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518031 tn?1295575374

where do you keep your pain meds????

i have to give Tuck credit for this thread, we were answereing someones question and i mentioned that because i have small grandchildrren and  my kids and some times there friends will visit with me, that i keep a lock box for my pain meds.. i take avinza 30 mg and ii take percoset 10/325's.. i would just die if one of my grandkids would somehow get one and take it.. it would do serious damage or kill thm. and if godforbid someone would help theirselves to some of my meds i would wasnt hurt them...i keep the box out of sight and usually dont get into it unles i am alone..so please let us knoiw where and how you kewep your pain meds..for the ones of us on narcotics
24 Responses
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356518 tn?1322263642
It is very hard for us to even think our child would do such a thing but it does happen.I am assuming you sat her down and let her know the ramifacations of what she done. She made your Dr question you and she put herself and you in a situation where the law could have gotten invovled.
I am glad you do have peace of mind with the lock box and it keeps everyone safe.
Thanks for sharing your story:)
Helpful - 0
535884 tn?1270898471
I also have had problems with one of my daughters stealing my morphine tablets. I suppose I was a bit of an idiot as when I ran out & would go to my Dr for a refill a couple of times I got the third degree as my repeat was not due. I of course strenuously said I was definitely only taking them as directed and was sure they were due again as I had run out. The Dr then said I must have forgotten I had taken them a few times and doubled up.  Now, this is something I am very careful about, plus I have a box that I refill with my various meds once a week as I take quite a few I know they are sorted into their partition doses for the week.  So after this happened 3 times my doctor was getting quite reluctant to refill my scripts. So after being embarassed and crying and even taking my husband in with me to PROMISE I was not abusing the drugs my husband put them in his drawer and thus one day we caught my daughter out searching our bedroom drawers. Turns out she was taking one or two at a time and selling them.  Boy was this a SHOCK!  So now I have a lock box/safe that I put the more powerful drugs in. It was sooo hard having to tell my Dr that was the cause of the missing tablets but at least it cleared my name.  I just couldn't understand how I fould be running out early of the supply as I am very careful about 3 of my meds in particular as they are very strong. Now this way I also am more relaxed when my grandchildren are visiting knowing they can't accidently get to any of my medication. I can't imagine how awful I would feel if one of them mistook my meds for lollies and the dreadful ramifications of them taking any of my drugs. So as far as I'm concerned the safe is the best way to put all minds at ease and makes me a lot more relaxed.
Helpful - 0
606078 tn?1247264553
I've never had a problem with any of my kids taking anything from us. I do have a nephew that takes anything in reach, and we're talking about a grown man. He hasn't been allowed in our home in years, for the very reason he stold one of my hubby;s guns. We got it back, but it was a pain in the arse to do so.
I love my brother, but his son is horrible.
Helpful - 0
547368 tn?1440541785
I agree Jolly. And Mommy please heed Sandee's advice. A call to the police will stop this behavior. But please be forewarned that you may be forced to prove that they broke a lock to get to them. In my state the prescription holder is responsible to see that the narcotic are locked up.

I also have a warning right on my record at my pharmacy that states if I (or my husband) is unknown by sight to the pharmacist, an identification must be shown. It also states only my husband or I can pick up any of my medication. I and my husband on occasion have had to show an ID. I prefer it that way.
Tuck
Helpful - 0
518031 tn?1295575374
if i ever caught one of my kids stealing money or my meds they would probably welcome the police cause i would loose it big time and maybe geta little ugly about it, children should and need to have more respect for their parents
Helpful - 0
356518 tn?1322263642
I have been very lucky with my son. As anyone here will tell you I brag on him all the time. he has been and is the perfect son. I have never once had any problems what so ever!
That puts me at a great disadvantage in understanding what you two are going thru. I can sure say I would have my child locked up but until your put in that postion you just don't know and can't understand the pain you must be going thru. I was a wild teenager and put my Mom and Dad thru pure he** but being a parent is different. We are there for our kids no matter what and will support them always so to be the one who brings them pain like sending them to jail is unheard of. But you have to think about their futures too and can your actions help them in the end.
I know I have no business advising you two because I have not been in this situation but I think some tough love may be in order.
Helpful - 0
535089 tn?1400673519
Mommy52

