Can regular MD's prescribe psychological medications?

Question

I have been having panic attacks all week. I can't get anything done and going to work/school are nearly impossible without crying. I feel like I can't breathe most of the time, and I haven't really been able to eat either. I want to make an appointment to get some sort of medicine to calm me down while I work out my personal problems, but I don't know if a regular doctor can prescribe that kind of stuff.

PS. I don't have health insurance, so I can't go to a psychiatrist or anyone besides those at my school's health service.

Answer 1

If you are in the United States they can. Although it would be ideal to see a psychiatrist, anxiety and panic attacks are common enough that an internist or family practitioner can probably do a good job treating it. Some of the medications commonly prescribed are the SSRI antidepressants (Prozac, Lexapro, Zoloft, Celexa, etc.) or anti-anxiety medications such as Buspar or Xanax. As someone already mentioned, you should try and get counseling as well. In particular, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has shown good results with anxiety sufferers.

Answer 2

Jennifer:

I empathize with the difficulty you are having. In the short term, some medications may help you get things a bit more under control.

Yes, any medical professonal with prescribing authority can prescribe anxiety related medications. FYI, psychiatrists are M.D.'s. The only difference from a general practioner is that they have specialized training in mental health related illnesses.

My best guess is that your school's health service has provisions for those people who need medications for anxiety, depression, etc. And, just because a general practice M.D. is not psychiatrically trained, it does not mean that they are unaware of the nature and treatment of mental health issues - M.D.'s are highly trained and expereinced health practioners.

And, most of the research to date does show that using medications alone is not as effective as enlisting the help of a counselor or therapist in addition to the meds. Most likely, your school also has some means for you to speak with a counselor for free or at low cost.

By all means, make an appointment, and talk over your symptoms with the personnel at your health center. Even if they only employee physician's assistants (P.A.) or nurse practioners, in most states, these individuals also have prescribing authority and can write valid prescriptions for anxiety medications. Often they too have mental health knowledge and can be very helpful.

Whatever you do, follow up and take care of yourself. You deserve it. Life may be giving you lemons, have the strenght to make lemonade.

I wish you the best

Answer 3

Yes, a family practitioner can prescribe anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants. Your best bet, however, would be to consult with a psychiatrist to be sure that the medication is right for you. Medication is not THE answer, in fact, it is just a small part of the solution. Counseling in conjunction with medication is the best prescription.

Answer 4

absolutely!!!,, I started having panic attacks about 12 yrs. ago! I wish I new that i could go to my MD. Of course a psychiatrist could better evaluate your symptoms.... But if you can't afford it, definitely go w/ the MD. Best of luck!!!! Sandy

Answer 5

That would depend on where you are and what sort of medication you expect them to prescribe.

Where I am, regular Dr can prescribe things like mild tranquilisers etc but not things like ADHD meds.

ADHD daughter needs to see specialist for that.

Answer 6

Yes Jennifer... They can/will typically prescribe anti-depressants and the like BUT it is ideal to see a psychiatrist... speaking from experience...!!

Answer 7

Absolutely...they do it all the time. Good Luck!

Answer 8

nope..a reg MD can only refill presciptions...sorry.