If you need a prescription medicine, you will need to see a doctor or relevant specialist who will assess you and advise on appropriate treatment.
If your doctor is unavailable and you need a prescription for your medication, you can:
If you require a medicine issued under the opioid treatment program (OTP), such as methadone or buprenorphine, then contact the Opioid Treatment Line (OTL) by phone at 1800 642 428 for referrals, advice, and medicine-related queries. The phone line operates Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 5.00 pm, and is not available on public holidays.
Further information
For information on specific medicines or services, visit the following webpages:
In NSW, certain psychiatrists will be eligible to access psilocybine or MDMA for the treatment of specific mental health conditions that have not responded to other medicines or therapies.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will permit authorised psychiatrists to use psilocybine to treat depression that is resistant to other treatments and MDMA to treat post- traumatic stress disorder. There are currently no other approved uses for these two substances.
To help keep patients safe there are strict rules in place which determine who can use these substances and where they can be used.
Only certain Australian registered psychiatrists will be able to apply for approval to prescribe psilocybine and MDMA in NSW. These psychiatrists will have approval from a Human Research Ethics Committee who will make sure that the treatment protocol used is suitable for the patient and includes the necessary safety measures.
Patients will not be given a prescription for psilocybine or MDMA as the substance will be provided at the place of treatment. The treatment will occur in an appropriate healthcare setting, under the supervision of the approved psychiatrist who will remain present throughout the treatment session. Other appropriately qualified and trained health professionals, such as psychologists and a medical practitioner, may be present to assist with the therapy. Patients will not be able to use the medicine without the supervision of their psychiatrist and will not be able to take the medicine with them or access it outside this health setting.
Your regular General Practitioner can provide advice and, if appropriate, refer you to a qualified psychiatrist if they consider that psilocybine or MDMA may be a suitable treatment option for you.
You may be able to participate in a clinical trial of psilocybine or MDMA. More information about how to be part of a clinical trial is available at Australian Clinical Trials.