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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:

wonderstuff · 17/01/2020 22:04

I called my GP, said I'd like to see x dr, please could you refer me, and he did. Its reasonable to seek a private second opinion.

Rosebud21 · 19/01/2020 00:20

@theoldtrout01876 walk-in centre staff are very unlikely to do this. OP follow other advice

Original poster

PrawnSacrifice · 19/01/2020 12:08

I've filled in an online enquiry form for my nearest Bupa Hospital under the 'Psychiatric Services' section.

I spelled it out, clear and transparently why I was enquiring, brief history, my primary objective and what would the cost of a consultation be - overlaid with, unless prescribing this drug is a potential option, (should I be considered suitable), there's no point me paying for the consultation.

Let's see what comes back.

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

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General health

Whathewhatnow · 21/01/2020 08:18

Good luck prawn.

Original poster

PrawnSacrifice · 21/01/2020 20:17

The local private hospital put me in touch with the Psychiatrist's Secretary where I left my details and explained my situation, experiences and objectives.

She was understanding and appreciative of my transparency and directness, stating that she will discuss my situation with the Psychiatrist and let me know whether prescribing Bupropion is at least a potential option, subject to evaluation etc.

I'm waiting to hear back and will update as and when, fingers crossed.

OP posts:

Whathewhatnow · 21/01/2020 21:40

That is great. Interested to know how you get on.

In case of any help at all (and with a heavy dose of Don't Try This At Home....) I made a discovery this week. So.. anticipating some um action with a very new partner I took 50mg of Sertraline on Thursday, 25 on Friday and nowt on Saturday or sunday till the afternoon. Usually this would make me feel really crabby but I was... ok. And yes. By Sunday things had definitely switched back on. Monday, back up to 50mg full whack. Downside: slept really badly all weekend.

I was always sceptical of SSRI holidays and it is certainly not for those not very attuned to how their body responds to withdrawal but.... I was pleasantly surprised.

Anyway enough about you and I truly hope Bupa comes good. Send me the link to the Psych if so :)

Whathewhatnow · 21/01/2020 21:41

Hahah enough about me, not you, prawn.

eminencegrise · 21/01/2020 21:50

Really hope you get somewhere! I had medication prescribed by a Canadian doctor and then self-referred to a private doctor here to continue the prescription. If you have a crap GP and you need a referral then you go to PushDoctor to get one.

Original poster

PrawnSacrifice · 21/01/2020 21:52

Thanks.

This is my second go on fluoxetine and from previous experience and due to it's very long half life, it takes a good week or two before the side effects diminish enough to be helpful, and in that time I went through a real emotional roller coaster of tears and despair, so it's not something I'd do unless it was for good, and on to another drug.

OP posts:

Whathewhatnow · 22/01/2020 00:04

Oh yeh prozac has a really long half life. Sorry. Didn't clock it was that. Sertraline's is much shorter. Anyway good luck with bupa.

squee123 · 22/01/2020 00:20

Doctors in the UK can definitely prescribe medications that aren't licensed for a particular condition if they think it appropriate. My DH is regularly prescribed a medication that isn't licensed for his condition but has to do it privately. I would definitely focus your efforts on finding a private psychiatrist that is prepared to do so. Perhaps one that trained and has worked in a country that uses it routinely would be more inclined to do so?

Original poster

PrawnSacrifice · 28/01/2020 20:52

Update - I got an e-mail back saying the Psychiatrist in question would not be able to help me.

On to the next one.....

Spoke to my GP again and was told that no GP will be able to prescribe it off label and to stop asking.

That's four different GPs who have all said no.

OP posts:

Dm5678 · 28/01/2020 21:02

They can prescribe it and use it off label. Also suggest you go to a European country.

Yarisalpaca · 28/01/2020 22:31

inhouse pharmacy.vu sell it without prescription.

I have bought from them for years and their medicines are the real deal.
You ha ve to pay with bank transfer but I have never had a problem. Of course you get stung for import duty but to me it is worth it. Ignore the bit about faxing a prescription. pm me if you need more innformation.

Whatdayisit2 · 28/01/2020 22:45

Don't you need a gnc number to prescribe in the Uk?

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