What a Private GP Can and Cannot Prescribe

Private GPs are qualified medical doctors and follow the same professional standards as NHS GPs. However, there are important differences in what private GPs can prescribe, how prescribing is governed, and when medication must be initiated or overseen by specialist services.

This page explains what private GPs can and cannot prescribe, why certain restrictions exist, and how prescribing decisions are made safely in private practice.

These articles are intended as educational sources, not diagnostic nor taking place of a proper medical assessment. If you need help, please book an appointment with one of our GP’s.

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How private GP prescribing works

Private GPs prescribe in line with national guidance, professional standards, and clinical governance requirements. Prescribing decisions are based on clinical need, safety, and whether medication can be initiated and monitored appropriately.

Although private and NHS GPs have the same medical training, private prescribing is not simply an alternative route to obtain medication. The same principles of safe prescribing apply.

Medications a private GP can commonly prescribe

Private GPs can prescribe many commonly used medications in primary care, where it is clinically appropriate and safe to do so. These often include treatments for acute illness, flare-ups of long-term conditions, and symptom management.

Prescribing may be suitable where:

the condition can be safely assessed in primary care
the medication is appropriate without specialist initiation
monitoring requirements can be met
there are no safeguarding or dependency concerns

As with NHS care, not every request for medication will result in a prescription.

Medications that may have restrictions

Some medications require additional caution or specific circumstances before they can be prescribed privately.

Restrictions may apply where:

the medication carries a higher risk of harm
there is potential for dependence or misuse
specialist assessment is normally required before initiation
close monitoring or shared care arrangements are needed

In these cases, a private GP may advise alternative treatment, further assessment, or referral.

Controlled drugs and high-risk medications

Controlled drugs are subject to strict legal and professional controls. Many private GP services do not prescribe controlled drugs, particularly where there is a risk of misuse, dependence, or diversion.

Even where prescribing is legally permitted, a GP may decide that prescribing is not clinically appropriate or safe in a private setting. This is a professional judgement made to protect patient safety.

Controlled drugs: common examples

Controlled drugs are regulated medicines. A medication being controlled does not mean it is unsafe, but it does mean prescribing is tightly governed.

Opioid painkillers

Morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, buprenorphine, tramadol, codeine.

Benzodiazepines

Diazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, clonazepam, temazepam.

Z-drugs for sleep

Zopiclone, zolpidem.

Stimulants

Methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, dexamphetamine.

Gabapentinoids

Pregabalin, gabapentin.

Other controlled medicines

Ketamine, some medical cannabis products, GHB and related substances.

Note: This is not a complete list. Whether a medicine is controlled, and how it is prescribed, depends on UK regulations and clinical judgement.

Trials of treatment and review

In primary care, medications are often started as a trial. This allows a GP to assess whether the treatment improves symptoms and whether side effects are acceptable.

Follow-up is an important part of this process. If a medication does not help, causes side effects, or circumstances change, the plan may be reviewed and adjusted.

This approach helps avoid unnecessary long-term medication.

Specialist-initiated and shared care medications

Some medications are usually started by specialists, such as hospital consultants. These may include treatments that require complex assessment, specialist monitoring, or shared care agreements.

Private GPs generally cannot initiate specialist-only medications without appropriate specialist input.

Differences between private and NHS prescribing

Private prescriptions are issued outside the NHS and are usually paid for by the patient. NHS prescriptions are funded through the NHS and subject to local formularies and policies.

A private GP cannot override NHS prescribing rules or guarantee that the NHS will continue a medication started privately. These boundaries are important to understand when considering private care.

Prescribing decisions and patient safety

Prescribing decisions are always based on safety, not entitlement. A GP may decline to prescribe a medication if:

it is not clinically indicated
it is unsafe in the current circumstances
further assessment is needed
further monitoring is required
prescribing would not meet professional standards

This applies equally in private and NHS care.

How remote GP care affects prescribing

Many prescribing decisions can be made safely following a remote GP consultation. However, some medications require physical examination, observations, or investigations before they can be prescribed.

If remote assessment is not sufficient, this will be explained and appropriate next steps advised.