To lie to a private GP to get a prescription?

[AintNoThing]

I’ve been on a lot of Anti-Ds and none of them have done the job for various reasons.

I have recurrent depression and ASD.

I am not in a great place rn, I’ve arranged counselling but really do need extra support in an urgent-ish way.

I’ve done a lot of research over the past year and feel that I would like to try Wellbutrin/Bupropion.

I know on the NHS it’s only available for smoking cessation.

If I booked and paid for a private GP appointment would they only prescribe if I said I wanted to stop smoking or would they consider prescribing for mental health?

Luckily, I am much better now and my NHS psychiatrist quickly realised and I have been on good meds which help for over a decade. Listening to a doctor is frustratingly slow, but they often want to give meds some time to work. It took me a solid six months of taking the right med before I felt well. Hang in there and get help if you feel suicidal.

That’s fantastic Confront, I’m so happy you got through it.

I’m starting to realise I may be being unrealistic about time scales though.

In my area they have a very efficient triage system and I've never had to wait more than a couple of weeks to see someone, they have a two week turn around. Amazing for an apparently failing service.

I doubt you will see an actual psychiatrist up front though (or maybe at all - I've only seen the NHS one when he wanted to apologise for one of his staff doing something silly with follow up appointments...)

The way they work where I am is that you see a jr doctor who then prescribes in consultation with the psychiatrist - this means they can see everyone quickly.

I know you're not well, but do try and be in charge of your treatment. If you want a particular med, write down why and don't be afraid to ask. Do your own research. If they say no, ask why and write it down. Don't be afraid to refuse meds they suggest if you have reservations - just be clear about your reasons.

I chose my own medication last time I was referred to MH services - I did my research, looked at the possibilities and asked for what I wanted. Jr doctor said no way, when she went to the Psychiatrist to confirm he agreed to prescribe it straight away and it's worked out well for me. One too many times have I accepted without question what I've been prescribed and it's made things worse.

One very helpful source of info will be your local CCG's (clinical commissioning group) prescribing guidelines - it will be on their website somewhere, usually in the clinical staff bit. This will tell you what your NHS trust will prescribe, for what condition and whether in primary (GP) or secondary (Psychiatrist) care.

Thanks for walking me through that, I appreciate it. It means I can prepare for that scenario mentally iyswim.

I spoke to new GP who made the referral about agomelatine.

He did listen to my reasoning but explained the formulary and in my PCT it’s on the red list.

So he made the Psychiatrist referral.

While I’m there, I’ll also bring up the Bupropion as well.

I feel like I’ll only engage in drugs if I have ownership of the prescription, I’ve had a similar experience to you so am both aware and wary.

I hope they call soon though.

Just called the GP as hadn’t heard anything.
They only typed up and sent the letter out yesterday.

The administrator asked me if it was supposed to be an urgent referral so I said yes.

Really hope that they’ve got the urgent referral bit right.

Feeling a bit upset.

It really is a case of postcode lottery. It’s 2-3 months wait to see a consultant pdoc here, but quicker to see a trainee.

You mentioned anxiety in an earlier post—Agomelatine probably wouldn’t help too much with that if it’s a separate condition. (Ie it helps my anxiety as it’s part of the depression, but it isn’t particularly great for anxiety disorder).

You need liver function tests when on Agomelatine, which may be part of the reason why you need to see the CMHT for it.

Thanks historyrocks. You’re right. Just got a letter saying they can let GP prescribe agomelatine and suspend the Psych referral.

No liver tests mentioned as yet.

Don’t feel great about it cos I wanted to talk to Psych about a range of issues including combining Bupropion and agomelatine as well as ASD considerations.

I have a filled prescription of Agomelatine in my hands.

Fingers crossed.