Gosh, I feel bad for you. I can really relate to your story. I have had a Son who would steel the shirt off your back if you wern't paying attention. It is easy to say that you won't tolorate this kind of behavior and believe me, I have said that and more but the words go in one ear and out the other. My Son did spend time in a juvenile rehab center and I thought that would shake some sense into him but guess what? yep, he did it again. I went as far as when I caught both of my Sons (one instigated the other) with stuff they    stoled from the store..and a fabric store at that, go figure....I marched them back to the store and put it on the counter in front of the customers and told them to tell the clerk that they had taken it. One of my sons never did it again. You really need a lock box. It would be nice if you could get one that was extremely heavy. Take care and good luck in the future with your 7yr old,
Mollyrae
Helpful - 0
356518 tn?1322263642
I am so sorry you have to live this way! I know it is tough but you should let them know this kind of behavior will no longer be tolerated. Have them arrested if they steal from you! I know me saying it and doing it are two very different things but you are living as a guest in your own home. I treasure my home and its privacy and the fact that no oNE takes things from my home. My son is 20 and he would never even think of doing something like this but if he did I would relay the message to him that I will not have it at all.Your sons think they can still pull things over on Mom  and Dad, well show them they can't and you mean business! If you must have proof then set the keys or money out and hide the video carmera to record and when it goes missing show them the tapes and say hey your going to jail if this happens again!
You have to be tough so you and your husband can rest and relax in your own home. It is awful to live this way.
I have no sympathy for anyone who would dare treat their parents in this manner. They neeed to grow up so help them by sending them to jail.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My grown Boys would never touch my "crazy" meds as they call them. They are afraid of them. BUT my 7 y/o---there were 14 Adderall missing from his bottle. Couldn't get a refill. Finally convinced MD for another Rx and we had to pay cash. Don't know where they went. Learned from pharmacist they are loved on the street. Since, ALL Pain meds are kept in pocketbook or purse. It is kept by bed when I sleep and when I'm iin kitchen it is on counter within reach. Sad life to live huh? Don't mention locks. They have been broken to remove cash and very, very old and VALUABLE coins. They were the only thing I had that was my Dad's. One son admitted taking money but not coins. I do not think meds taken by one that took them, but rather sold. I do not wish to be a part of it so my meds are kept in sight.If they aren't I have a special place. My husband also sleeps with billfold under pillow and all keys to all vehicles. Why do kids treat parents like they do? I think I should ask why do we as parents allow our children to treat us as they do. Getting off subject. Good at that. Reading a book "Setting Boundaries for Adult Children" (I think that is the title. Really A good book, but so hard to follow. Shut up Madlyn-starting to ramble.
Helpful - 0
606078 tn?1247264553
My husband and I both keep our meds in the kitchen cabinet. When the grand-babies are here, I put them in the top of our closet. We both have those weekly med dispensers, you know those little jiggers that hold meds Sun. thru Sat. I keep both of those in a cabinet drawer, my cats are very nosey and the sound of the pills rattling in the case makes for a headache if left out.
Helpful - 0
518031 tn?1295575374
i am lucky with the pharmcy, i live in a very small town in western maryland i have used the same pharmcy forever and they know me personally and they know only me or my father can pick up any of my meds. plus if i cant make it to get them they deliver
Helpful - 0
356518 tn?1322263642
Yes it is ad but that is the reality we face each day. We have to worry about being in pain and about keeping our medications safe from those whom it may harm and those who will try and steal them. I have often wondered if the ones who do steal the medications understand that when they take them we have to do without and live in agonizing pain until our next appointment.I am assuming that the drugs they do has clouded their judgement and they can't see this because the alternative is they just don't care and I would really hate to think this is the case.
Helpful - 0
535089 tn?1400673519
Gosh, I never thought about someone calling your pharm. for a refill or even picking them up. I'm sure cameras will help in the capture but still, how sad is that....
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518031 tn?1295575374
