To get a Wellbutrin prescription, your symptoms must be assessed by a licensed healthcare provider who can prescribe medication, such as a physician or nurse practitioner. Depending on your needs, you may have the option of seeing a provider in person or using an online psychiatry service.
What is Wellbutrin (Bupropion) & How Does it Work?
Bupropion, sold under the brand name Wellbutrin, is an FDA-approved medication for treating major depressive disorder in adults, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation.1 The medication can also be used to treat other mental disorders, such as ADHD.2 When taking Wellbutrin, you may feel better by having more energy, a better mood, and higher self-esteem. In some cases, the medication can worsen your condition.3
Wellbutrin (brand name) and bupropion (generic form) are effective for treating depression symptoms and contain the same active ingredient. However, their pricing varies as the medication brand name tends to be more expensive than its generic form. The medication is also dosed in the same way with a starting dosage of 150mg once per day, which may be increased to 300mg daily, taken as 150mg twice a day, after at least three days. The maximum recommended daily Wellbutrin dose is 450mg per day.1
Wellbutrin is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) that regulates the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This helps to relieve symptoms of depression, making you feel better. NDRI, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are both effective for depression, but they affect different neurotransmitters. NDRI affects norepinephrine and dopamine, SNRI affects norepinephrine and serotonin, while SSRI only affects serotonin. Wellbutrin might be selected over other antidepressants depending on its treatment duration, side effects, tolerability, and efficacy.1, 4, 5
Side Effects of Wellbutrin
It can take some time for antidepressants to start working. When you begin your Wellbutrin medication, you may experience common side effects related to the drug. Wellbutrin side effects usually take one to two days to emerge after the initial dosage, and you can expect the drug to work on your condition between 4 to 8 weeks after your first dose.6 And while many antidepressants are associated with sexual dysfunction, sexual side effects from Wellbutrin are often positive.
Side effects of Wellbutrin may include:1, 2
- Headache
- Weight changes
- Sleeping problems
- Sweating
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Appetite issues
Drug Interactions With Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin’s chemical structure can interact with other medications, substances, or dietary supplements. This can be life-threatening as it can lead to possible Wellbutrin overdose, requiring immediate medical attention. Before starting your medication, provide your medical history to your doctor to improve your safety.
Patients should not combine the following with Wellbutrin without proper guidance from a prescriber:1, 2
- St. John’s Wort: Antidepressants and St. John’s Wort increase the risk of high levels of serotonin in the body.7
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Wellbutrin and NSAIDs increase gastrointestinal adverse effects risk.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Taking Wellbutrin while taking or within 14 days of stopping MAOI medication increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Alcohol: The interaction between alcohol and Wellbutrin can trigger the side effects of individual effects worsening your depression.
- Other antidepressant medications (SSRIs, SNRIs): Using Wellbutrin with other antidepressant medications, such as Zoloft, can trigger their side effects, worsening your depression.
- Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines can trigger the side effects of Wellbutrin that may worsen your depression.
- Migraine drugs: The interaction between Wellbutrin and migraine drugs increases the severity of the severe effects of Wellbutrin.
- Blood thinners: These medications increase the risk of excessive bleeding.
Do I Need a Wellbutrin Prescription?
Wellbutrin is a medication approved by the FDA and it is only available through prescription. Your doctor may recommend Wellbutrin for depression after understanding your condition and consider it a suitable antidepressant. Discuss with your physician your medical history. This will help address safety concerns when on Wellbutrin medication.
Common symptoms of depression your doctor will check before prescribing Wellbutrin include:
- Low mood
- Lack of interest
- Feelings of guilt
- Poor concentration
- Suicidal thoughts
Both psychotherapy and other antidepressant medication are effective at relieving symptoms of depression. However, at some points, your doctor may consider using Wellbutrin for treating depression over other medications depending on several factors, including the severity of the depression or response to treatment. Wellbutrin can be used as a second line for depression, meaning it may be recommended after other treatments, such as psychotherapy or other antidepressant medication, have been tried and were ineffective.8
Some signs that you may benefit from a Wellbutrin prescription include the following:
- Treatment-resistant depression
- SSRIs have failed to work.
- Other depression medications are not well tolerated
- Treatment duration
- Fewer side effects
Who Shouldn’t Be Prescribed Wellbutrin
While Wellbutrin can be effective in managing symptoms of depression, it can only be used in certain populations. Taking antidepressants during pregnancy requires additional caution and consideration. The FDA warns of Wellbutrin use among pregnant or breastfeeding women due to increased health risks. The medication increases the risk of birth defects and other health problems for pregnant women taking Wellbutrin during pregnancy. Also, children, adolescents, and young adults are at increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors when taking the medication.1 Taking Wellbutrin may not work for you or lead to unwanted results. This will create the need to consider other alternatives for depression.
How to Get a Wellbutrin Prescription
The FDA approves Wellbutrin as a prescription medication because the drug has the potential to cause serious side effects and interactions with other medications. The FDA approval indicates the drug on the market is safe and effective for its intended use. Therefore, only licensed healthcare providers can prescribe the medication. Your doctor will determine whether Wellbutrin is the right medication for you by assessing your health condition.
