Since Metadate, a controlled substance, can be habit-forming and easily abused, special rules surround the dispensing and use of it. A controlled substance that is classified as a Class II medicine means that, while it is likely to be abused, it also has a legitimate medical purpose. Because Metadate is a Class II controlled substance, prescriptions for it must be written in "hard copy" and new prescriptions are required each month.

Metadate: A Controlled Substance

Metadate ER^® (methylphenidate extended-release) is a prescription medication that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Metadate CD^® (methylphenidate extended-release) is a longer-acting version licensed to treat ADHD. Both medications are classified as controlled substances. Controlled substances are medications or drugs that are potentially habit-forming and likely to be abused. Certain prescription medications and most illegal street drugs are controlled substances. There are special rules for medications that are controlled substances. Also, there are five different groups (or classes) of controlled substances. Each class has its own specific rules.

 

Metadate, along with most other stimulants, is a Class II (or Schedule II) controlled substance. This means that it has a legitimate medical purpose but is likely to be abused (see Metadate Abuse). Because it is a Class II controlled substance, there are special rules for prescribing it. Prescriptions for Metadate must be in the written "hard copy" form (they cannot be phoned or faxed to a pharmacy). Also, prescriptions cannot have any refills (you must get a new prescription each month).

 

All these special rules and "red tape" may seem inconvenient, but they were put in place to prevent abuse of medications like Metadate. There may be other rules that your healthcare providers must follow for Metadate prescriptions, depending on the laws of your particular state.