When you walk into your GP’s office with a sore throat, a bad back, or feeling low, you might wonder: what can they actually prescribe? It’s not just antibiotics and painkillers. GPs have a wide range of tools at their disposal - but they don’t hand out prescriptions lightly. What they can and can’t prescribe depends on your symptoms, your medical history, and the rules set by Australia’s healthcare system.
What GPs Can Prescribe: The Basics
General practitioners in Australia can prescribe most medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This includes common treatments for everyday issues like infections, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, and depression. If a medicine is on the PBS, the government helps cover the cost, so you pay less at the pharmacy.
Here’s what you’ll most likely see on a GP prescription:
- Antibiotics like amoxicillin for bacterial infections
- Pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Antihistamines for allergies
- Antacids or proton pump inhibitors for heartburn
- Medications for high blood pressure (e.g., lisinopril)
- Insulin or metformin for diabetes
- Antidepressants like sertraline or fluoxetine
- Thyroid hormone (levothyroxine)
- Asthma inhalers (e.g., salbutamol)
- Topical creams for eczema or fungal infections
These aren’t random picks. GPs follow clinical guidelines from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and Therapeutic Guidelines. They know what works, what’s safe, and what’s cost-effective.
What GPs Cannot Prescribe
Not everything is up for grabs. Some medicines are tightly controlled because they carry risks of misuse, addiction, or serious side effects. These are called controlled drugs and require special rules.
Examples of what GPs cannot prescribe without specialist approval or under strict conditions:
- Opioids like oxycodone or morphine for long-term chronic pain (specialist referral needed)
- Benzodiazepines such as diazepam or alprazolam for anxiety (limited to short-term use)
- Stimulants like methylphenidate for ADHD (requires psychiatrist referral)
- Testosterone replacement therapy (often needs endocrinology input)
- Weight loss drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic) - though some GPs can prescribe this now, it’s still restricted and often requires follow-up monitoring
Even when a GP can prescribe these, they’re cautious. In 2024, the Australian government tightened rules around opioid prescriptions after data showed over 1,000 deaths linked to pharmaceutical opioids each year. GPs now use digital tools to check your prescription history before writing anything risky.
Prescribing for Mental Health
Mental health is one of the most common reasons people see their GP. In 2023, over 1.2 million Australians received a mental health treatment plan from their GP. These plans allow you to claim up to 20 sessions per year with a psychologist through Medicare.
When it comes to medication, GPs often start with SSRIs - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors - for depression and anxiety. These include drugs like escitalopram and citalopram. They’re preferred because they’re safer than older antidepressants and have fewer side effects.
But GPs don’t just hand out pills. They’ll ask about sleep, stress, alcohol use, and social support. If someone’s struggling, they might refer them to a counsellor, a mental health clinic, or a psychiatrist. Prescribing is just one part of the plan.
What About Supplements and Alternative Treatments?
Many people ask their GP about vitamins, herbal remedies, or supplements like turmeric, fish oil, or melatonin. The short answer: GPs can prescribe them - but they rarely do.
Why? Because most supplements aren’t regulated like medicines. Their quality, dosage, and effectiveness aren’t guaranteed. A GP won’t write a prescription for a $20 bottle of omega-3 from the supermarket - you can buy it over the counter without one.
There are exceptions. For example, high-dose vitamin D is sometimes prescribed for people with severe deficiency, especially in winter. Or folic acid for pregnant women. But even then, it’s based on blood tests, not guesswork.
Some GPs will suggest evidence-based supplements - like magnesium for muscle cramps or probiotics for gut issues - but they’ll tell you to buy them yourself. They’re not covered by PBS, so there’s no subsidy.
Prescriptions vs. Over-the-Counter: Where’s the Line?
Some medicines exist in both worlds. For example:
- Ibuprofen: You can buy 200mg tablets over the counter. Your GP can prescribe 400mg or 600mg if you need more.
- Codeine: Low-dose codeine (15mg) used to be available OTC with paracetamol, but since 2018, it’s prescription-only in Australia. That change cut down on misuse.
- Antihistamines: Non-drowsy ones like cetirizine are OTC. Stronger versions like hydroxyzine require a prescription.
The line between prescription and OTC isn’t about strength alone - it’s about safety. The government moves drugs from OTC to prescription when they’re being misused or when people need medical supervision to use them safely.
How Long Do Prescriptions Last?
