Doctors Who Prescribe Methadone (Page 4) (Top voted first)

I am addicted to strong pain meds and I am tired of having to come off of them, the withdrawal is awful. I went to a urgent care doc and was prescribed suboxone. I take anxiety meds too but he wants me to stop. I really need the anxiety meds but he wants me off them. How do I get him to change it from suboxone to methadone so I can take my anxiety meds?

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This is to Guy, all I have to say is good luck. My husband and I were seeing a private physician in Pa. and moved to NJ, talk about culture shock. The doctor in Pa was prescribing us methadone for chronic pain. By the way, we are both in our early sixties, and we both have very bad backs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc diseases, you name it. We tried for 7 months to find a private doctor to no avail. Finally we went to a pain management clinic and although the doctors there do have private practices we were informed the government frowns upon physicians who privately write prescriptions for methadone. They prefer to have it done in a clinical setting. Best of luck to you.

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Guy, we did everything and have now settled in with a pain clinic associated with a huge teaching hospital in NJ. It saves us driving 8 hours to Pa. The trip is only an hour one way and we are getting our meds. Doctors just won't prescribe those kind of meds out of their offices, but they will in a clinical setting. Go figure.

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@Tessa, re you Post #126

I feel it very important to finish my story, I only made it about half way through the ordeal(s) I've had to face for the past three years, two months, and have been following this particular thread almost since the beginning. I'll finish it. You think what I've written so far is gut wrenching, wait until you see the rest. Will finish, or the next 'installment' will be soon.

No disrespect my dear Tessa, but I'm very sorry my "ever redundant story about JO" disturbs you. This is the second time I've been read the riot act from you insinuating I don't have anything better to do but "berate" JO. There are many reasons why she in particular is on my "radar" and "watch list". And I am not the only one who has called her on her $hit (for lack of a better word) on her giving downright unacceptable, untrue and improper information. She has stated that she takes 65mgs. of Methadone a day. While methadone is a strong narcotic, of which JO so naively stated she didn't believe it was, while full well knowing that it is (and being told it is and to "stop acting like she was ignorant of this fact", plus the ambiguities in her statements about the NUMEROUS doctors she's seen and narcotics taken leaves more than myself a little perplexed about her history. Of which she is very vague about with too, btw.

I remember when you first wrote here. Of course she responded, as she does every single person who has written to date. As a matter of fact (and I tried to get an accurate count) she has more than half the comments on this thread alone. You were urgently searching for a PMDR in NJ after you and your husband moved there.

Now just for the record, You, Jo and I are basically in the same age bracket, as much as I hate to admit it, in the 60 y/o age range. At first, from the way she wrote, I had assumed she was much younger. I think she is certainly old enough to defend herself, and am surprised she did not when I posted my first comments recently directed solely to her. She's a big girl, and certainly can dish it out so should be able to, as an adult address a response to me, but backs off when confronted, yet looks for validation, especially when someone like you defend her. Her actions on posting here, leave a lot to be desired. Simply stated, I have been following this particular discussion since the beginning in March. I recall back then JO posted a comment on November 25, 2012 - Post #7 And here it is:

"TO: Susan - Yes Susan, etc., etc., If U can find a good anesthesiologist who is willing to write U the script, do go to them fast !! U will get relief. IF U KNOW OF ANY IN CENTRAL N.J. PLEASE FORWARD WHO IT IS, SO I CAN GO TOO!! I HAVE BEEN ON A WILD GOOSE CHACE {sic} FOR THE LAST 6 MONTHS. BECAUSE OF THESE DEA FEARS, I HAVE LOST MY LAST 2 DOCTORS. CURRENTLY I AM WITHOUT MEDS AND SUFFERING LIKE HELL. I wish U all the luck & success in finding the right doctor to treat U. It will work !!"

