I have been taking pain meds for a while now for my discs in my neck. Are doctors allowed to just stop writing rx? or are hey obligated to ween you off? I had an injection, it didnt work and the dr said he doesnt feel he can control my pain and thinks I need to go to pain managment. Does that mean he is not going to refil my next script? and is he allowed to do that with all the bad side effects that can happen by stopping abruptly. thanks

I really need some input here...I have 3 children and can not be stuck laying on my couch in pain and not able to care for them, and then have the added affect of stopping meds suddenly...Please tell me if this is what you think he meant. Thanks again

The doctor will do as he thinks best, and if you aren't happy with that then discuss it, and if need be change doctors.
He would be aware of the process for weaning off drugs, but you will have to ask him what he has in mind. He would be guilty of some sort of medical breach if he didn't advise you on this. But what you do then.....?
I think you need to have a good chat about that, and also about what he thinks you might get from pain management.
Pain management is not about coping with no medication as seems to be a common view.
Rather, it is a way of looking at your whole picture and seeing where improvements can be made.
This would include physical activity, diet, attitude, stress and so on.
Nothing to fear and may well, as it did me, put you on the right path.

Unfortunately this happens all too often - for many different reasons. Doctors simply stop writing prescriptions - especially for narcotics or things like valium or sleep meds....

I would find a pain mgmt doctor ASAP. Even if this current doctor continues to write you prescriptions eventually you will get cut off or if lucky weaned off. Most times they just cut you off.

I think your doctor is saying that he/she will no longer write prescriptions for pain meds - most doctors that are not in the field of pain mgmt are afraid of writing prescriptions for narcotics on a continual basis....lots of laws that could cause them to lose their licenses to practice medicine....

You need to get to a pain mgmt specialist immediately - not matter what the cost or what it takes - no excuses here especially if you have chronic pain and need pain meds to function - pain mgmt will help you. Do it NOW.

I will be praying for you!

K from WIS

I also am dealing with chronic pain from discs in my neck. I've had surgery, now in pain management. I like my pain management dr. He's compassionate and caring... Some aren't tho- some treat patients like drug addicts... Hopefully your insurance will let you get a few opinions before deciding on one....start looking though, as it's difficult to get in.

thanks, but are the drs allowed to just stop writing the script without weening you off the meds they have been prescribing you?

I would hope not, but the best way to know for sure is to ask your doctor or his office staff and ask about it.
Perhaps he was suggesting you find a PM doc and get an appt before your meds run out??

My meds run out tues, there is no way I can get an appt. i also spoke with the office today and they said there is a note in my file that someone is calling me monday, she said it may be able my requested rx but not sure and does not know if they sent it in the mail yesterday or not...If they havent and it doesnt get sent until tues, I will run out before I get it, and they wont allow you to pick up meds on any day except thursdays. I am so scared right now about what is going to happen to me if I stop this med suddenly.

That depends on what med, how much you take, and how long you've been taking it (or meds like it).

People do change doctors from time to time; sometimes at the patient's behest, and sometimes at the doctor's. In cases of the latter, I don't know if there are any "rules" or "laws". Emergency treatment may not be denied, but if notice is given, I don't know that it would qualify as an "emergency". In many cases I've heard of, patients were given 30 days (1 refill) notice in which to find a new doctor. You didn't mention if this all happened suddenly within the past few days, or whether it happened a month ago. That could be what this letter is all about - I don't know.

Doc

I would think that they can prescribe what they think is best. It's just his advice. You don't have to take it.
He should know what the risks are. You can also look them up yourself.
Other doctors may well have a different approach.
Medicine is not a science, it's an art, so treatment, attitudes and training will all vary.
That's why you must take control over it all.
Ask questions, research your problems, get different opinions.