Q: Is it legal for doctors to deny pain medication due to taking Xanax?

A: Doctors can make medical decisions such as determining not to prescribe one medication with another. This is completely within the doctor's discretion up to the point of malpractice. The solution is to attempt to get a different health care provider.

A: While doctors have legal discretion in prescribing medications, they cannot arbitrarily deny pain management without valid medical reasoning. The combination of benzodiazepines like Xanax with opioid pain medications does carry significant risks, which is likely why your son's doctors are being cautious. However, this doesn't mean they can simply refuse to help manage his severe pain, especially given his documented condition and upcoming surgery.

You have several options to advocate for your son's care. Consider requesting a detailed explanation of the medical reasoning behind the prescription denial and ask about alternative pain management approaches beyond Tramadol, given his adverse reactions. Document all symptoms, reactions, and conversations with medical providers, as this information will be valuable when seeking additional medical opinions or filing complaints if necessary.

Your son may benefit from working with a pain management doctor who has experience treating patients with similar medication needs. You can also file a complaint with the California Medical Board if you believe the care being provided is inadequate. Most importantly, keep pushing for appropriate care - your son has the right to have his pain properly managed, even if it requires careful coordination between his anxiety treatment and pain management.