For many individuals with depression, managing symptoms often requires more than just talk therapy. While therapy can provide long-term strategies to improve mental health outcomes, many individuals benefit from a combination of therapy and medication, where medication helps manage symptoms in the short-term. With the recent growth of virtual therapy, many individuals also wonder if it’s possible to get medication online.

Medication can be prescribed via online psychiatric evaluations, although the types of medications rules for prescribing medication online are regulated both federally and by state. Medication must be prescribed by psychiatrists, medical doctors, or psychiatric nurse practitioners, and cannot be prescribed by general therapists or counselors without psychiatric training.

It is possible to get a prescription through telepsychiatry, where a virtual psychiatrist evaluates your symptoms, but in some cases a psychiatrist will want to see you in person before prescribing medication, even if you regularly engage in therapy online.

The Role of Medication in Virtual Therapy

The role of medication in treating mental health conditions is very individualized. The information presented here is for general educational use only and should not take the place of being seen by a prescribing mental health professional for an evaluation and treatment recommendations.

Medication plays a vital role in the treatment of depression, especially in cases of moderate to severe depression. While in-person and online therapies are effective in helping individuals learn effective coping strategies and work on emotional issues, medication is effective in reducing overall symptoms and helping individuals engage better in therapy.

As online therapy has rapidly become one of the most dominant ways people access behavioral health services, the role of online medication management, and specifically prescribing medication online, has become increasingly relevant. Currently, there are federal laws that regulate the prescription of controlled substances and state laws that regulate how medication can be prescribed online.

Federally, the Controlled Substances Act prevents controlled substances (e.g., Xanax, Adderall, opioids) from being delivered, distributed, or dispensed online without a valid prescription. Additionally, rules about the prescription of these drugs were put in place due to the COVID-19 epidemic, and these rules are scheduled to end on December 31st, 2024. Controlled substances will likely require in-person evaluations to qualify for prescriptions in the near future.

For non-controlled substances, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and the majority of antidepressants, prescription laws are designated by each state. For example, in Michigan:

• Pharmacists must ensure the prescription is part of an established prescriber-patient relationship, is authentic, and is appropriate for the condition (e.g., SSRIs for treating depression.)
• Prescriptions must be written by a practitioner, or electronically submitted subscriptions must be manually signed by the prescriber.
• Telehealth providers can prescribe medication only if:
  • The health professional is acting within the scope of their practice (e.g., prescribing antidepressants as a psychiatrist).
  • They are licensed in the state of Michigan.
  • They can provide follow-up care to monitor treatment or be able to refer the patient to a geographically relevant provider.

What all these legal regulations mean is that in Michigan, prescriptions must be legitimate and relevant. Prescriptions must be written by a licensed psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner, be directly applicable to treating depression (or the specific condition being treated), and require that healthcare professionals monitor progress to ensure they are working as intended. However, laws vary by state, and we encourage you to research your state’s regulations on online prescriptions.

The Process of Getting Medication Online

Obtaining medication for depression through online platforms is generally straightforward and similar to the in-person process. Individuals usually begin by scheduling a virtual consultation with a licensed healthcare provider, most often a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner. During this consultation, the provider looks at symptoms, medical history, and overall health to determine the best course of treatment, which might include prescribing medication.

Additionally, some providers prefer to give in-person evaluations because it allows them a more comprehensive view of symptoms (especially physical ones). We encourage you to reach out to your healthcare provider and see whether they offer online consultations in addition to in-person.

If medication is recommended, the provider will discuss treatment options and create a tailored plan to help address your symptoms and condition, which may include a combination with psychotherapy if your provider believes it will have the best outcome. Following the prescription, virtual check-ins will be scheduled to monitor progress, assess effectiveness, and discuss side effects. In some cases, doctors will adjust dosage as needed or start with a smaller dosage that increments as you get used to the overall effects.

Common Challenges Associated With Medication for Depression

While medication can be effective in managing depressive symptoms, it’s important to understand that it’s not a magic bullet. Both patients and healthcare providers should carefully weigh the pros and cons of medication before treatment and continue monitoring its effects during use. Common concerns that arise with medication management include adherence, side effects, and potential effects of long-term use.

For medication to be effective, adherence is crucial. Consistently taking medication will allow it to work the most effectively. Many antidepressants, such as SSRIs, are prescribed to be taken daily but may take 2-4 weeks to become completely effective. These drugs primarily influence neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood, and it’s often a gradual process to see the full results of treatment.

During this initial phase, side effects may be more prominent than the direct effects of the medication, which can be discouraging for many individuals who want to see immediate progress. Antidepressants can cause nausea, fatigue, headaches, and other symptoms, which often become more manageable or go away with time but are rightfully frustrating to deal with.

If side effects are a concern or become concerning during treatment, it’s important to discuss these issues with your healthcare provider during follow-up sessions. They may moderate the dose, frequency, or type of medication to better fit your needs, and the more you communicate your experiences, the better providers can tailor care to your needs.

Additionally, a significant concern individuals have is whether they will need antidepressants indefinitely or become dependent on them. The treatment duration and plan for medication management is something you will discuss with your healthcare provider before treatment begins, and in most cases, treatment lasts for 6-9 months. Your provider will discuss any changes to this plan. If deciding to end medication use, your provider will reduce dosage gradually to ensure you don’t experience any significant withdrawal or side effects of discontinued use.

Get Support For Depression Today with Start My Wellness

As the use of online therapy has become more common and access to therapeutic services have increased, the role of online medication management is playing a larger role in helping individuals manage their depression and have the highest quality of life. Medication, whether delivered online or in-person, can help individuals manage symptoms and engage better in therapy when combined with medication.

At Start My Wellness, we’re committed to making mental healthcare accessible and tailored to your unique needs. Our team of experienced providers offers both online and in-person services to ensure you receive the best care possible.

Take the next step towards better mental health. Contact us today at (248)-514-4955 and meet our certified psychiatric nurse practitioners to start your journey to a better you.

Sources

1. Start My Wellness: The Benefits of Therapy and Medication
2. JMIR Formative Research: Use of Telemedicine in Depression Care by Physicians: Scoping Review
3. Health and Human Services: Prescribing Controlled Substances via Telehealth
4. Center for Connected Health Policy: Online Prescribing by State
5. Start My Wellness: What’s the Difference Between a Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatrist?
6. National Health Service: Overview: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
7. WebMD: What Are the Side Effects of Antidepressants?
8. WebMD: Fears and Facts About Antidepressants