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Original poster

Can an American Doctor write a prescription for a UK citizen?

65 replies

PrawnSacrifice · 16/01/2020 19:33

I would like to try a drug that is not available in the UK, but is widely available (under prescription) in the USA, Australia and Canada. The reason it is not available in the UK is cost.

If I travelled to America and saw a Doctor at my own expense, and if they agree that this drug would be appropriate for my condition (it is widely used for my condition abroad where health insurance covers the cost) would/could they prescribe this drug for me and could I then go to a pharmacist and acquire said drug to bring home to the UK. Obviously I'd be covering all costs.

It's not a banned or illegal substance at all, just one that is not prescribed in the UK for my condition.

OP posts:
lljkk · 16/01/2020 19:35

You don't have to be a citizen of USA to buy prescription medicine in USA

Gammeldragz · 16/01/2020 19:36

Is it not prescribed here or not licensed here? A private doctor may still prescribe it here.

mumwon · 16/01/2020 19:37

Couldn't a private doctor in the UK prescribe it ie not on the NHS?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General health
Gammeldragz · 16/01/2020 19:38

For example, my DH was prescribed a drug privately that he was unable to get on NHS prescription due to cost and licensing. We didn't follow through as it cost £170 a month, but we could have got it.

Mustbetimeforachange · 16/01/2020 19:39

If you say what the drug is people may be able to help more?

JoanieCash · 16/01/2020 19:39

If it’s just cost that it’s not on NHS, why don’t you get it on a private prescription here in Uk from a private specialist?

JoanieCash · 16/01/2020 19:42

Also, drug pricing in Uk is usually significantly cheaper than USA, so would definitely try to get it here first

StormcloakNord · 16/01/2020 19:44

There are much easier and cheaper ways to get non-illegal or banned prescription drugs via private healthcare.

If you've got the money to actually go over to America and see a Dr though god knows why you would, then I'm sure you'll be able to afford the drug over here.

Original poster
PrawnSacrifice · 16/01/2020 20:17

The drug I'm looking for is Wellbutrin, an anti-depressant made by GSK, officially known as Bupropion Hydrochloride.

It was often used in the UK under the trade name Zyban as a smoking cessation aide but has been largely replaced by a cheaper drug.

It has never been licensed in the UK for the treatment of depression.

it is one of the most widely prescribed anti-depressants in the US.

I have asked my Doctor and secondary care professional for this on multiple occasions and have been told that they will not prescribe this drug in the UK for depression due to licensing.

There are plenty of online pharmacists who proclaim to offer this drug to purchase, many in Canada, but as soon as you get to the final, long winded stage of the check out process, you have to scan/send your prescription in.

I know that if i was an American citizen, i could go to my Doctor, give my symptoms and most likely get prescribed the drug.

I'm trying to find the pathway to getting this drug, even if it means travelling to the US to do so and paying $200 or whatever the 'no medical insurance' cost is to see a GP, to get the prescription and then be able to purchase the drug.

OP posts:
Original poster
PrawnSacrifice · 16/01/2020 20:40

@lljkk

If you could show me where/how, I'd be most grateful.

OP posts:
BertieBotts · 16/01/2020 20:43

Yes you can do this. But I'd look into whether it's available in any European countries first, as that would be much cheaper to travel to.

BertieBotts · 16/01/2020 20:43

And most Europeans with a medical degree will have some command of English, likely a fluent one.

BertieBotts · 16/01/2020 20:47

Are you wanting it for depression? Or something else e.g. the wikipedia article mentions ADHD and obesity. For example for ADHD there are other tricyclics you can take for it, I take nortriptyline off label for ADHD (prescribed in Germany).

Original poster
PrawnSacrifice · 16/01/2020 21:04

Yes, for depression.

I've tried pretty much all the first line ADs and they all give me significant sexual dysfunction which is impacting not only my self esteem, well being and happiness, but also my relationship.

It is hugely frustrating that there is a widely prescribed drug, taken by millions around the world that is reported to not promote sexual dysfunction, yet I can't get it in the UK.

But I am keen to hear how I can buy prescription meds from the USA as stated above.

OP posts:
lljkk · 16/01/2020 21:22

Just rock up & pay for an appointment. Tell them you are private no medical insurance. Where would you like to go on holiday?

pallisers · 16/01/2020 21:24

A lot of the big teaching hospitals in the US will have an international office for people who want to come over for a consultation.

Original poster
PrawnSacrifice · 16/01/2020 21:28

I'm assuming there is no way to buy outside of the US as suggested above, so my next question would be, is there a way to have an online or web based consultation to save on having to travel?

OP posts:
lljkk · 16/01/2020 21:32

I dunno about USA posting you something, but I am wondering about you getting prescription meds sent from Bulgaria, India, Turkey, or Mexico (etc). I suspect it's extremely possible.

I want to strongly recommend you don't do that. Have you actually tried this anti-D before & know it agrees well with you? Are you sure it's not prescribed anywhere in EU?

lljkk · 16/01/2020 21:35

Last time Telegraph got article out of MN.

Original poster
PrawnSacrifice · 16/01/2020 21:37

I'm reluctant to try a dodgy online source, as who konws what you're buying and from who, so I agree that is not the way forward.

No, I've not tried it as I can't get it in the UK.

I would have to try it to see if it works for me, like all ADs - trial and error.

It is only available in the EU for quitting smoking and I'm not a smoker.

It has 28 million users world wide and is the 4th most prescribed AD in the USA.

OP posts:
Original poster
PrawnSacrifice · 16/01/2020 21:40

Re article.

Yes, a well known issue for those in the UK.

I want to try to find a route to market.

OP posts:
BertieBotts · 16/01/2020 21:40

No, I don't think you could have an online consultation particularly not from a whole different country. In any case it would probably be seized by customs - US friends struggle even to have vitamins shipped over Shock. You would need to travel there.

cabbageking · 16/01/2020 21:40

In the UK, there are strict laws guiding drug dispensation and prescriptions. The Medicines for Human Use (Prescribing by EEA Practitioners) Regulations 2008 largely guides the laws on this subject. According to this Regulation, UK pharmacies are prohibited from accepting foreign prescriptions. As a result, issuing drugs based on prescriptions outside the UK, the EEA and Switzerland are considered illegal in the UK.

BertieBotts · 16/01/2020 21:42

I'm not clear whether you've only asked NHS doctors, but I would try a private psychiatrist and explain the reasons you want to try it. They may be willing to prescribe under those circumstances. There are not many private psychiatrists in the UK so there may be a wait for an appointment.

Whathewhatnow · 16/01/2020 21:42

If you find a way please please post. I think doctors dont understand just how bad the sexual side-effects of SSRIs can be. Tried atypicals like Mirtazapine I presume?
What a choice - happy and sexually dead, or unhinged and sexually responsive! I feel your pain, really I do.
What about Venlafaxine? I keep meaning to go and ask about that.