Doctors In MI Are Unable To Prescribe Pain Meds If

Posted on Mon, 1 Oct 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 1 Oct 2018 Answered on

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Question : Doctors in MI are unable to prescribe pain meds if you are taking something for anxiety, so I suffer with extreme back, neck, shoulder, elbows and legs pain constantly I have some scoliosis an d arthritis in my spine

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
narco and antianxiety drugs may have synergestic action...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Both narcotics and antianxiety drugs have depressing effects on the central nervous system. Synergistically, both the drugs can lower respiratory and cardiac functions - which could be the reason why doctors are unable to prescribe the pain drugs (narcotics).

However, some drugs known as SSRI are used for chronic anxiety management. They have the potential to control pain. Thus it may work in your case. You can discuss with your treating doctor about it.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (3 hours later)

I do know all of that, but I think you misunderstood my request. This is a MI law not all states have this law. I have been of these for many years and my pain and anxiety were well controlled until Feb. Of this year the law changed all of that. I am 69 years old, have had multiple tx. of everything you could think of before pain meds were used. Now towards the end of my lifespan it would be nice to live it out with dignity and not suffer day in and day out with pain. Other options for anxiety have already been tried as for pain. All I am asking is for someone to hear my cry. But no one is listening. If all possible I am still trying to find a Dr. who can help me with my Norco. And my Dr would prescribe both but MI law prohibits him from doing so. I can see a Psychiatrist for one and my physician can do the other one. I hope this clarifys my position on this matter. I have many years to live God Willing, just would like to like it in dignity and be able to do things again I can not do now because of the pain, does this clarify anything for any of you online DRs?
Sincerely XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consider pain management specialist...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your problem. I have read about MI laws on opioid use. The law has been passed to regulate opioid usage. As per my awareness it doesn't forbid doctor's prescribing pain medications for patients like you. But yes, the process of obtaining a prescription is slightly longer. If your current local doctor is unable to write a prescription, then you might consider visiting a pain management specialist. I am more than confident a pain management specialist will be able to prescribe the pain drugs you are looking for after reviewing your entire medical history and previous prescription patterns.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad