Can I Get Alternative Medicine Prescribed for Anxiety?

If you’re living in Australia and wondering whether you can get alternative medicine prescribed for anxiety, you’re definitely not alone. Natural medicine, or cannabidiol, has been gaining serious attention for its potential to help with a range of issues, including anxiety, but there’s a lot to unpack when it comes to how it fits into Australia’s tightly regulated medical system.

The Short Answer

Yes, you can get alternative medicine prescribed for anxiety in Australia but, as with most things related to plant-based medicine, it’s not as simple as just walking into a pharmacy and asking for it. The process involves getting a prescription from a doctor who is familiar with prescribing natural medicine and navigating a few regulatory hoops. But before diving into the “how,” let’s talk about why people are looking at natural medicine for anxiety in the first place.

Why Alternative Medicine for Anxiety?

Anxiety can be a relentless beast, and it affects everyone differently. Some people might feel constant background worry, while others experience sharp spikes of panic. Either way, it’s no fun. Traditional medications like antidepressants or benzodiazepines can help, but they often come with a laundry list of side effects from drowsiness to dependency.

That’s where alternative medicine comes in. Natural medicine is a compound found in the plant-based medicine plant that doesn’t get you high unlike its more famous cousin, THC. 

Many people are curious about natural medicine because of its calming properties without the psychoactive effects. Early studies and anecdotal reports suggest it might help ease the symptoms of anxiety by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system (basically, a network of receptors in your body that helps regulate things like mood, sleep, and pain).

It’s not a silver bullet or an instant fix, but for some people, natural medicine offers a gentler alternative to traditional anxiety treatments. That’s why it’s become such a hot topic in the medical world.

The Prescription Process in Australia

So, how do you actually get your hands on alternative medicine for anxiety in Australia? The first step is talking to a doctor, but not just any doctor. You need to find one who’s familiar with prescribing plant-based medicine products. This can be a bit tricky, since not all doctors are on board with the idea yet.

When you do find a willing doctor, they’ll assess your situation. Alternative medicine isn’t something you’ll typically be prescribed as a first-line treatment meaning they’ll probably explore other options first (like lifestyle changes, therapy, or more conventional medications). If you’ve tried other treatments and they haven’t worked or caused unpleasant side effects, then your doctor might consider alternative medicine as an option.

Once your doctor is on board, they’ll need to get approval through the Special Access Scheme (SAS). This process can take some time because each case is reviewed individually by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Only then can your doctor actually write a prescription for you.

What Forms of Alternative Medicine Are Available?

In Australia, alternative medicine can come in a few different forms: oils, capsules, tinctures, or even topical creams. If you’re using it for anxiety, you’ll most likely be prescribed natural medicine oil or capsules that you can take daily or as needed. The dose will depend on your condition, but one of the benefits of natural medicine is that it can be adjusted quite easily under a doctor's supervision.

The TGA has specific rules about how natural medicine products can be prescribed, and the content of THC (the compound that makes you high) must be below a certain level, or in some cases, non-existent.

What Does the Research Say?

Even though natural medicine is a hot topic, research into its effectiveness for anxiety is still in its early stages. Some studies have shown promising results. For example, a 2019 study suggested that natural medicine can reduce anxiety levels in people with anxiety-related disorders. Another study found that natural medicine could help reduce the nervousness people feel before public speaking.

But, and this is a big but, not all studies agree, and natural medicine isn’t a magic cure. It might work for some people and not for others. Science is still catching up with the hype, so it's important to have realistic expectations.

Is Alternative Medicine Legal in Australia?

Yes, alternative medicine is legal in Australia, but it’s heavily regulated. You can’t just walk into a store and buy it like you would over-the-counter painkillers. Everything is prescription-only, and you have to go through the proper channels, which we’ve covered above.

It’s also important to note that natural medicine products sold online without a prescription (even if they claim to be 100% legit) are technically illegal in Australia. You need to stick to the legal pathway if you want to ensure you’re getting safe, high-quality natural medicine that’s been approved for medical use.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

If you’re hoping that natural medicine will immediately melt away all your anxiety, you might need to adjust your expectations. Some people feel relief quite quickly, within an hour of taking it, while others might need to take it consistently for a week or more before noticing any real difference. The way your body reacts to natural medicine depends on a lot of factors, like your metabolism, the severity of

your anxiety, and the dosage you’re taking.The best way to find out what works for you is to be patient, start with a low dose, and slowly increase it under your doctor’s guidance.

Possible Side Effects

Just like any other treatment, natural medicine can have side effects. The good news is that they tend to be mild. Common ones include feeling tired, changes in appetite, or an upset stomach. It’s also possible that natural medicine could interact with other medications you’re taking, so that’s something you’ll need to discuss with your doctor.

If you experience any serious side effects, it’s important to let your doctor know immediately.

Is Natural Medicine the Right Choice

That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? For some people, natural medicine can make a noticeable difference in how they manage anxiety. For others, it might not be as effective. The key is to work closely with your doctor, be honest about your symptoms, and keep an open mind. Natural medicine is just one tool in the toolkit when it comes to anxiety treatment, and it might take a bit of trial and error to figure out what works best for you.

Getting alternative medicine prescribed for anxiety in Australia is possible, but it takes some time and patience. The process involves finding the right doctor, going through the appropriate approvals, and fine-tuning your treatment plan. But for those who have struggled with traditional treatments, it can offer a new, more natural option that’s worth exploring.

Just remember, it’s important to stay informed, work with your healthcare provider, and have realistic expectations about what natural medicine can do. If you’re curious, talking to a doctor who specialises in medical plant-based medicine is the first step toward finding out if it’s the right fit for your anxiety.