How can I stay on Wellbutrin?

Question

I've been having post partum depression issues since having my twins 6 months ago. I've been on Wellbutrin on and off, prescribed by my ob, and I've concluded that it would be best for me to stay on it on an ongoing basis, since I am so much more relaxed on it and feel much better about myself. When I am not on it, I get all depressed, think I am ugly, think my husband doesn't love me, and tend to get overwhelmed with the babies. My ob won't prescribe me any more pills and he said I should see a psychiatrist. I do not want to have to go in and see a shrink on an ongoing basis for Wellbutrin. I don't want to sit in an office and spill my guts every few months. I just want the pills because that is what makes me feel better. Is there a way to get this without a shrink? Will my general practitioner prescribe them?

Answer 1

Go to your regular old GP/primary care physician and discuss what has been going on for the last 6 months. Your OB's job is done, now move onto the right doctor. Your family doctor is your best bet.

I would NOT even mention that your OB told you to go to a psychiatrist. I had migraines after the birth of my last child and my OB said, "see a psychiatrist" What? My GP didn't tell me to go to a shrink, she gave me migraine medicine!

It's time to move onto your General Practitioner. The next time you see your OB it should be for a pap smear only, and never mention anything related to mental health or baby blues again. I'd never mention antidepressants to the OB again, either.

They must give all med students that specialize in obstetrics the same speech: If she requires medication after the birth, tell her to go to a psychiatrist!

Please take your pills daily, as prescribed. You need to keep an even level of the drug in your system for it to be effective and make you feel better. Been there, done that.

You are Wonder Woman as far as I'm concerned. I've never had twins and I cannot imagine the amount of work you are doing. Keep your chin up and surround yourself with loving supportive people.

Answer 2

The reason your OB can not prescribe you more pills is because generally postpartum only lasts about 6 months. Beyond that it becomes clinical depression and he is not certified or allowed by law to prescribe medications for clinical depression. Go to your family care Dr tell them you need a refill on your medication explain to him what you said here and there shouldn't be any problems with you obtaining your medication. He may ask you a few questions but answer them honestly. You do not need to see a psychiatrist in most cases unless you are having feelings that you may harm yourself or someone else. At least this is how it's handled in the state where I reside.

I noticed someone said not to tell your PCP that your OB wouldn't give you the medication because the OB would not "allow" your PCP to prescribe the medication. Your OB can NOT prevent your PCP from prescribing your medication if you need it he has no control over what medications your Dr gives you at this point seeing as you are no longer under his prenatal care. Furthermore you dont even have to mention to him about the OB's decision just tell him "I need a refill of my wellbutrin because I am out"

Answer 3

If you are depressed then you should see a psychiatrist. They will be able to determine if you need to stay on the wellbutrin and what the dosage should be. If you want a prescription you will have to see a doctor,a nd if you have a problem like depression, then a psychiatrist is the type of doctor you need. Your ob can't prescribe you any more wellbutrin, but that doesn't mean a psychiatrist won't prescribe it for you.

Answer 4

You need a "shrink" to help you work through the post partum depression. Your OB is not equipped to help you, and that is why he or she is sending you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is going to be able to tweak the medicine to the lowest effective level for you, which is what you want as alot of antidepressants can be hard on your liver and kidneys.

A psychiatrist is equipped to help you discover and resolve the issues surrounding you, your pregnancy, what is causing your depression and how to get better. You don't go to a proctologist for an ear infection. You don't go to an OB/GYN for depression, either.

Answer 5

I'm not sure if there is a way for you to stay on Wellbutrin and I don't think your general practitioner would prescribe them to you because your OB won't give the permission. And sometimes we have to do things we don't want to do for the sake of ourselves and our families, i.e. you going to a shrink. It won't be that bad. You will still have your dignity because you are doing it for your family! Good luck with your decision!

Answer 6

Go see your general practitioner as you should be under their care now and not the OB's care. You could very well have postpartum depression and your regular doctor can help you with this. Explain everything, be up front and honest and see what they say....
The best of luck!

Answer 7

Your MD should be able to help you...it isn't always neccesary to see a psychiatrist to be prescribed anti-depressants.
Most people who need things like Wellbutrin have a tendency to have to stay on it.

Answer 8

i just started wellbutrin xl 300 about 2 weeks ago. i had headaches for at least the first week, but they seem to be gone. maybe give it another week. it is one of the common side effects. if the headaches persist, tell the doc.

Answer 9

most GP's are ok with prescribing antidepressants with out you seeing a shrink. especially when its situational, like PPD. just make an apt. and go in and see him.

Answer 10

yes just go and tell them how you are feeling. this is not uncommon. don't feel alone this is so normal. also get in a routine to calm by a bath and candles so you can get plenty of rest. rest is very important.
good luck