don't think any controlled substance has been approved for depression, even though they are used for it.
> One doctor said he would be arrested for prescribing ritalin! He was stupid in a lot of ways, though, and the pharmacist said that doctors can prescribe ritalin whenever they want to. I don't know what to think.
> I want to try things like ritalin and modafinil, probably ritalin first because I guess modafinil is very expensive? Hope someone can answer these questions.Your pharmicist is correct. There are different schedule classes of drugs:
Schedule I. - "No medical value", illegal. Drugs like pot and GHB that do have some medical value but lots of political value too. Others would be LSD, heroin, E etc..
Schedule II. Medical value, but dangerous or addictive. Need a written script with Dr's. DEA number on it. Max one month supply, no refills. Ritalin and other stimulants, pain killers generally in this catagory.
Schedule III. Medical value, some danger or abuse potential. Valium, Xanax, other benzo's, anabolic steroids. Can be called in and have refills. I think the Dr.'s DEA # is needed.
Schedule IV. All other prescription meds, "unscheduled"
Schedule V. over the counter meds.A doctor will get looked at by insurance companies if they prescribe more than the maximum normal therapeutic dose, and get a letter. A psychiatrist shouldn't have any problems with scripts for Ritalin or Valium, but wouldn't be expected to write scripts for Percocet or other pain killers.
Unless your doctor has enough experience working with you, being young and seeking drugs with abuse potential might raise concern. You might try negotiation and ask for a few days worth since there is no delayed effect with Ritalin or amphetamines. They usually become less effective and side-effective over time and you may not like the jaw-clench or too much coffee feeling side effects. These drugs are likely to cause agitation if you are prone to it, and result in unhealthy behavior.
Modafinil does have delayed onset, but a doctor can write scripts for other than FDA approved uses. Doing this raises their risk of getting sued for malpractice or having a complaint filed against them with the medical board. Is the doctor more confident this drug might help you than worried about ruining his career?
poster:MarkinBoston
thread:50745
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001231/msgs/50762.html