Wellbutrin is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that is helpful for many people with depression. The drug works in different ways, but one of its main benefits is that it blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals are related to pleasure and happiness, so by keeping them in the bloodstream longer, you can feel those emotions more frequently.
Many people wonder how to get a wellbutrin prescription because this drug is not one you can just get over the counter. As with any other drug, there are certain criteria that must be met before your doctor will prescribe this medication. This article will walk you through the process of getting a wellbutrin prescription as quickly as possible.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Know the criteria for a Wellbutron prescription
These are the criteria you will want to meet before you even attempt to get a wellbutron prescription.
- You must be 18 years or older.
- You must be diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, otherwise known as MDD.
- You cannot have any current or past problems with substance abuse.
- You must agree to go to therapy and keep up with your daily mood journal.
- You must be able to afford and have access to a therapist and basic medical care.
- You must be willing to take other prescription medications, if needed.
Step 2: See your doctor and discuss Wellbutrin
You will want to see your doctor first and discuss other treatment options such as therapy, lifestyle changes, and other medication options. Make sure your doctor knows what other medications you are currently taking, including herbal remedies and supplements, and that you have no history of problems with addiction.
If after your discussion, and if your doctor decides Wellbutrin is the best choice, he or she will prescribe it to you. Keep in mind, though, that doctors are under a lot of pressure to get patients off the doctor’s couch and back to their lives.
Thus, you may have to be persistent in your request for Wellbutrin. If the doctor continues to refuse, ask to be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist who can prescribe Wellbutrin.
Step 3: Get your bloodwork done
Before you are prescribed any antidepressant, your doctor will likely want to do some bloodwork to make sure you don’t have any underlying health conditions. You will want to make sure you get a full blood panel so that you can make sure that Wellbutrin is safe for you to take.
Step 4: Talk with your doctor about Wellbutrin again
Once you have your bloodwork results back, you will want to talk with your doctor again about Wellbutrin. At this point, you should have full access to your bloodwork results and know exactly what is in your blood.
You will want to discuss what you do and don’t know about the drug, and if it is a good fit for you. The doctor will be able to tell you if you meet the criteria for the prescription with the results from the bloodwork.
Step 5: Reevaluation and determine if you should stay on Wellbutrin
After you have been on Wellbutrin for a few weeks, you will want to go back to your doctor for a reevaluation. At this point, you will want to discuss your progress and how you feel while taking the medication. You can also bring up any side effects that you might be experiencing.
It is important to remember that Wellbutrin should not be taken as a long-term solution. With many people, it can take up to 6 months for the drug to kick in and begin to help your mood and symptoms.
Many people take it for up to a year, but it is important to understand that it can have serious side effects and should not be taken for more than 12 months without a break. If you have been taking Wellbutrin for 6 months and are not seeing progress, you may want to consider stopping.
Conclusion
There are many ways to treat depression, which is why it is important to talk with your doctor about your options and find a treatment that works best for you. While getting a wellbutrin prescription can be tricky, it can also be very helpful for some people who suffer from depression.
With so many different treatments out there, it can be hard to know what will work best for you. Be sure to speak with your doctor and do your research to find the best treatment for your depression.
If you have been diagnosed with depression and have tried other medications without success, Wellbutrin may be the best treatment for you. Get the help you need today by following these steps to get a wellbutrin prescription as quickly as possible.
