They are being forced to pay much higher prices for medicines which they can not access under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). 

They cant get them because they are not listed as being prescribed specifically for anxiety, yet they say these medicines can assist them greatly. 

Coordinator of the Goulburn Anxiety Support Group Penny Hilton said this was the case when she was recently prescribed Valdoxan to assist her anxiety. The drug has greatly benefited her, yet she has to pay $54 for a pack, rather than $6, which other anxiety medicines cost under the PBS rate. 

“Some anxiety medications are available under the PBS and some aren't,” Mrs Hilton said. 

“Unfortunately, even though this drug has been very helpful for me, I can not obtain it under the PBS rate because it is not generally prescribed for anxiety. 

“I think if there is a tablet available for another, related condition, but which works for anxiety, then it should be available at the same price under the PBS for anxiety sufferers. 

I spoke to a pharmacist who said it was “a grey area.”

“The pharmacist said there are about six medications that are not covered by the PBS rate that would greatly help me with my anxiety, but I can not obtain them because it is not prescribed for that condition. 

“I have also spoken to a lot of other people who cant afford their medications - my concern is that they need these medicines and they cant afford them.” 

Another support group member Lorraine (surname withheld) said “it is enough to make you anxious and we are already anxious.”

“There is a stigma attached to anxiety. When you have a broken arm it is obvious but an anxiety disorder is not,” she said.

Fellow sufferer Paul (surname withheld) said it is harder for male anxiety sufferers. 

“It’s harder for blokes. People think a bloke is weak if he admits to having anxiety. As a result many men do not seek help,” he said. 

Are you affected by this? If so, please email David Cole at david.cole@fairfaxmedia.com.au