All psychiatric medications except controlled substances can be prescribed at the initial new patient appointment.
Controlled substances are certain medications that are potentially addictive and abused. According to federal law (The Ryan Haight Act of 2008), these medications can only be prescribed in an online visit if the psychiatrist has seen you at least once in-person.
Examples of controlled medications include:
- Benzodiazepines – used for anxiety, panic attacks, sleep disorders, tremors, and seizures: Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, Valium, Restoril, Valium, and Librium
- Hypnotics – used for insomnia: Ambien, Ambien CR, Lunesta, Sonata, Belsomra
- Stimulants – used for ADHD/ADD, depression, fatigue, narcolepsy, cognitive issues: Adderall, Dextroamphetamine, Methylphendiate, Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Vyvanse, Dexedrine, Provigil, and Nuvigil
- Opioids, used for pain control; not usually prescribed by psychiatrist, except medications used to treat opioid addiction such as Suboxone.