Sadly, MONTHS later, you start posting, also looking for a PMDR in the NJ area not too far where JO goes. These forums are to help people find a decent doc they can get their pain meds from. JO outright beats around the bush and refuses to tell you (even in a private PM or email, or however this thing works), and you had to play pin the tail on the donkey to every hospital in whatever vicinity ya'll live in to find someone (which I'm pleased to hear you did btw), altho I do not know how much help she was in you getting the care you need.

As far as "Who Cares!" as you've written me before, that moniker happens to belong to my PhD friend who happens to be a psychotherapist by profession, and after reading and following the dialog HE posted to her the following:

Post #51
Whocares Says: Fri, Apr 05 '13, 1:55 PM

"@Jo You seem to be wanting to share your experiences with people and there is nothing wrong with that at all. Some people may find comfort or valuable information in what you post. Do not stop sharing, all Ms. Tweetie and I are saying is be careful what you post and make sure it is accurate so someone does not mix or experiment in the wrong way. Methadone is an extremely strong opiate and should be used with the utmost caution. Now your situation is not at all uncommon in the sense of opiates be tried and exhausted and then finding one(methadone in your case) that relieves your pain symptoms. This is usually done by one practitioner and that is why some would think you may be "doc shopping". The fact that you have been to multiple pain management doctors is alarming and would send off a red flag to most people in the industry. You are fortunate to be given such a strong narcotic for neuropathy because, most physicians will not go stronger than Tramadol for that condition. They prefer things like Syvella, Lyrica, and Cymbalta for neurapathy not narcotics especially methadone. Seldom will you find a pain management physician that is not an anesthesiologist as well. The pain management doctors are probably 70-80% anesthesiologist. The reality is that the only connection that Benzo's and Methadone have is for a drug addict that wants to "nod" they will mix the two and that can be very dangerous because, they both work on the central nervous system and depress breathing and heart rate. Now I am not sure what the issue is with being "right" or "wrong"...you do not have to be either when sharing your experience just be careful not to provide information that could effect the well being of others in a negative way. Peace to you and may your path be filled with light and hope always!!!!" AND, #2 to her is as follows (after he had read enough of her inconsistencies and untruths:

Post 65
Whocares Says: Sun, Apr 07 '13, 6:07 PM

@Jo Please try and get some sort of life... because you have none at this point. I feel sorry for you.Pathetic. I am a person that holds a Psychology Doctorate ...so I am sure I am more qualified then you to assess your state of mind. You suffer from low self-esteem and you have to qualify anything and everything you say before and after making a statement. This is a classic example of inferior complex at it's worse.You have a need to challenge anything a person might say to you or about you. You need to get with a professional and work through some of these issues. I truly think you have more psychological pain then physical. The narcotics are masking something very painful in you. You are in a permanent act of taciturnity and it is sad to read your posts."

I could give more examples, but you can find them yourself by doing a 'Control F' and insert WhoCares in the "Find" box and find more. I have maybe too much time on my hands, but I've read every post on this thread. If JO is giving you moral support, then that is fine. But, when she crosses that line and tells you how you should cut back on meds, or ANYTHING only a medical practitioner would know, run like hell in the other direction. I'm only trying to spare YOU for getting seriously wrong and possibly deadly advice from a woman who, other than sharing her own experiences (which are somewhat shady at best sometimes), really doesn't know what she's talking about in a professional medical sense. Just be careful, is all I ask. And there are others on here who would advise the same thing, as they already have. Next time, let JO explain herself. She doesn't need you or ANYBODY else here to feed her ego. Her writings are like that of a naive 20-something.. not a 60 year old woman.

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It is, quite simply, NOT LEGAL for a physician to prescribe methadone for addiction treatment/maintenance. They can only prescribe it for pain. For addiction treatment you must attend a licensed opioid treatment program (clinic) and the methadone is ordered by the doctor then dispensed by the clinic. That's very different then being prescribed by a doctor and filled at a pharmacy. DATA 2000 law governs Buprenorphine (Suboxone/Subutex) and allows doctors with a DATA 2000 exemption to prescribe it... Not so with methadone. If a doctor PRESCRIBES methadone for anything other than pain he/she is risking censure by the DEA and losing his/her medical license. You must seek treatment from an opioid treatment program to get methadone for the maintenance treatment of opioid addiction. The federal regs are 42 CFR.

