I need some help please

[timmtc]

I'm currently a university student taking 20mg Ritalin SR up to 3 times a day. I've been on Ritalin for about a year and a half now. Initially I saw my doctor every month to get my scripts, but he said I can also call in a refil to the pharmacy, and he can fax over my script to them.

So I called the pharmacy requesting a refill for my perscription (which I have done for the past year) and they told me my doctor declined it. I called the doctors office and he's out of town until Friday. The receptionist said he may not be able to write these types of perscriptions anymore (mind you he is a GP, not a Psychiatrist). She said she would get back to me on Friday to let me know for sure.

First of all, I am pretty angry. The script I am refilling was filled on the 17 of January (they are a months supply but I tend to make each script last almost two months) so I am certainly not abusing it by any means. I am completely miffed right now. It's RIGHT in the middle of exam time - I have one on Friday, Monday, a 15 page paper on Thursday and a 15 page paper the following Monday all due. I have enough Ritalin to last me till this sunday.

I'm clueless as to why he would suddenly not be able to write these scrips anymore. What should I do? If I wait till Friday only to hear that he can't write these scripts, im stuck for Ritalin for next week which is midterm and paper week and I guess I would have to find a new doctor? Should I just go to my university student health centre and get a refill there, and get a referral to the campus Psychiatry clinic?

I am really confused at this point. I don't want to go behind my doctors back but if I wait until Friday to find out that he won't write this script anymore, im screwed for next week. On the other hand I would rather see a Psychiatrist who deals with students and ADHD, perhaps try a different combination of meds as I am not sure Ritalin is the best for me.


Help!

[Matt S.]

I would go to the university health center anyhow, whether or not the doctor will see you to at least prevent this from happening again.

[Mary]

Originally Posted by timmtc

I'm clueless as to why he would suddenly not be able to write these scrips anymore. What should I do? If I wait till Friday only to hear that he can't write these scripts, im stuck for Ritalin for next week which is midterm and paper week and I guess I would have to find a new doctor? Should I just go to my university student health centre and get a refill there, and get a referral to the campus Psychiatry clinic?

It can't hurt to find out. If I were you, I'd give them a call. It might be better in the long run.

As for the other, it could also be the receptionists excuse not to have to deal with anyone while he's out of town.

[timmtc]

I called my university health centre and I know they would be able to help me. She said I can even get a referral to one of the University Psychaitrists who could also help me more extensively if I want to change meds.

I'm really confused as to why my GP would not sign Ritalin scripts out of the blue. Thats what his receptionist said, but just to "make sure" she'll call me back on Friday when she talks to him again.

[Driver]

Originally Posted by timmtc

I'm really confused as to why my GP would not sign Ritalin scripts out of the blue. Thats what his receptionist said, but just to "make sure" she'll call me back on Friday when she talks to him again.

I can't remember where I heard it (or if it's true) but in Australia, due to the class of drug that Ritalin falls into (stimulants--they're open to abuse), you have to visit the doctor to get your scripts (and you can't get repeats). As I'm not an ADD'er nor does my wife take meds, I don't know for certain.

[timmtc]

I went and saw him each month for 5 months to get my scripts, then he told me he is able to call them into the pharmacy. That's how I have recieved my refills for the past year, I haven't even had to go in once.