NeuCare’s
Medication Policies

ADD/ADHD: Amphetamines (Ritalin, Adderall, etc.) 

We do NOT prescribe or manage the use of amphetamine (or amphetamine-type) medications for any condition. If needed, we can refer you to specialists (psychiatry) for medication management of ADD/ADHD. Being prescribed amphetamines from an outside physician does not preclude you from being a member of NeuCare, but we will not be responsible for starting, restarting or refilling any amphetamines for any reason for any period of time.

CHRONIC PAIN: Narcotics/Opioids (Lortab, Oxycodone, Codeine, etc.)

Opioids, morphine and it’s relatives, are a last resort for ongoing pain. In most circumstances, addressing underlying health issues, non-opiate medications, manual medicine techniques (physical therapy, rehabilitation, massage, acupuncture, etc.) and lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, sleep, etc.) can significantly reduce and adequately manage chronic pain. 

Long term or frequent use of narcotic medications comes with significant risk – including escalating dosing, dependence, withdrawal, and functional decline. There are certain severe medical conditions that may require extended use (more than 1-2 weeks) of narcotics for pain. 

If you have further questions, please feel free to call to discuss.

ANXIETY, PANIC ATTACKS: Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, etc.)

Benzodiazepines (also known as “benzos”) are a class of medications used for a variety of purposes - including anxiety and "panic attacks". Long-term or frequent use of benzos comes with significant risk of dependence, increasing tolerance, abuse, mental function and adverse effect on physical/mental health. These issues are particularly profound with shorter-acting agents, such a alprazolam (Xanax and Ativan). 

For long-term control of anxiety disorders, several classes of non-benzo medications, therapies and psychology techniques have proven to be effective and safer than benzodiazapines. 

If you have further questions, please feel free to call to discuss.

INSOMNIA: Sleep Medications (Ambien, Lunesta, etc.)

We encourage patients with insomnia issues to improve sleep through a variety of lifestyle changes and therapies.  Many commonly used sleep meds do not actually promote a healthy, restorative sleep, but rather sedate so a person does not awaken easily. Short-term use of sleeping medication can be an effective and safe way to deal with insomnia.  Some "sleep" meds, such as Ambien (Zolpidem) can be dangerous to use on a regular basis and should be used with caution.