money has nothing to do with it, like sandee stated that if our meds ar stolen we are pretty much screwed untill we can get our refills and as far as i know that is once a month.. plus i dont think it is exterm keeping my meds locked up so my grandkids wouldnt accidentally get ahold of one of them.. one of my pills would kill thenm no questions asked and i for one couldnt live with myself if that happened.. so no it isnt extreme at all
Helpful - 0
356518 tn?1322263642
The amount of money spent is alot but it is more than that. When one takes the kind of medications we do we have to keep them safe for our use as well as keep them out of the hands of those whom seek to take them for pleasure. Replacing these kinds of meds is nearly impossible and any CP pt who takes these kinds of medications are well aware of this fact.
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Avatar universal
I'm surprised by how well you all keep your medicines so tightly locked up. I can understand it for those of you with young children but some of it does seem a tad extreme. I mean no offense, to each their own.  I just tend to keep mine in my nightstand drawer and/or on my person, then again, I do only use OTC Advil or Motrin and not prescription meds for my chronic pain. I suppose if I dished out the amount of money you all probably spend for pain meds, I'd more than likely to be more security minded too.
Helpful - 0
356518 tn?1322263642
I wanted to add that I have heard many ways the drug addicts get to our medications.
They will go to open houses and scout out the medicine cabinet.
Go to friends and relitives and go thru the medicine cabinet.
Call your Dr and reqest refills. All they have to know is your docs name and why he/she is treating you.
Go to your pharmacy and attempt to pick up your refills.
We have a huge responsibility because if our meds are stolen then the Dr looks at us with doubt as they ask themslves wht we would keep company with someone who would steal our meds.It is unfair but we would be put under the shadow of doubt should this happen to us. To be treated so unfairly is very wrong but a fact so be very careful and keep n mind we have to be up on the scams the addicts pull so we can protect ourselves.
Helpful - 0
549511 tn?1271775930
I keep mine so safe half the time even i cant find them!!
I have always been very careful even with normal meds,cough mixture, and headache tabs ect ect.
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518031 tn?1295575374
very good point sandee
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535089 tn?1400673519
I TOTALLY AGREE!!
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356518 tn?1322263642
We have a responsibility to keep our medications safe from theft and safe from those whom they may harm or worse.
I keep my medications in a medicine cabinet that has a lock on it and it is in my private bathroom so no one is alowed in there excet my husband.
I too keep a days supply in my purse but I do not have a lock on that but I do have a secret compartmentthat NO ONE could ever find.Gaurenteed!
I think we all know we have to keep our medications from children and too from the kinds of people who seek to steal them from us but I wanted to just say that in case someone was not aware.
I have NO tolerence for those who steal but when they steal medications that we have to have to live then they are the lowest kind of person in my book.
Helpful - 0
535089 tn?1400673519
That's funny Tuck, I did the same thing. I used my sock drawer until one of my Sons saw me go in there and asked what I was doing. I now have a really good hidding place but I think I'll buy a lock box.
Helpful - 0
176495 tn?1301280412
in a drawer in my dresser in my room..unless I know my youngest daughter is coming over, and then I hide them in a closet in my room in a box buried by old laptop bags, clothes and other stuff.  Pills have a habit of disappearing when she's around, though the last time we nailed her on it and it hasn't happened since.


Jim
Helpful - 0
547368 tn?1440541785
OK, we'll being honest here. And no one knows where I live. I use to keep my medication buried in my underwear drawer, along with a few hundred dollars. I don't know the similarity between the two but that's what I did. My father came to live with us and I had more "traffic" in my house. I moved them about the bedroom until I had a small grandchild that came to our home. I have since locked them in a small suitcase that sits inside another locked suitcase. I carry a 24-48 hour supply in my purse in an attached leather zippered pouch with tiny lock. If anyone attempted to take my meds it would certainly draw attention. I have never taken pain medications in front of anyone but my husband and he would never touch them. He was once prescribed Darvon 65mg twenty years ago and took half of one. He talked non-stop (babbled is a better word) for an hour and than slept for 12 more hours. He'd never take my medications because he believes had he taken the entire Darvon he wouldn't be awake yet.  Sorry that was off the question.
So that is where and how I keep any narcotic or muscle relaxant medications. Anyone would be hard pressed to locate them.

Tuck
Helpful - 0
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