In the UK we don't have the same issues on prescribing. The rules allow doctors to prescribe no more than 30 days worth of this type of drug at a time but if I use mine up early it doesn't matter, I just request more and there are no issues getting another 30 days supply. That way if I have to change a few patches early it makes no difference and I never have to suffer more pain or withdrawal problems.

I know there are lots of people based in the US on this site who think our nationalised system is backward and awful but there are many aspects where we are well ahead of the US. Where I live in the UK all prescribed drugs are completely free of charge - we pay nothing for any of our medication at all.