Most prescriptions in Australia are valid for 12 months. But there are exceptions:
- Controlled drugs like opioids or benzodiazepines: valid for only 6 months
- Repeat prescriptions: your GP may write ‘repeat’ on the script, letting you get the same medicine again without a new appointment
- Contraceptive pills: often prescribed for 12 months with repeats
Some GPs will give you a script with multiple repeats - say, three - so you don’t have to come back every time you run out. But if you need a refill after the repeats are used up, you’ll need another consultation. This isn’t bureaucracy - it’s a safety check.
What If Your GP Says No?
It happens. You might ask for antibiotics for a cold, or a stronger painkiller for back pain, and your GP says no. That doesn’t mean they don’t care. It means they’re following the science.
Antibiotics don’t work on viruses. Giving them when they’re not needed leads to resistance - a global health crisis. In Australia, over 60% of antibiotic prescriptions are for respiratory infections - most of which are viral. GPs are trained to resist pressure to prescribe unnecessarily.
When a GP says no, they should explain why. They might offer alternatives: rest, hydration, heat packs, physiotherapy, or a referral. If you’re still unsure, ask: ‘What’s the plan if this doesn’t get better?’ That’s a smart question - and GPs appreciate it.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Prescription
Getting a prescription is only half the battle. Here’s how to make sure it works:
- Read the label. Know how often to take it and whether to take it with food.
- Don’t stop taking antibiotics early, even if you feel better. Finishing the course stops resistant bacteria.
- Keep a list of all your medications - including supplements - and bring it to every appointment.
- Ask your pharmacist if you’re unsure. They’re trained to spot dangerous interactions.
- Use a pill organizer if you take multiple meds daily.
Also, check if your medicine is on the PBS. If it’s expensive, ask your GP if there’s a cheaper generic version. Most are just as effective.
What About Private Prescriptions?
Some medicines aren’t on the PBS - they’re too new, too expensive, or not proven to be cost-effective. These are called private prescriptions. You pay full price.
Examples include newer diabetes drugs like semaglutide (Wegovy), certain cancer treatments, or newer migraine preventatives. GPs can still prescribe them - but they’ll explain the cost and whether it’s worth it.
Some private prescriptions can be subsidized through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme’s Safety Net. Once you’ve spent over $1,500 out-of-pocket on PBS and private scripts in a year, your co-payment drops to $0 for the rest of the year.
Final Thoughts: GPs Are Gatekeepers, Not Just Prescribers
What a GP can prescribe is only part of the story. What they choose to prescribe - and what they don’t - is based on years of training, evidence, and responsibility. They’re not just handing out pills. They’re weighing risks, checking for interactions, avoiding overuse, and thinking about your long-term health.
If you’re unsure what your GP can prescribe, ask. If you’re told no, ask why. Most GPs welcome thoughtful questions. And if you need something outside their scope - a specialist, a mental health plan, or a referral - they’ll help you get there.
Your GP’s job isn’t to fix everything with a script. It’s to help you heal - safely, sustainably, and smartly.
Can a GP prescribe antibiotics for a cold?
No, GPs won’t prescribe antibiotics for a cold because colds are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Antibiotics don’t work on viruses and can cause harm by contributing to antibiotic resistance. GPs will instead recommend rest, fluids, and symptom relief.
Can a GP prescribe antidepressants?
Yes, GPs can prescribe antidepressants like sertraline, fluoxetine, or escitalopram. They often start with these SSRIs because they’re safe and effective for mild to moderate depression. GPs usually combine medication with lifestyle advice or referrals to psychologists.
Do GPs prescribe painkillers for chronic pain?
GPs can prescribe mild painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen for chronic pain, but they avoid strong opioids like oxycodone unless referred by a pain specialist. Long-term opioid use carries high risks of dependence and side effects, so GPs focus on non-drug treatments like physiotherapy, exercise, and cognitive behavioural therapy.
Can I get a prescription for weight loss drugs like Ozempic?
Yes, some GPs can prescribe semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy) for weight loss, but only if you have a BMI over 30 and have tried lifestyle changes first. It’s not approved for cosmetic weight loss, and GPs will monitor you closely for side effects and ensure it’s used safely.
How long is a GP prescription valid for?
Most prescriptions are valid for 12 months, but controlled drugs like benzodiazepines or opioids are only valid for 6 months. Repeat prescriptions may be allowed, but you’ll need to see your GP again after the repeats run out to ensure it’s still safe and needed.
