What can I do as an American who takes Wellbutrin moving to the UK?
Question posted by Anonymous on 23 March 2019
Last updated on 2 June 2020 by Samiamoo
I am bipolar 2, and take Lamictal 300 XR and Wellbutrin 150 XL. It has been a very effective combination for me, which I am extremely grateful for. I was struggling to find medications that helped me live a productive life for ten years, and covered most classes of anti-depressants before ending up on Wellbutrin. I was prescribed this combo about four years ago, and I haven't had a true clinical episode of depression or hypomania since.
I'm a US/UK dual citizen, and was planning to ask for a transfer at my company to their London branch, because I've wanted to move to London for a very long time. (Please forget about Brexit making this a bad choice when answering- I'm really just concerned about my medication first and foremost before worrying about that.)
So it was a pretty nasty shock to look up Wellbutrin in the UK and find that it's not approved for depression over there. Bupropion is prescribed for smoking cessation, but not depression. Is there any way that I could still have access to it after moving? Would a doctor make an exception to prescribe it to me if I've already been taking it for four years and clearly haven't been abusing it? Or could I continue to be a patient to my American doctor and have it shipped to me without running into any issues? Cost is less of a concern, and I don't mind if the NHS doesn't cover it or I can't use American insurance. Unfortunately, I just don't think the process of finding other medications all over again is worth it for me, and I've basically already tried most of them.
Thanks in advance- this was very very disappointing to learn about and is causing a lot of stress.
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Answers
SA
Samiamoo
2 June 2020
Hey, did you ever work this out? I'm currently in the same situation apart from I'm only a UK national but lived in the US. This medication was a life saver and I'm moving back soon. Any advice would be great
Votes: +0
RA
Rathmullan
24 March 2019
Found the following thru an internet search. I think currently any drug approved in an EU country is available throughout the EU. Wellbutrin XL is called "XR" in the EU.
The United Kingdom makes it easy for those who may need extra help to pick up a prescription from a pharmacy. Expats are not subject to different laws when it comes to medications, except that they will need to bring any current medication lists and medical records, and obtain sign-off from a local GP or NHS doctor to continue their prescription. A written form, telephone call from the doctor, or electronic form can be sent to the pharmacy to ensure the medication is ready to be picked up. The form delineates whether the person is exempt from paying for the prescription or the amount they will need to pay. Expats will typically need to pay for their medications even under NHS health systems.