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koneil avatar

What's up with the pain medication?

Chronic Pain | Last Active: Jan 4 2:01pm | Replies (170)

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@ichbindck Can you explain this a little more? I pick up my medication whever I can find it.
i just get on the phone and call pharmacys.
i don't know exactlywhat you mean.

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Replies to "@ichbindck Can you explain this a little more? I pick up my medication whever I can..."

@koneil In the U.S., opioid prescriptions are limited by laws that restrict the duration, dosage, and circumstances under which they can be given. Most states cap initial prescriptions for acute pain at 3–7 days, and many impose daily dosage limits measured in morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Exceptions exist for cancer, palliative, or hospice care.
Duration limits:

As of 2020, at least 33 states had laws restricting the length of opioid prescriptions, most commonly to 7 days for acute pain. Some states allow only 3 days for initial prescriptions.

These limits often apply only to first-time prescriptions, not ongoing chronic pain management.
Dosage limits:

Several states restrict the maximum daily dose, typically between 30–120 MME/day (morphine milligram equivalents).

Prescribers must justify higher doses with medical documentation
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs):

Nearly all states require prescribers to check PDMP databases before issuing opioids, to prevent “doctor shopping” and overlapping prescriptions.

Some states mandate PDMP checks for every prescription, while others require periodic reviews.
Variation by state: Rules differ widely. For example, Massachusetts caps most initial prescriptions at 7 days, while Florida limits acute pain prescriptions to 3 days unless documented otherwise.

Professional judgment: Many laws allow exceptions if a physician documents medical necessity.

Chronic pain patients: Long-term opioid therapy is still possible but requires closer monitoring, risk assessments, and sometimes pain contracts.

@koneil I am very confused by your question. Are you referring to meds in general, which yes can be filled at presumably any location of your choice. However the previous comment was in relation to opiod prescriptions, which can only be given by ONE sole provider. In a rare case you may receive very limited opiods, maybe up to 10 pills from a hospital, I have in the past, but your Pain Management Dr needs to be informed. This is in reference to opiod meds.