A 48-year-old member asked:
Can a primary care doctor prescribe psychiatric meds?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Andrew Turrisianswered
Radiation Oncology 48 years experience
Yes: Using medicines requires knowledge of doses, indications, adverse effects, and interactions with other medicines.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Alianswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Primary care: Sure they can. Main concerns over long-term continued prescribing is side-effects & possible liability issue.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Anthony Vitaanswered
Specializes in Psychiatry
Yes: More antidepressant medications are prescribed by primary care physicians than by psychiatrists. Any licensed physician can prescribe any medication, with a few exceptions. Primary care physicians vary greatly in their comfort level and skill in prescribing such medications, especially when using lithium or antipsychotics.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 28, 2018
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.