Which Drugs Require Prescriptions....which Don't?

[webworldly]

Hi! :-)

Assuming a "legit" pharmacy.....like one at Tops Marketplace, etc......I've noticed that some drugs (antibiotics, thyroid medication, etc.) can be obtained without prescription. On the other hand, sleep aids do require a prescription.

Do you know where there is a resource that lists which drugs, or classes of drugs require a prescription and which don't?

Also, specifically, do you know if the following require prescriptions (note: some are brand names, some are the "chemical name"....but all are available according to the MIMS Thailand drug database)?

1. antidepressants
   
2. Concerta (or Ritalin)
   
3. Nimodipine
   
4. Naltrexone
   
5. Mestinon
   
6. Itraconazole
   

Thank you for your help. I can assure you this is meant for a good cause....as a close friend is suffering through Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (a really bad case of it, too) and her doctor is only partially willing to help with prescriptions. For the most part, doctors just don't offer much help for this affliction at this time. Hard thing to deal with for sure.

CHEERS!

D

[rtaxron]

I found most pharmacies in LOS will sell you any drugs that you ask for that are normally only on prescription in UK. Years ago I was on Ativan (thank god no more) which is banned now, but I had no problem obtaining in Phuket and BK.

[ignis]

Much cheaper and easy to buy anything from a Thai pharmacy, Not from Supermarket pharmacy, Big Name pharmacy.

Most will have what you want, or the much cheaper Thai version, if you ever find a pharmacist that is not sure on your make then they have a book and will look it up

[jayjayjayjay]

Hi! :-)

Assuming a "legit" pharmacy.....like one at Tops Marketplace, etc......I've noticed that some drugs (antibiotics, thyroid medication, etc.) can be obtained without prescription. On the other hand, sleep aids do require a prescription.

Avoid Tops pharmacy for your more serious requirements. You would be much better off starting with the pharmacy in Bumrungrad and ensuring drugs are originals, moving to copies risks inconsistant dosages and poor sourcing of ingredients. At a guess I would say these could make you case worse rather than better. Over time look at other pharmacies, a good one is Pharma with the big green signs outside, I dont know where you can find them in BKK, but stilll stick with name brands like Bayer etc. This has been my experience.

[jingjoe]

....as a close friend is suffering through Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (a really bad case of it, too) and her doctor is only partially willing to help with prescriptions. For the most part, doctors just don't offer much help for this affliction at this time.

She needs to find a better doctor, not a dealer.

[lopburi3]

Hi! :-)

Assuming a "legit" pharmacy.....like one at Tops Marketplace, etc......I've noticed that some drugs (antibiotics, thyroid medication, etc.) can be obtained without prescription. On the other hand, sleep aids do require a prescription.

Avoid Tops pharmacy for your more serious requirements. You would be much better off starting with the pharmacy in Bumrungrad and ensuring drugs are originals, moving to copies risks inconsistant dosages and poor sourcing of ingredients. At a guess I would say these could make you case worse rather than better. Over time look at other pharmacies, a good one is Pharma with the big green signs outside, I dont know where you can find them in BKK, but stilll stick with name brands like Bayer etc. This has been my experience.

To my knowledge there is no public drug selling pharmacy in Bumrungrad (there is a non medical pharmacy selling lotions and non drug goods). Not to mention that a doctors prescription at the hospital pharmacy (they sell based on doctors orders) would be required to obtain medicine and that the medicine would be highly overpriced. There are large pharmacies near hospitals (Victory Monument area is well known) that are cheap and reliable. I would use mall based places also (as most will have air conditioning - which may not be the case with small soi places).

[onomataho]

~~~

I was recently prescribed an arthritis drug by a doctor at BNH Hospital. Initially, I got it at the hospital pharmacy (it was expensive). I decided to look elsewhere for the refill.

It took me awhile to find it at a regular pharmacy, but I finally did at SC Bhaesaj on Rama IV Rd. (across from Chulalongkorn Hospital). It's next door to the Pan Pacific Hotel (walking in the opposite direction from Silom Rd.)

They seem to have a comprehensive supply and very good prices on most drugs that can be purchased "over the counter."

~~~

[Mobi]

As far as I am aware it is only sedatives (sleeping pills etc) which require a prescription. Almost all other drugs are available without one.

Bumrungrad, or any other hospital, if they sold them to you would charge 2 - 3 times the price you would pay in an independent drug store. If you go to a respectable one, like Fascino, then you will get genuine drugs.

It should be quite easy to find a doctor in a high street clinic who will provide you with a prescription for a small fee.

There is a lot of info on drugs and where to buy them in the "health forum".

I suggest this thread is moved to there where you will get more expert advice

[Tammi]

I found most pharmacies in LOS will sell you any drugs that you ask for that are normally only on prescription in UK. Years ago I was on Ativan (thank god no more) which is banned now, but I had no problem obtaining in Phuket and BK.

Do you know why it was banned in UK? I have heard can be got here OTC (not at Fascino though) and must be one of the most prescribed drugs for insomnia.

[backflip]

"To my knowledge there is no public drug selling pharmacy in Bumrungrad"

But, there are a dozen of "public drug selling" pharmacies within a 3-block radius of Bumrungrad.

