Zyban

[user1485968062]

Has anyone been able to source Zyban as an anti depressant? I woukd be soooo grateful.for any information. Thanks

Zyban is one of the most prescribed drugs for depression in the USA under the brand name Wellbutrin, (manufactured by GSK).

It is expensive and not prescribed under primary care in the UK.

In some cases it can be prescribed under secondary care (psychiatric practitioner), however this will require a referral from your GP once he/she is satisfied all the other options have been explored, which usually means trying a handful of (much cheaper) SSRI medications such as Fluoxetine, Sertralie, Venlafaxine, Mirtazapie etc.

It is a highly sought after drug in the UK as it is an atypical antidepressant that focuses on increasing dopamine rather than serotonin and therefore does not usually bring with it the often frequent and undesirable side effects of SSRIs relating to sexual dysfunction. It's appetite suppressing characteristics are often seen as an added bonus to some.

There are some dodgy on-line websites that proclaim to be able to supply without a prescription from Turkey etc, but you'll pay your money and take your chances.

The best chance of getting it on prescription in the UK is to seek a referral from your GP for secondary psychiatric assessment then request it via that avenue, assuming your symptoms and experiences of SSRI treatment warrant exploring this avenue.

Hope that helps.

I might be wrong but I don't think it is licensed as an antidepressant in the UK which is why it is not commonly used. Doctors don't use medication off licence until they have exhausted other options

It was used to stop smoking but is not used as much as Champix now

Why do you want this specific drug User?

Ivor - yo are correct, it is not licensed for depression and has to be prescribed off label.

This is only due to cost.

They only prescribe for smoking as it is seen as short term and the costs are seen as an investment in helping you quit smoking which long term will save the NHS more than the cost of a few months supply.

I'm told this by someone fairly high up in the NHS.

Champix is less expensive than Zyban, hence is now more widely prescribed.

I had it prescribed by a private psychiatrist - he offered it in fact. I'd only tried two antidepressants with my GP before they were happy to write a referral. I guess it may have been different if I'd been asking for an NHS psychiatrist.

Private psychiatrists are NOT cheap, but fortunately mine is covered by private health insurance.

I am prescribed it on the NHS (not as an anti-smoking drug).

I have it prescribed on the NHS by a psychiatrist (secondary care). He only suggested it after I'd worked my way through all the more conventional ones and found that anything acting on serotonin made me ill. I'm eternally grateful to him for being prepared to think a bit sideways, it's really helped a lot.

To be clear, I meant getting a referral to an NHS psychiatrist would probably have been harder after only two failed antidepressants than it is to get a referral to a private psychiatrist. I would fully expect some NHS psychiatrists to prescribe it!

A GP won't prescribe it as far as I'm aware, unless it's part of a shared care thing with a psychiatrist.

Hello could anyone help me with a contact for a private psychiatrist in london who was able to prescribe them Zyban/ “Bupropion” for depression. I have tried SSRIS and they badly affected libido. Many thanks!

I'd try a local page if possible. It's used a lot in N. America but here it's like pulling teeth to get hold of it.