[SarahBorealis]

I have fibromyalgia, have had a fusion at L5, ETC!!! I've taken Lyrica for the past 7 years and would love to stop but I can't take the sweating. I also take methadone, which is why I am asking this:

We live really far north and have decided to go south for the winter. My problem is the methadone. I've tried to fill a script out of state before and struck out. My dr says that I need to find a dr where I'm going and they'll fax my records. I didn't plan on staying in one place. Has anyone ever done this?It looks like a pain and potentially bad, like maybe no one will write my scripts.

Before I was on methadone I took oxycodone and morphine. I went downstate to visit family, scripts in my purse, and I'm not kidding, I went to 14 pharmacies before someone would fill ONE of them! I feel tethered. Help!

[Dr. Smith]

You'll have to check this out with your doctor/pharmacist/insurance——

Some insurance plans allow for 3 month refills, as they've worked out deals with pharmacies & suppliers to fill 3 months for the price of 2. This also allows for patients to take vacations, etc. without having to sweat logistics. Availability & rules may vary by state, so you'l have to check this out.

Doc

[SarahBorealis]

The reason this is an issue is because they do not allow refills for methadone. The patient must visit the doctor for every month's worth, no matter what. I think it's federal. That's why I feel tethered. I'm afraid I'll get down south and they'll all shy away from writing an Rx for it. I don't know why it's such a big deal, it's an opiate like all the rest. I know it acts differently but still! Going off of it will be a treat... But thanks anyway Zachary.

[Dr. Smith]

Originally Posted by SarahBorealis

The reason this is an issue is because they do not allow refills for methadone. The patient must visit the doctor for every month's worth, no matter what. I think it's federal.

That's what I thought too, but I personally know 2 people who have 3 month refills for other schedule II meds. Assumption, it's been said, is the mother of all [m]uckups. It may be different where you live, but it never hurts to ask a question. Much to gain, and nothing to lose.

Doc

[moonstar54]

Hi Sarah,
that really bites!!! You are right, if you want to travel around for more than 30days, it will be a big problem to fill your meds while your on the road, place to place.. I never thought about this until I read your post.

Wow, going on a vacation for more than 30 days will have to be well planned I guess. I do have an idea though but it depends how long you'll be on this winter vacation and how long you'll be staying at one place before you go to the next place. Can you tell me that?

[picobill]

I'm sorry about your travel plans, but the FDA with it's latest Opioid paranoia is making it even harder with the Hydrocodone reclassification. I used to live in Michigan and even there it was hard to fill a script much more than a week in advance. In GA now and don't even try this state, Drs. are scared silly and Pharmacist's act like the Medication Gestapo.