Guide

Can a Psychiatrist Prescribe Medication Online in India?

Yes. Under the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines issued on 25 March 2020 by the Board of Governors in supersession of the Medical Council of India, a registered medical practitioner, including a psychiatrist, can consult, diagnose and prescribe by video, audio or text, and the e-prescription is valid at any pharmacy in India. The main limits: a first consultation by video can include most psychiatric medicines, but drugs listed in the guidelines' prohibited list (notably those in Schedule X of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules and narcotic or psychotropic substances under the NDPS Act) cannot be prescribed through telemedicine, and some others need a prior in-person consultation.

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What the guidelines allow

The guidelines sort medicines into lists. List O (over-the-counter medicines) can be prescribed in any teleconsultation. List A can be prescribed in a first video consultation and in follow-ups. List B can be prescribed in a follow-up teleconsultation for a condition the doctor has already seen in person. The prohibited list, which includes Schedule X drugs and NDPS-controlled substances, cannot be prescribed by telemedicine at all.

In practice this means antidepressants, most anti-anxiety and antipsychotic medicines, mood stabilisers and sleep medicines without dependence potential can be prescribed online by a psychiatrist who has assessed you by video. Benzodiazepines and stimulants for ADHD are the common exceptions that require an in-person visit.

How an online prescription works at Dr Vohra's

After a video or voice consultation, the psychiatrist issues a signed e-prescription with the registration number, which is sent to you by email or WhatsApp. You can fill it at any pharmacy or online pharmacy. Follow-up reviews and re-prescriptions are done online. If a medicine you need falls outside what telemedicine allows, the psychiatrist will say so and arrange an in-person visit at East Patel Nagar, New Delhi.

The guidelines require the doctor to verify your identity (name, age, address, a photo ID where appropriate) and your consent, which is implied when you initiate the consultation. For a minor, a parent or guardian must be present.

Frequently asked questions

Can an online psychiatrist prescribe antidepressants?
Yes. Antidepressants can be prescribed in a first video consultation under the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines.
Can an online psychiatrist prescribe sleeping pills?
Non-controlled sleep medicines, yes. Benzodiazepines and similar controlled drugs need an in-person consultation.
Is an e-prescription valid at a pharmacy?
Yes, across India, when issued by a registered medical practitioner with their registration number.
How do I book at Dr Vohra's?
Call or WhatsApp +91 99992 49223, email help@drvohras.com, or use the contact form. In person at 29/24, East Patel Nagar, New Delhi 110008, or online across India.
What if this is an emergency?
Call Tele-MANAS 14416 or KIRAN 1800-599-0019 (24x7, free) or 112. Dr Vohra's is not an emergency service.

Book a consultation

Call +91 99992 49223, email help@drvohras.com, or visit us at 29/24, East Patel Nagar, New Delhi 110008. Online consultations are available across India in English and Hindi.

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Sources

If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, call Tele-MANAS 14416, KIRAN 1800-599-0019 or Emergency services 112. Tele-MANAS and KIRAN are 24x7 and free anywhere in India. Dr Vohra's is not a crisis or emergency service.

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