Answered2 years ago
How can I obtain prescriptions for antidepressants and ADHD medication in Bangkok?
Advice on antidepressants and ADHD medication. How do I get prescriptions for them here in Bangkok?
In Europe, I received regular monthly prescriptions which enabled me to get the necessary medication for my already diagnosed depression and ADHD issues. I moved to Thailand with several months worth of supplies. However eventually I will run out and that would be bad for me.
The medication I usually take for my depression is Zoloft, and I take Concerta for my ADHD.
I was thinking of finding a psychiatrist here in Thailand, then presenting them with my documentation from Europe which proves that I suffer from these conditions. Hopefully that would allow me to get the prescriptions I need so that I can buy the monthly medication I need.
Is this an option here in Bangkok? I don't want to have to go through a battery of tests again for a condition I've already been thoroughly diagnosed within Europe.
Also once I have already received the initial prescription here in Thailand, would I still have to visit the psychiatrist each and every month or can I make a phone call and pay a specific amount so that I can update my monthly prescription? This was how we do it in the country I live in Europe. You called once a month and they updated your prescription each month. I would rather avoid paying for costly consultations when all that's needed is my prescription to be updated.
In Europe, I received regular monthly prescriptions which enabled me to get the necessary medication for my already diagnosed depression and ADHD issues. I moved to Thailand with several months worth of supplies. However eventually I will run out and that would be bad for me.
The medication I usually take for my depression is Zoloft, and I take Concerta for my ADHD.
I was thinking of finding a psychiatrist here in Thailand, then presenting them with my documentation from Europe which proves that I suffer from these conditions. Hopefully that would allow me to get the prescriptions I need so that I can buy the monthly medication I need.
Is this an option here in Bangkok? I don't want to have to go through a battery of tests again for a condition I've already been thoroughly diagnosed within Europe.
Also once I have already received the initial prescription here in Thailand, would I still have to visit the psychiatrist each and every month or can I make a phone call and pay a specific amount so that I can update my monthly prescription? This was how we do it in the country I live in Europe. You called once a month and they updated your prescription each month. I would rather avoid paying for costly consultations when all that's needed is my prescription to be updated.
Answer summary
To obtain prescriptions for antidepressants like Zoloft and ADHD medication such as Concerta in Bangkok, it is advisable to consult a psychiatrist. Presenting documentation from your previous treatments may help streamline the process. Medications like Zoloft are generally more accessible and might be available from pharmacies without extensive checks. In contrast, ADHD medications are highly regulated in Thailand and may require initial consultations followed by periodic visits for prescription refills. Some users report being able to renew medications over the phone after their initial appointment, but this may vary by provider. Keep in mind that prices can vary significantly, with local hospitals being more affordable than international ones. Always consult directly with healthcare providers for the most accurate and personalized advice.
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Chris *********************
Is it Ritalin you on
Allen ********
No stimulant based ADHD meds available in Thailand. (Or at least that’s what a doctor told us.) The primary ingredient in Adderal and similar meds, or any similar molecule is 100% illegal in Thailand.
There is a variant of a non-stimulant ADHD med that’s popular in Germany, in the Thailand pharma market. (Straterra is what I think they call it in the states.)
I tapered off of stim based ADHD meds over 6 months starting in October 2023 and still feel some adjustment issues as of today, though it’s not thag bad. (I don’t like taking the med, either.) Will be moving to a non-stim ADHD med this summer, here in BKK.
Some MAOI inhibitors are available. My partner takes Wellbutrin and was able to continue doing so here, but had to get a prescription for it and goes to that doctor for each refill.
Each of these meds will require visiting a doctor and going to periodic counseling, but we’re not clear on the details yet. I’m curious about the stories I’m seeing here where some folks are just hitting up local pharmacies. Will try that for our meds next time we’re out and about.
There is a variant of a non-stimulant ADHD med that’s popular in Germany, in the Thailand pharma market. (Straterra is what I think they call it in the states.)
