Is a soldier who is prescribed pain meds or narcotics violating any Army Reg by taking said meds during duty hours?

2016-05-03T13:03:52-04:00

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2016 1:04 PM

2016-05-03T13:04:26-04:00

Keeping in mind that the prescription says to take how many ever times a day and for pain as needed.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2016 1:14 PM

2016-05-03T13:14:37-04:00

Nothing.

Depends on the job. A SM on narcs should also have a profile with limitations. SM also needs to follow that profile and not drive while on them.

If you have a SM on narcs, and the prescriptions says something generic like take 1 tab every 4-6 hrs for pain as needed then he is authorized use during the duty day. Command common sense should take effect and not detail a soldier on narcs as a driver or operator of anything other than their own recovery.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2016 1:33 PM

2016-05-03T13:33:16-04:00

Both the soldier and that soldiers leadership need to understand the limitations associated with those pain medications. As long those limitations are being respected, your good to go.

Response by SGT Bradley L. made May 3 at 2016 2:31 PM

2016-05-03T14:31:40-04:00

The best thing to do would be to go back to the clinic and explain your problem. Under normal circumstances they'll issue a profile for the period of the prescription. We used to do this for soldiers in my clinic all the time. That being said be prepared to have someone drive you to and from work, and anywhere you go after duty hours for the duration of the prescription and profile.

Response by SSG Byron Hewett made May 3 at 2016 3:48 PM

2016-05-03T15:48:38-04:00

NO, as long as they have the Rx bottle the medication came in with along with all of the proper identification on the Rx bottle. If you are doing a UA they need to bring the Rx bottle or documentation from the prescribing Dr. .
you should also inform your Counter Drug NCOIC and OIC that you have an individual that has been prescribed a narcotic Rx and send them the documentation from the Dr. so they can be temporarily or permanently be removed from the UA list depending on the soldiers situation weather the Rx is long term or short term. Counter Drug should have all of the regs and SOPs that you need.
Your soldier should not work with any equipment or vehicles that could cause harm, injury, or death after taking any medication that could impair ones judgment.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2016 4:45 PM

2016-05-03T16:45:07-04:00

You are not in violation as long as your not disobeying the medical officer's orders like operating heavy equipment. Also, if your prescription was for 2 weeks, but you opted not to take them and save them- you will be in violation.

Response by SSG Rick Robbins made May 3 at 2016 10:37 PM

2016-05-03T22:37:29-04:00

Yes, they have to be fit for duty and normally opioids have a tendency to alter some folks LOC. If they have a condition that opioids are given for, they should be on quarters anyway

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2016 1:45 AM

2016-05-04T01:45:38-04:00

Ironically, today was my first day back from convalescent leave after ankle surgery. I also had a follow up with the surgeon this afternoon, and was given another Rx for a narcotic painkiller. That being said, I personally don't like taking them during the day because I feel like I'm impaired. If my 1SG told me not to take them during the duty day, I would have no issue complying because it doesn't change the way I'm already taking them.

Now, if the soldier is in enough pain that he or she still needs the medication that badly, I would have that soldier go to sick call or the ER and get the profile or quarters necessary to ensure the soldier is taken care of. Talk to the prescribing medical officer if possible, and they should address the issue with the CoC if necessary.

To me, it sounds like this soldier either requires additional care, is malingering, or is just trying to milk the Meds. Regardless, I would evaluate the entire situation and handle it appropriately and respectfully with all concerned parties.

This situation sounds like it could get uncomfortable for one or more individuals involved. My advice is to tread lightly, and use your NCO support channel to back you up and advise the soldier to do the same. Good luck.

Response by PFC Brian Lesnikowski made May 5 at 2016 3:55 AM

2016-05-05T03:55:16-04:00

If hes operating machinery under the influence of the narcotis i would think so. Operating under the influence

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made May 6 at 2016 12:50 PM

2016-05-06T12:50:05-04:00

You are suppose to take as prescribed however the command can override it. I had a lot of different sleeping and pain pills leading up to my medical retirement. The command worked with me when I was drooling during formation times. I also avoided taking when I have duties like PT test...but usually got me quarters the next day due to the pain.

Response by PFC Celeste Goldie made May 10 at 2016 6:30 PM

2016-05-10T18:30:49-04:00

No.

Response by MSG David Johnson made May 16 at 2016 12:35 PM

2016-05-16T12:35:53-04:00

The aid station used to hand out cough syrup to those with cough, sore throat, etc. that being said, we used to have to send guys back to the barracks cuz of the alcohol content in that cough syrup.