When looking to receive a Wellbutrin prescription, be sure to follow these steps:
- Book an appointment: Set an appointment with them in advance, and bring questions you may have about the medication, your health history, and potential pros or cons of taking Wellbutrin.
- Talk to your doctor about your depression: Let your doctor know about your depression symptom so they can understand the type of depression you are experiencing and the most appropriate treatments for it.
- Describe your symptoms thoroughly: Describe your condition in detail. Let your doctor understand how the condition affects you and how you have coped with it.
- Discuss your medication options: After understanding your condition, your doctor will consider the suitable medication for you and may prescribe Wellbutrin for depression. Discuss these options and the next steps.
Consider costs and insurance coverage: Cost is an important factor to consider. The medication’s cost varies depending on its brand name or generic version. With health insurance, your medication may be available at a lower cost.
Who Can Prescribe Wellbutrin?
Any healthcare provider who is licensed to prescribe medications is allowed to prescribe Lexapro. Antidepressants, including Wellbutrin, are approved by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, and quality, and are only available by prescription.
Healthcare providers who can prescribe Wellbutrin include:
- Psychiatrists
- Primary care providers
- Licensed nurse practitioners
- Licensed physician assistants
How to Get Wellbutrin Online
Getting Wellbutrin online can be far more convenient than getting it in-person, especially if you have a busy schedule, family commitments, or have trouble getting to and from appointments. It can also be more convenient if there are a limited number of providers in your area, or access is limited to providers for other reasons. Most online services will provide assessments and diagnoses in order to provide you with a prescription, however some are better suited for those who have existing diagnoses and prescriptions.
How to Get Wellbutrin Online If You Don’t Have a Prescription Yet
If you don’t already have a prescription, you can contact a local provider who offers telehealth services or use a company that offers a large network as fast access to an online psychiatrist, like Talkiatry. Additionally, online psychiatry enables you to meet with a provider anywhere via video, voice, and even text.9 Similar to in-person psychiatry services, these online psychiatry options can provide screening, assessment, and prescriptions. You can talk with your provider about your symptoms and health, receive an assessment, and then your provider can decide whether you need a prescription for Wellbutrin.
How to Get Wellbutrin Online If You Have a Prescription
If you already have a prescription for Wellbutrin (or bupropion, the generic), companies like Hims and Hers may be able to help you gain prompt access to a refill. They have a large network of providers who can review your history and current medications though an online assessment, and provide prescriptions as well as refills.
What If I Can’t Get Prescribed Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin should be taken as prescribed. If you can’t get a Wellbutrin presciption for yourself, never use a prescription medication from your friends or family. Taking medication intended for another person is unsafe for you and can cause the other person to experience withdrawal symptoms. Also, avoid doctor shopping or seeking medication from various providers if you have not received a prescription. This helps to prevent adverse side effects that might result from taking Wellbutrin without proper guidance from your prescriber.
Your doctor might consider putting you on Wellbutrin alternatives that also work the same way to treat symptoms of depression. Potentially suitable antidepressant alternatives include:
Do Over the Counter Alternatives Exist?
Several over-the-counter (OTC) alternatives can be used to relieve symptoms of depression. However, these OTC alternatives can be used for mild depressive symptoms. It’s essential to talk with your doctor before considering OTC alternatives for depression.
Here are some OTC alternatives that can help with depression:10
- St. John’s Wort
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- SAMe
- 5-HTP
Questions to Ask Your Health Team
Before starting your Wellbutrin medication, consult your doctor to understand the drug’s risks and benefits. You can ask your doctor how long Wellbutrin side effects can last or the dangers of possible Wellbutrin interaction with other medications, dietary supplements, and substances.
Questions to ask your care team about getting a how-to-get Wellbutrin to include:
- What are the best online psychiatry solutions for me?
- Does my insurance cover my medication?
- What should I do if Wellbutrin is not working for me?
- Can I use Wellbutrin with another antidepressant medication?
- Is it possible to switch Wellbutrin to another antidepressant medication?
- Should I be worried about possible Wellbutrin interaction with other substances?
- How long do Wellbutrin side effects last?
- How long will Wellbutrin work for my depression?
- Are there OTC alternatives for depression? Should I take them?
- What should I do if I am struggling to manage the symptoms?
How to Get Help Immediately
Sometimes, Wellbutrin may not work for you and, in extreme cases, worsen your symptoms. Overdosing on Wellbutrin is also a possibility that can be life-threatening. You can have drowsiness, hallucinations, severe headaches, or dizziness. If you are in a crisis or struggling to manage symptoms, you can call the 9-1-1 hotline emergency for immediate medical help.
Final Thoughts
Wellbutrin can be an effective medication for treating symptoms of depression, seasonal affective disorder, and other mental disorders. Before getting a prescription for Wellbutrin, you and your care team must determine how severe your symptoms are and how you would benefit most.
