
To meet a safe standard of care, there are medications that we do and do not prescribe. There are also medications and supplements we support only with proper moderation and evidence of need.
We prescribe a large list of medications and recommend supplements that are safe and effective for the symptoms we treat. We only prescribe and recommend medications and supplements that offer clear clinical evidence that they work effectively. When there are indications of risk or side effects, we will clearly outline them at the time of the prescribing and recommendations.
There are some general rules we always follow about medications, and they are:
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We follow all state and federal prescribing regulations. The Federal Ryan Haight Act of 2008 requires that any controlled substances be prescribed only after an in-person assessment. Since this is a primarily virtual practice, some medications can only be prescribed after you are seen during one of our in-person appointment days and then once a year thereafter. These medications include some of the medications used to treat ADHD, sleep disorders, and anxiety. However, there are many successful alternatives we often start with.
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Alprazolam (Xanax) and similar medications are not prescribed to patients who are not presently using it. If you are a current user, we will assess your need, and if you agree to a safe written taper plan, we will treat you. If you don’t agree to a taper plan or are seeking a new prescription for this drug, you will need to find a different provider.
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Stimulants and sleeping aids are prescribed when clinically appropriate and we require you to meet DEA regulations and practice standards.
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Cannabis, when clinically appropriate, is “prescribed” or authorized (based on state law) after other equally effective solutions have been reviewed and considered. The research shows that THC and, more often, CBD have clinical benefits contrary to popular belief. However, THC also has adverse side effects such as worsening of your depression, increasing fatigue, etc. So, like other medications, a prescribed balance can help, but unmanaged it can hinder your progress.