Certain medication that are potentially addictive are considered “controlled”, and can only be prescribed by a provider who has met you in person first, as per the federal regulation, The Ryan Haight Act of 2008. Examples of controlled medications are:
Benzodiazepines - used for anxiety, panic, sleep disorders, tremors, and seizures - include medications such as Xanax, Ativan, Restoril, Valium, Klonopin, and Librium
Hypnotics - used for insomnia - include medications such as Ambien, Ambien CR, Lunesta, and Sonata
Stimulants - used for ADD/ADHD, fatigue, depression, cognitive issues, and narcolepsy - include medications such as Dextroamphetamine, Adderall, Vyvanse, Dexedrine, Methylphendiate, Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Provigil, and Nuvigil
Opioids, used for pain, and will not generally be recommended by psychiatrists
If you've never had an online psychiatry visit before, you might have some questions about how the process works. Dr. Churi, Amwell’s staff psychiatrist, shares answers and helpful information about telepsychiatry.
Addiction is a difficult topic for many people — usually because they suffer from it or know somebody who does. It can also be amplified by many things, one of which is extreme stress from challenging life events, such as COVID-19. The pandemic has put a unique spin on what it means to have and manage an addiction. Because we are home and possibly unable to attend meetings with support systems and sponsors, it may feel a little lonelier than usual.
In February 2020, as COVID-19 began to spread and surge across the United States, the CDC advised physicians and the public to engage in social distancing and seek care virtually via telehealth when needed. Since March 2020, the use of telehealth has risen by over 50% compared to that same time period in March 2019, and it continues to rise.
