Can a PCP prescribe anti-depression medication?

Question

Every fall I get really depressed. Well, it has started earlier this year and more intense. It usually starts only after it starts to get cold outside, but this time it has started only after it started to get dark earlier. It really sucks because I have no real apatite but I crave candy and alcohol. I have no motivation to go to work and I'm tired all of the time. I know this year is going to get worse because the way I feel is similar to the way I would normally feel in late November.

So, my question is can my PCP prescribe something for this or do I have to see a psychiatrist?

Thank you for your answers. I appreciate them.

Answer 1

Any primary care provider, physician, nurse practitioner, or PA can write for anti-depressants. The question of course is, are they able to manage your mental health issues. If you have taken meds in the past see your PCP. Give them your med history. They will be able to prescribe the meds and make sure they will not interact with your other medications if you take any. Then since this is obviously an ongoing issue, you need to see a mental health professional. Continued counseling and support will be needed, as well as possible alteration of the medications.

Answer 2

First thing to do is to talk with your PCP about the problem. He or she might be able to prescribe something for your symptoms; but there's also a strong chance that you could get referred to a psychiatrist.

Answer 3

A family physician can prescribe any medications, but honestly, you should see someone who specializes in mental health. Sometimes family physicians just aren't informed enough to know what would be the best treatment for you.

Answer 4

You need to talk to someone who knows psychotropics. they would know how they might interact with any chemotherapy or other meds that you might be taking. They would also know best which medicines will work best with the ones that you're already taking. in fact I would ask my oncologist to direct me to a therapist who's used to dealing with cancer patients. I know that there are psychiatrist who do this as I had one when I was diagnosed about ten years ago. They understood what I was dealing with and they knew which medications where more likely to work. I will keep you in my thoughts.

Answer 5

A PCP certainly can, and many do, but generally they will only do so if they feel qualified to do so....

in other words, a lot of doctors wont write scripts just because you ask, since in the end, they are legally responsible for the scipts they write.

Ask them, its worth asking....

Answer 6

Your family physician is fully capable of prescribing you medication for depression. They may want you to speak to someone or follow-up with counseling, but they are able to prescribe you medication if needed.