A doctor to prescribe wellbutrin?

[WhiskyAndTwiglets]

I have seen private psychiatrists before abroad (where I used to live) and was prescribed Wellbutrin (Bupropion). After having tried at least ten different types of ant depressant, this was truly life changing for me.

I am now back in the UK. I stopped taking it for the last month and have felt progressively worse and worse, so today after seeing my GP, I have restarted.

HOWEVER, I only have a week's tablets left and wellbutrin is not regularly prescribed for depression in the UK. My GP said several times she would not prescribe it, and also said it as possible I wouldn't get it on the NHS at all, and strongly recommended I find a private doctor to prescribe it, if they are willing.

She will do a referral letter as soon as I have found someone.

Has anyone had this before? Who have they used?

Hi zombie thread i know - whisky did you ever find someone to prescribe this in the uk as i would like to try it.

Sadly, no. I haven't. If you find any way, do PM me!

I get it from gp, had it for months now. Im in Scotland though..

The NHS will prescribe it as a stop-smoking aid, as far as I know. Have you tried contacting private psychiatrists?

I've always thought it sounded amazing, I heard it described as the "happy, skinny, horny pill"!

Scotland is a bit different sadly Almost worth moving there..!

Yes, you can get a version of it for stopping smoking, but I don't feel altogether comfortable lying about being a smoker, and nor do I really want that on my notes. I don't think my GP would believe me either 😂

Privately, you can get it to stop smoking for about £100 for 120 tablets. I was taking two of those a day so that would two months worth.

But I don't think it would be viable to keep that going as stopping smoking using them is a time limited thing.

Thanks for responses. I saw GP who confirmed what i thought that she cant prescribe. Im going to try coming off citalopram as im trying to get some libido back!

Bupropion can only be prescribed off label for treating depression under secondary care.

I'm awaiting a psych referral where I will be doing everything in my power to request I try this drug.

Hi!

Has anyone had any luck getting hold of Wellbutrin (Bupropion)...
I had appointment with my GP today to re-start on AD’s after 6 months being off. I’m reluctant to have Citalopram again as I suffered weight gain, lots of pins and needles in my arms/hands and the huge loss of labido!!! Citalopram sucked for me.

If anyone can recommend a Dr who will prescribe Wellbutrin please let me know. Or even a reputable website?

My husband is prescribed it through the nhs. However he originally had a letter & prescription from a psychiatrist in his home country. He provided this documentation to the nhs GP here once he registered, and the GP was happy to continue that prescription for him on a long term basis. We are in London. So it is possible to be prescribed it on the NHS, but appreciate it is apparently rare.
I would say what made the difference in his case was having a letter from a psychiatrist stating his diagnosis / current prescription and requesting a continuation of those medications.

My husband takes it for depression and ADHD.
It primarily boosts dopamine levels so works differently than many traditional antidepressants. I hear it is also referred to as ‘prison cocaine’ so I assume it is potentially open to abuse. This could be part of reason why it isn’t prescribed more widely on the nhs.
Bupropion is unique and unlike other antidepressants in that its major effect is on dopamine. In this respect it has more in common (imo) with traditional amphetamine based ADHD medications. It has a similar effect though not as powerful. Increases dopamine levels (along with norepinephrine & seretonin) , thereby lifts mood, increases wakefulness / alertness / improves focus. Increased dopamine = also more likely to reduce appetite.
It is a good option for those with bipolar disorder who can’t take more standard antidepressants. However once hypomanic/manic, taking it can exacerbate symptoms by helping keep ( now abnormally high) dopamine levels elevated. In this respect it can be used deliberately by someone who is hypomanic to maintain that state.

Ironically my husband still smokes...

What were the deleted posts?
Anyone had any luck finding a private dr? I'm desperate to get a prescription

Where are you based ? I've seen it prescribed by private psychiatrists in the priory group. Can't be prescribed by GP though as unlicensed in this country.

I'm in rutland but I'll happily travel. I think private is the way to go

I've had it prescribed privately..
Best anti-depressent in my opinion..

Hi, could you pass on the name of the psychiatrist who prescribed it please as I am interested in doing the same!! Many thanks

HI! Which buproprion brand name have people been prescribed? I was prescribed Zyban for depression/concentration problems, but I've later read that this is the variety that is prescribed for quitting smoking, while Wellbutrin should be prescribed for mood regulation. I thought they were the same. Any experiences?

I know this is a really old post but....I have just seen it!
I take Bupropion which is prescribed by an NHS psychiatrist with no problems. It is very unlikely you will get a GP to prescribe this off label so a referral to a psychiatrist is probably the only way you are going to get it.
I take it, 150mg in conjunction with another AD (Vortioxetine) to overcome the very troubling sexual side effects of virtually all other antidepressants - it works :-)

Good luck

Should have said - it is not available routinely as an AD because when first released there were reports of increased seizures. Since then it has been shown many times that it is no worse, and in many cases better, than most available antidepressants but the damage was done and so it was withdrawn as an antidepressant and only used as a stop spoking product (A real shame)
Seizures are only an issue in high doses, >450mg/day and there is no need to go this high.

@VioletPickles are you saying you actually have Wellbutrin SR prescribed for you in Scotland?