Traveling nursing with a schedule II controlled substance

[Misstravelrn]

Does anyone have experience with traveling on a schedule II controlled substance, i.e. Adderall? I know that laws somewhat vary from state to state, but where I currently live, state law requires monthly office visits to have it ordered each month, and it is limited to a 30 day supply.

This would mean either, a) fly back home for an appointment every month, or, b) establish a new psychiatrist in every assignment location (which could be every 13 weeks).

Neither of these options seem too practical. I would like to hear from anyone who has had experience with this. Thank you in advance.

[NedRN]

Any physician can order it, doesn't need to be a psychiatrist. You can also get around the issue in most states by getting a physician to order a 90 day supply and filling it outside insurance (insurance is where the 30 days requirement comes from). I had to do that anyway with a Dexedrine prescription for a sleep disorder that my insurance wouldn't recognize (actually started out with Adderall from my non-psychiatric GP until additional research suggested non blended dextroamphetamine was better for my issue with fewer side effects). Go to goodrx.com for coupons. Very affordable and a lot easier than getting a new physician everywhere you go. In fact if I remember correctly, Adderall is cheaper.

If this is your first time traveling, here is some additional info you may not be aware of. You will be drug tested and fail. This takes additional time so you need to plan for that. The testing lab will call you and ask for your prescription number and the pharmacy where you filled it so hang on to your last pill container. Not so hard, but can take extra time. I had a horrible experience with one agency's off brand testing lab (not originated at Quest or Labcorp) which took an amazing three weeks while I cooled my heels at the assignment location (long story but I already had done a ten panel, but the report only showed 9 results so I had to redo it). I no longer take Dexedrine but most weeks I'm likely to be positive for a benzo sleep aid which is also Schedule 2.

[Misstravelrn]

Thank you NedRN, this is very helpful.