I tapered off of stim based ADHD meds over 6 months starting in October 2023 and still feel some adjustment issues as of today, though it’s not thag bad. (I don’t like taking the med, either.) Will be moving to a non-stim ADHD med this summer, here in BKK.
Some MAOI inhibitors are available. My partner takes Wellbutrin and was able to continue doing so here, but had to get a prescription for it and goes to that doctor for each refill.
Each of these meds will require visiting a doctor and going to periodic counseling, but we’re not clear on the details yet. I’m curious about the stories I’m seeing here where some folks are just hitting up local pharmacies. Will try that for our meds next time we’re out and about.
Christine *******
@Allen *******
Ritalin is legal here. Strange that a doctor told you otherwise.
Neil **********
I have a friend who takes similar antidepressants who has little trouble obtaining them, visits a psychiatrist every 6 mos for a simple evaluation .I similarly had little trouble receiving some cognitively enhancing meds, which in general are less expensive than other places, as others above mentioned. Have no idea about your ADHD stuff. Smart to get on this soon, sometimes making appts can be difficult. Good luck.
David ***********
Check with Medisafe online based in BKK. They can often supply drugs if you send them copies of your scripts. I get anti depressants really cheaply. They cannot supply sleepers so not sure about your other ones. They are good, cheap and very fast at sending them to you
Av **********
They only have Ritalin
Av **********
@Adam ********
oh wow didn’t know that thank u!!! Need for my son
Adam *********
@Av *********
they have concerta to but a shortage at the moment and are waiting on them still I think
ฉันเป็นทางของประชาชน *********
Just smoke weed👊🏽
Robert *********
Go to a normal Thai hospital ,not international .
Go to the psychiatric department .
They will help you and it will be very cheap
Go to the psychiatric department .
They will help you and it will be very cheap
Thehoodyguy *************
@Robert ********
no waiting hours a a thai hospital and costs are about the same to be fair an enquiry at the pharmacy generates a dr to confirm you need the meds it’s a quick process involving a brief chat with the dr and a prescription is generatedChristine *******
@Robert ********
ADHD meds are NOT cheap here! Other medications are, but my friend who is a Thai pharmacist explained that ADHD meds are in the most highly regulated class of drugs because of the potential for resale on the black market.Robert *********
@Christine ******
well he needs them .Be cheaper at a local hospital than I international for sure ....good luck to him ....and you
Thehoodyguy *************
Go to the local hospital talk to the clinic receptionist ,see a doctor with your paperwork ,get your prescription from the hospital pharmacy pay the fee ( usually just the cost of the meds and consultation about b500-b1000
When need again attend the pharmacy with a copy of their original prescription and continue
Very straight forward min cost/hassle took a pal to Bangkok hospital udon for some methadone ( recovering addict)
Cost b130 for a months supply inc consultation
When need again attend the pharmacy with a copy of their original prescription and continue
Very straight forward min cost/hassle took a pal to Bangkok hospital udon for some methadone ( recovering addict)
Cost b130 for a months supply inc consultation
Thehoodyguy *************
@John *****
I know exactly what I paid it was 130baht for 30 5mg methadone tablets (1 month supply) inc consultation ( 10 mins) at Bangkok hospital Udon Thani why on earth would I make it up I can only relay my experience and forward it to the group
John ******
@Thehoodyguy ************
i do not believe that the bill from the doctor will be 500 or 1000 baht. Next to that the bill for the medicines
Steve *******
Probably get them over the counter. Check your local pharmacy or visit a clinic for a script
Christine *******
You should be able to get Zoloft at any pharmacy with no questions asked. The ADHD medication will be much more challenging to acquire, since it's a highly regulated drug here in Thailand. Make an appointment with a psychiatrist. They'll probably just ask you some questions and ask to see your documentation, but you'll have to use the hospital's pharmacy. Prepare for it to be expensive, and they will most likely make you see the doctor every several months before you can refill the prescription.
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