We had 2 different doctors writing these scripts. One doctor wrote for the Oxycontin and immediate-release oxycodone - and he did a great job making those scripts fillable. He signed his name, printed his name, *and* added his DEA number to the script. *tosses confetti* Thank you for doing a wonderful job, doctor, and making my life easier!
The other scripts were written by what turned out to be a resident, after I did some research. So far as I could tell, he didn't have a DEA number, which meant that I couldn't fill the script for Diazepam. I called the hospital - they didn't have a DEA number on record, but they gave me his pager number. I paged him twice, but - of course - by this time it was getting later in the evening, so he didn't respond.
The mom ended up getting a different doctor in the department on the phone, and handed me her cell phone. Usually, I'm not a fan of talking on patient cell phones, but I just wanted to get this handled and get Mom on her way. Here's about how that conversation went ...
Me: So would you be okay with my using you as the authorizing doctor for the Diazepam?
MD: Why?
Me: Because you have a valid DEA number.
MD: You don't need a DEA number for Diazepam.
Me: Yes, you do. It's a controlled substance.
MD: Are you sure? (No, doc, I just am bothering you after 8pm because I wanted to check with what you thought.)
Me: Yes, it's a benzodiazepine. All of those are controlled. I believe they're Schedule IV. (I then quickly look it up in my computer to confirm.) Yes, sir, it's a Schedule IV drug, and I need a doctor with a DEA number to write for this drug.
MD: Yeah, fine, I'll authorize it.
And, from there, he gave me his DEA number - even though he couldn't really remember it and only gave me the two letters and 6 of the numbers. Still, he was in my computer system, so I was able to look it (and him) up.
I guess my question is regarding how much doctors learn about controlled substances in school - or was this doctor (who I don't know personally) just older and perhaps more out of touch with what drugs are controlled? I know that I had to take a law exam, which covers this sort of material, in order to become licensed as a pharmacist. This is something that I figured doctors would know.
Are there some odd-ball controlled substances? Absolutely! Pseudoephedrine-products, for one. Lyrica (Pregabalin) is another one since a similar drug (Gabapantin / Neurontin) is not controlled. But I figured that it was common knowledge among doctors that benzodiazepines were all controlled drugs. Am I missing something here?
