In the UK, your family doctor, known as a GP (General Practitioner), can prescribe most antidepressant medicines. Antidepressants are prescription-only drugs used to treat depression and other conditions. A trusted mental health charity explains that the healthcare professionals who can prescribe antidepressants include your GP (family doctor), psychiatrists, and specially trained nurses or pharmacists mind.org.uk. In practice, GPs are often the first doctors to see patients with depression. They can assess your symptoms and, if needed, start an antidepressant prescription.
Antidepressants cannot be obtained over the counter – you need a prescription. The following qualified professionals can prescribe them:
According to Mind (a UK mental health charity), GPs and psychiatrists are the most common prescribers. Many antidepressants can be started by a GP, although a psychiatrist may be involved for complex cases or certain medications.
When you visit your GP with mood or anxiety problems, the doctor will ask about your feelings, sleep, appetite, and any stresses. They will take your medical history to see what might be causing your symptoms. A GP will also consider talking therapies (such as counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy) and lifestyle changes as first steps. If medication is needed, GPs usually follow clinical guidelines.
GPs typically start with an SSRI-type antidepressant (like sertraline or citalopram). SSRIs are the most common first-choice medicines because they are generally well tolerated and safer if taken in large amounts. Your GP will explain the benefits, possible side effects, and how to take the medication safely. They always prescribe “with good reason” and in discussion with you.
When deciding about medication, a GP will usually:
In all cases, GPs act carefully. The Royal College of GPs notes that doctors “will only prescribe anti-depressants with good reason, following a detailed history, and in conversation with the patient about the benefits and risks… in accordance with clinical guidelines” rcgp.org.uk. This means your GP will explain why a medicine might help and what the downsides could be.
If you start on an antidepressant, your GP will continue to support you. You will have appointments to review your progress. As one source says, “when you first start taking antidepressants, you will be seen by a doctor every 1 to 2 weeks”nhs.uk. Over time, visits may be less frequent, but regular reviews are important. Eventually, once you have taken the medication for a while and your condition is stable, your GP can usually continue your repeat prescriptions. Even if a psychiatrist or mental health team prescribed your first dose, GPs often take over routine prescribing afterwards mind.org.uk.
At each follow-up, your GP will check mood symptoms and ask about any side effects. If you want to stop or change treatment, do this only with medical advice. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal effects. Your GP will plan a gradual reduction in dose to minimise any problemsnhs.uk.
Most depression cases can be managed by GPs with or without antidepressants. However, there are times when specialist care is needed. For example:
In short, GPs can start and manage antidepressant treatment, but they also work with psychiatrists when needed. For many patients, the GP remains the main contact person, coordinating care. Whether under NHS care or with a private doctor, the pathway is similar: the GP or psychiatrist decides the best course based on your symptoms.
At the end of the day, yes, a GP in Britain can prescribe antidepressants. They do this routinely for patients with depression or anxiety, and they do so following safe guidelines mind.org.ukrcgp.org.uk.
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