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Few days I'll be DEAD!!!! DEA has gone after my doctor. I have been on methadone for 25 years. In pain since 1970"s. I take a lot and I mean a lot. It HAS BEEN A WONDER DRUG FOR ME. I have stayed out of trouble. Now my goverment is going to KILL ME (DEMOCIDE). Why can our goverment KILL people and get away with it!? I'm a nobody and nobody cares if I die. Just like the JEWS. Pick people who are disliked . Too many people to take care of like me. GET RID OF THEM !! They have the power and money. Just like the cartel. With my methadone I can live a normal life. Without it I'M DEAD!!!!!!! WILL MY GOVERMENT GET AWAY WITH MY DEATH ? They could fix this before it happens but will they?

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Doctors can prescribe methadone from their office for pain. If they prescribe it for addiction there are different guidelines. They can treat up to 30 patients and must adhere to federal guidelines and licensing. I have been in both situations. They can prescribe a month at a time. This has been a blessing not having to go in for daily dosing and jumping thru the hoops of clinic. Being treated on an individual basis makes a person feel human. There will always be people who abuse the systems. Good luck to all.

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Ms. Tweetie, I believe it. My doctor has never had an infraction against him, he gives u.a's all the time, does blood tests to make sure your liver is doing well, does not give early refills; basically he doesn't serve people trying to play the system. He's currently having to go through all kinds of seminars (started in September) and such and, while he is, he cannot write the prescriptions I need, and even when he is back up (hopefully around the first of next year) he's not sure what restrictions will be placed on him. I can possibly understand the government doing this for future patients, due to the highly addictive nature of the medications, but once people have been on them for over a decade like I have, I don't understand how they can do that to people. They will be causing deaths I guarantee it. It's sad what this country has come to when people with legitimate health problems are treated like drug addicts and that they and their pain simply don't matter. Best of luck to all, and if anyone knows of a good doctor in the northwest Illinois area I could see until my doctor is back I would really appreciate any help.

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I'm sorry to say you guys have truly confused me & the purpose/ reason for this site. Everyone is more concerned with trying to prove they are right and someone else is wrong.... but I've forgotten what the whole " argument" is about. This was once a friendly, supportive & informative site but now I'm reading posts for entertainment... it's like a soap opera. I quit reading & commenting for quite sometime but just decided to check in & sure enough! People be kind to each other! Don't we have enough problems?

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i went to a shrink he gave me 7 mg of xanax a day he new i was on 200 mg of methadone i know a lot of people on methadone and benzos

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@illustrated girl,

I wish U would not go by what someone else is accusing me of saying. Their words are incorrect and anytime I might have said anything incorrect, I have immediately apologized for it. As a matter of fact, if you were to read every post in here by this person and compare it to all of mine, you would easily see that they say I say things that are not there, anywhere. It's all construed in their mind. I'm accused of stating all different kinds of doses I take, and of saying things others said. Wasn't me. All kinds of things. I have not once said I was a doctor or anything near that. I have never straight on told anybody to take or not take the wrong medicine. I would never say anything to harm someone here. I have only tried to help. I have stayed off this forum because I do not need to read all these bullsh_t accusations. That's all they are. And I would say they are written on days this person probably just does not feel well at all. I was at a point in the beginning of coming into this sight where I was not feeling too well myself, but I still am not guilty of the things I was accused of. If you have the time, as I did this morning, you should go back and re-read every post I have written and read it carefully. You will see I am being true.

