Wellburtin for a college student

[Moltz]

My daughter, a college freshman, told me she had seen an on-campus counselor and she was told she was probably suffering from clinical depression. She was referred to a psychiatrist, who after the first office visit, gave her samples of Wellbrutin to try for 2 weeks and a written prescription. She does have a follow-up visit in 2 weeks. Is it good to prescribe Wellbrutin after 1 consultation? I am worried about my daughter being on this medicine.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

It is certainly proper to prescribe medication after just one visit and this is a particularly good medication for that purpose.  I think you are right to question whether your daughter needs any medication that all and further discussion with her and her doctor is in order to determine that.

[mojo23]

hi as a college student myself it is a good thing that your daughter took the initative to seek help if that is what she felt she needed. i have seen many psychatrists and psychologists i don't think that it is at all rare to perscribe something upont eh first visit. she could have told teh psychiatrist many things to help him or her make their decsion...although i do feel at times medication is handed out like candy just see how things go...and because she is 19 you have no rights but all you can do is be there for her and give her your own advice. take care

[SadieSunflower]

The psychiatrist cannot talk to you about your daughter without her consent. If I was 19 I sure wouldn't want a psychiatrist talking to my mom unless it was because of a life an death emergency!

[Moltz]

Dr. Gould, do I have a right to discuss my daughter's condition with her psychiatrist, as far as the medication prescribed and what to expect or look for, regarding side effects, long-term use, etc. I guess I am unsure what my parental rights are since my daughter is 19 yrs. old.