Ritalin refill question

[Quilter470]

Hi,everyone . My NP prescribes Ritalin on a monthly basis with no refills and says that I must see her in person for refills . My co-payment to see her is expensive and I am wondering if anyone else has this .problem. BTW, she prescribes the minimum dose and provides no counseling . What do you think?

[BlessedLady]

Schedule II drugs have to have a new prescription each time. She can write you more than one separate prescription with the fill date on it. The thing is doctors , NP, etc are not paid unless they see the patient. It is up to each doctor how often they require a patient to come in for a office visit. Have you discussed your finances with her ? Sometimes it makes a difference and sometimes it does not

[Tim_Othy]

My meds including Adderall were prescribed by my GP. When I went to the psychiatrist, he doubled my dosage and added another. The psychiatrist said I was at sub-therapeutic levels and he was right. Psychiatrist may be a better alternative. They have a much better understanding of psychiatric meds than a NP or GP

[Gettingittogether]

Sounds like your NP doesn't trust you or doesn't like treating ADHD patients. I get three monthly prescriptions from my NP, who btw is as good as the psychiatrists I saw.

I see her every three months ... and that's a pretty standard schedule.

Sorry you're encountering this.

[WarriorPrincess26]

I agree with some of these comments. Seems unreasonable to make you come back every time for a new script (assuming every 30 days). They can gain authority to provide up to 5 repeats (depending on drug, dosage and where you're located). Unless there are trust issues. But aside from that, yeah consulting a psychiatrist who has experience with ADHD is the best bet. Pricey up front. But once an optimal dose has been established, they can issue x amounts of repeats and even refer you back to the care of a GP for future management.

[Quilter470]

Thanks to everyone. This has become a very frustrating situation since my PCP physician won't prescribe stimulants probably because of my age rather than issues with trust, and I am out of Ritalin as I write this. There are no psychiatrists in my area who are accepting new patients which is why I'm seeing a psychiatric NP. I'm thinking that my having to see her before receiving a refill of a minimum dose of Ritalin may be her company policy. BTW, the minimum dose, which comes via mail, is ordered from my insurance company and that dose seems to have minimal effectiveness. My insurance won't pay for tele-health sessions. Seems I am going around in circles. Any recommendations? Thanks again.

[BlessedLady]

You could pay out of pocket for Telemed . Beware the ability to prescribe Ritalin and any other Schedule II medication will end when the federal health emergency due to covid ends. The current one expires October 13,2022. Chances are good it will be extended ine more time for another 90 days. Some online platforms no longer prescribe Schedule II medications due to being investigated by the DEA. There is a chance your NP will not prescribe your Ritalin if you see a doctor online. I agree the 30 days is probably the policy of the company your NP works for

[Hominid711]

Does your NP check your BP every time? If it's ok you should get more than one month and eventually hopefully only need to see her every 6 months and uptitrated on the dose. Don't know your health care system well enough to comment on it but health wise I can contribute being a GP with some psychiatric and lots of internal medicine knowledge if that helps. I also feel for you having had so many years of no treatment. You really need to have that burden taken off of you. Perhaps asking your NP if she works with or knows psychiatrists SHE can ask for advice whilst treating you would move this forward. The very best luck to you!

[Hidden]

I believe Ritalin is a controlled substance. I had to see a dr everytime I needed a Xanax refill when I was on it.