I do hope your situation improves for you. Unfortunately, the doctors I know of are not near you. Though I did help one person who was near me. I just didn't type information for the public to see because pain doctors hate when you publish their names on the internet. It's the best way to make them drop you like a hot potato. I did not need that to happen just because one person got annoyed that I didn't publicly share. I wish I could help every single one of you, including the one who has made me look so bad. It's just impossible. I would appreciate it if before you make accusations at me, you would do it fairly by reading all of my posts 1st and not later. I started at Post #7. Long before this person ever got involved posting, although they say they were hear long before me. I just couldn't find that evidence anywhere. I believe their 1st Post was at #34, and her buddy at #40. Sure...some people have disagreed with some things I've said. But if it was wrong, I have always apologized instantly. I don't plan on keeping any arguments up in here. That's why I haven't been here in a while. But when I saw what you said, it brought back a bad feeling.

I truly hope this person will take the time to go back and re-read my posts. If they do.... in their right mind, they will see how wrong they have been. (I hope so anyway) If this person would like to speak to me and clear things up, I would be happy to exchange emails so we can do so. I just doubt they will ever admit they were wrong. Good luck to you. I truly hope you can find the help you need soon. I know it takes a lot, but you must keep trying for your own sake. And don't be afraid to write to your local congressman for help too. Sometimes, it can help. After all...they are the ones who make the laws and cast the votes on them. I do it every chance I get..

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Fingers crossed, I don't know if you have tried Dr. Idress at 8 mile and Dequindre. he is an addiction specialist and he will prescribe meth enough for two weeks but I don't know what else he will prescribe with itt.most Drs when they hear you are on methadone do not want to give you much of anything else. I know he takes Medicare. I would pay cash 75.00 every two weeks and get back $60.00 from Medicare.

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go to a clinic they will take you right in even if your not an addict.aS FOR ALL THE OTHER MIS INFORMATION GIVEN IN THESE THREADS...DONT TALK ABOUT WHAT A DR. CAN AND CANT DO IF YOU DONT KNOW FOR A FACT .THERE IS SO MUCH INFORMATION THAT IS ABSOLOUTLY FALSE ON HERE.MY ADVICE IS TO STAY OFF PAGES THAT OFFER "PERSONAL EXPERIENCES,THOUGHTS" AND GO DIRECTLY TO THE PROFESSIONAL WEBSITES WITH FACTS AND PHONE NUBERS TO GET ANSWERS. GOOD LUCK.

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I know for a FACT that a dr can prescribe both, i get valium and methadone, come to alabama and pay me the $1,000.00 you brag about. Would you like a picture of the scripts???

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Hi I recently moved to south Fla. I have been taking Methadone HCL for 10 years for my back pain. I have a doctor in New York who will prescribe them for me. I cant drive 1300 miles to see him, Does anyone know of a Dr. near Delray Beach who will prescribe them for me ? I am not an addict, they just ease my pain. Thanks

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Blakesdad, I so sorry for ur situation I get it totally but for some reason Vancouver Wa, @ Portland area there's no doctor that I can find to help in methadone other than a clinic @ ur supposed to tell them ur there for being an addict so u c how crazy it gets I've tried looking for doctor who can write dolphin pills so I can b home like other old lady's, just to b normal so if I happen to find one that may give me my last yrs on this earth I'll certainly let u no, for I just want to b comfortable @ normal grandma to think about going to clinic rest of my yrs its heart breaking I'll b 70 in 8 yrs I'm so tired of being broke or lifeless, so I keep looking if u have good insurance Kaiser can help is what I understand so u maybe lucky at that I have ssi so I'm blocked there also.let me no if something good comes of ur efforts, hang in there.

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Does anyone know a Dr that will prescribe methadone for pain in Sacramento? My Dr decided to retire so Idk what else to do.

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You can't take anxiety meds with methadone neither so its really one or the other

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Valium is THE original benzodiazapine.

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I just wanted to share some info that I received just a few minutes ago while searching for a doctor to prescribe methadone privately. Actually a private doctor can prescribe it if u write the Food and Drug Administration. It is a disease of the brain in the exact same category as diabetes. As insulin is to diabetics, methadone is to addicts. Check into it, but also if u are taking methadone u cannot and should not take some anxiety medications. Xanax especially. When the two chemicals mix its a deadly combination. Be careful and responsible about taking it always. Good luck to u.

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Not true, as many people combine Methadone and Xanax.

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