Can the pediatrician prescribe an anti anxiety medication?

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Forum -> Inquiries & Offers -> Lakewood, Toms River & Jackson related Inquiries

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amother

Wed, Apr 26 2023, 11:28 pm

For my teen-
I would follow up with a psychiatrist but can we get started with something most commonly used?
We go to chemed. Not looking for a social worker.
Can a pediatrician help?

amother

Sienna

Wed, Apr 26 2023, 11:31 pm

Could be but I’m orettty sure chemed has a psychiatrist

amother

Wed, Apr 26 2023, 11:32 pm

amother Sienna wrote:

Could be but I’m orettty sure chemed has a psychiatrist

That must be something new- thanks

amother

Vanilla

Thu, Apr 27 2023, 12:12 am

amother OP wrote:

That must be something new- thanks

No it's been a while but not so easy to get an appointment!
Could be that if she's referred by chemed pediatrician, you'll get in sooner!

Chayalle

Thu, Apr 27 2023, 8:32 am

I don't think pediatricians will routinely prescribe anti-anxiety meds, particularly where there wasn't a diagnosis,prescripton from a psychiatrist, etc...it's not their area of expertise. (said as sister of a pediatrician)

amother

Blueberry

Thu, Apr 27 2023, 8:34 am

As a mom, who has dealt with it, please go straight to a specialists. Even if it means traveling for an appointment. They specialize in mental health a pediatrician does not.

amother

Hyacinth

Thu, Apr 27 2023, 8:39 am

They can but the don’t usually want to. Adult general practitioners and OBs prescribe them regularly so if she’s an older teen it might be faster to get her into a general practitioner while you’re waiting to see a psychiatrist.

amother

Watermelon

Thu, Apr 27 2023, 9:47 am

This is something that you don’t play around with. Pediatricians are not trained for this.

amother

Thu, Apr 27 2023, 9:51 am

Okay… so who can I call around here without having to wait a few weeks for an appointment?

amother

Scarlet

Thu, Apr 27 2023, 9:53 am

It should first be prescribed by a psychiatrist and then you could follow up with your pediatrician. The pediatrician will not know which med and dosage in my experience.

amother

Scarlet

Thu, Apr 27 2023, 9:57 am

If the psychatrist you are being refered to cant see her soon enough, you may want to take her in private and pay for the consultation.
Sorry I am not in your area. It is tough to find someone good. Maybe call a referal agency.
Hatzlacha!

amother

Ecru

Thu, Apr 27 2023, 8:43 pm

They definitely can get your kid started on something until you get in with a specialist. Regardless of who your teen sees, for anxiety, first meds to try would be an SSRI and they’re mostly the same, start low and titration up. Although primary care providers aren’t especially familiar with the complexities, they definitely know the basics.

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