Certain medications prescribed to support your care, including stimulants and benzodiazepines, are classified as controlled substances. These medications can be extremely effective when used appropriately, but they also carry specific risks. As your prescribers, we take our responsibility seriously. This packet is designed to help you understand:

• Why controlled substances are regulated
• How we work together to ensure safety
• What responsibilities you have as part of this treatment
   

Our goal is to protect both your access to treatment and your overall wellbeing.

Controlled substances are medications that have the potential for misuse, diversion, or dependency. Because of this, their prescribing and dispensing are carefully regulated by:

• Prescribers - who assess medical need and monitor ongoing use.
• Pharmacies - who verify prescriptions, check state monitoring programs, and track dispensing.
• State and Federal Regulatory Boards - who oversee usage patterns to prevent public health harm.
   

Examples include stimulant medications (commonly used for ADHD) and certain anti-anxiety medications.

You may notice that prescriptions for controlled substances are typically limited to a 30-day supply. This allows us to:

• Check regularly on how the medication is working.
• Monitor for side effects, tolerance, or misuse.
• Comply with legal requirements.
   

Regulations, not provider preference, drive these limits. Your pharmacy and insurance may also enforce refill timing rules.

Managing controlled substances safely requires active participation from you as well. We encourage you to think about:

• Storage: Keep medications in a secure, private location to prevent accidental or intentional access by others.
• Tracking: Use a pill organizer or app to monitor daily doses.
• Awareness: Be alert to changes in how the medication affects you, and let your provider know.
• Boundaries: Never share, sell, or trade your medications under any circumstances.
    

This is part of being a responsible steward of your treatment.

Q: Why won’t you replace a lost or stolen prescription?

A: Controlled substance regulations discourage replacing medications to minimize the risk of misuse or diversion. It is your responsibility to protect your medications.

 

Q: What if I run out early?

A: Early refills may not be possible. If you’re running out early, please discuss this with your provider. This may reflect dosing issues that need to be addressed clinically.

 

Q: Can I get extra medication for vacation or travel?

A: Sometimes. We can often accommodate upcoming travel, but advance notice is essential. See the travel section below.

If you are planning travel, especially out-of-state or internationally, please notify us at least 2 weeks in advance so we can coordinate pharmacy arrangements if possible. Last-minute requests may not be feasible due to regulations and pharmacy rules.

Please have the following information ready:

• Travel dates
• Destination(s)
• Preferred pharmacy during travel (if applicable)
• Current prescription end date

To ensure safe prescribing and meet regulatory standards, we follow these specific policies:

• Lost or stolen medications will not be replaced. You are fully responsible for safeguarding your prescriptions.
• Do not adjust your dosage without prior consultation and approval from your provider. Any changes in dosing must be discussed in advance.
• Early refills will not be provided except in limited travel-related circumstances with sufficient advance notice.
• Prescriptions will be provided only by your provider or an approved covering provider during periods when your regular provider is unavailable.
• Sharing, selling, or trading medications is strictly prohibited. Use your medication exactly as prescribed for your personal use only.

We are required by law and by professional standards to monitor controlled substance use carefully. This may include:

• Reviewing state Prescription Monitoring Programs (PMP)
• Communicating with other healthcare providers involved in your care
• Coordinating with your pharmacy when questions arise
   

These steps help ensure your safety and protect the integrity of your treatment.

This is a partnership. As your prescribers, we will:

• Prescribe responsibly and monitor treatment
• Communicate openly with you about your care
• Remain available to address your concerns
   

In turn, we ask you to:

• Share accurate information about your medical history and medication use
• Notify us of any changes in your health or medications
• Use your medications exactly as prescribed
• Store your medications safely
• Avoid sharing or misusing your prescriptions
• Communicate proactively about travel or scheduling issues

By completing this form, you acknowledge that:

• You have reviewed the information provided.
• You understand both the educational content and your responsibilities.
• You agree to participate actively and responsibly in your treatment.