[PeaceBlondie]

The OP asks about Ritalin, which he classifies with Concerta. Ritalin here is branded as Rubifen, at half the fee charged in the USA for the generic version of Ritalin. However, I have only obtained Rubifen through hospital pharmacies after being properly diagnosed by a neurologist who specialized in sleep disorders. I doubt Rubifen/Ritalin could be obtained without a prescription in Thailand.

I usually depend on the govt. hospital's pharmacy, but also use the pharmacy of the School of Pharmacy of CMU here in Chiang Mai. For antibiotics (including most that would need a prescript in the West), we use reliable local outlets.

[Neeranam]

If you can speak Thai, you can basically buy anything over the counter in Thailand. If you can't speak Thai, however, they probably won't sell certain things for you.

Last week, I asked in two different chemists for anything to help me sleep. They offered my Amiltrypaline, Trazedone, and Diazepam.

Generally, antidepressants are sold and benzodiazepines are kept in a bottle under the counter. I've seen Naltrexone. I used to take that drug as a cure to alcoholism and it actually worked for a while. I am, however, very happy that I sought an altenative 'cure' as my life changed dramatically for the good.

[jackoneilone]

Ill tell you where. Go on the main street that bumrungrad turns off from with the Egyptian restaurant on your left and zenith hotel just before that on your right. Go to the end of the street and then turn right at the T junction of that major street. STRAIGHT AWAY there are 2 pharmacies on your left hand and they I found have everything you could need.

try them theres 2 of them right next to each other and they had a lot of things most others didnt.

[roskruge]

Ill tell you where. Go on the main street that Bumrungrad turns off from with the Egyptian restaurant on your left and zenith hotel

is that Sukhumvit Soi 3

before that on your right. Go to the end of the street and then turn right at the T junction of that major street. STRAIGHT AWAY there are 2 pharmacies on your left hand.

this sounds like the minor Soi that runs from Soi 3 into Sukhumvit Soi 5, that would make the Pharmacies (chemist I'm English) on Sukhumvit Soi 5.

I am going to Sukhumvit Soi 3 tonight (Sat) so will give you names of Chemist tomorrow.

But back to the subject over a 5 year period at Chemist in Thailand generally speaking other than at a hospital a prescription is not needed. (in my experience)

With regard to the tranquillisers in tourist areas a copy of passport has been required (outside of tourist areas not required)

[Neeranam]

is that Sukhumvit Soi 3

No - between soi 4 and 2. They even have good cigars - I bought one the day my daughter was born at Bamrungrad.

[tim armstrong]

Hi! :-)

Assuming a "legit" pharmacy.....like one at Tops Marketplace, etc......I've noticed that some drugs (antibiotics, thyroid medication, etc.) can be obtained without prescription. On the other hand, sleep aids do require a prescription.

Do you know where there is a resource that lists which drugs, or classes of drugs require a prescription and which don't?

Also, specifically, do you know if the following require prescriptions (note: some are brand names, some are the "chemical name"....but all are available according to the MIMS Thailand drug database)?

1. antidepressants
   
2. Concerta (or Ritalin)
   
3. Nimodipine
   
4. Naltrexone
   
5. Mestinon
   
6. Itraconazole
   

Thank you for your help. I can assure you this is meant for a good cause....as a close friend is suffering through Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (a really bad case of it, too) and her doctor is only partially willing to help with prescriptions. For the most part, doctors just don't offer much help for this affliction at this time. Hard thing to deal with for sure.

CHEERS!

D

Is she sure of the diagnosis ? Many chronic fatigue cases can turn out to have a viral or bacteriological cause. Most current generation antidepressants need to be prescribed by a doctor - for good reason, that is to monitor accidental, (or sometimes deliberate ) overdosing, and subsequent effects on body and brain chemistry. I wouldn't be giving Ritalin to anyone for anything -but I'm not a doctor. However I have seen bad oucomes from its use, especially amongst children and adolescents. Dont know so much about the others. You can try the WHO site and look at their pharmacology sections and essential drugs lists. But as others have said drug company profits often determine the outcomes. As many drugs come off patent they also tend to become more widely available, as they are made in generic form and sold over the counter.

But in most countries the Ministry of health - advised by the medical profession, WHO, and of course the drug companies decide what is to be prescribed and what isn't.

But really, I think your friend needs to spend some time looking for an experienced, ethical and well respected doctor (by his/her peers) to go to.

[wpcoe]

I would use mall based places also (as most will have air conditioning - which may not be the case with small soi places).

I will amplify lopburi3's statement. The air con can be important not so much for the comfort of the shopper, but for the preservation of the efficacy of the item. Some drugs are sensitive to heat. Ever notice a label that might say something like "store below 25°C"? Now think of how warm some of those non-aircon "small soi places" are, day-in and day-out.

[zorro1]

You can buy sleeping meds of any sort In BKK without a prescription usually only if the chemist knows you as a regular but they are expensive

[Mobi]

I have found drug stores in BKK that will sell me sleeping pills. One even showed me his catalogue and asked me to choose which one I wanted. You will sometimes find they will sell to farangs and not to Thais.

However, my regular med supplier is Fascino where I spend in excess of 8,000 Baht per month, and even when I show them an empty blister pack with the hospital label and my name on it, they still refuse to supply me sleeping pills without a prescription. All other meds, including stuff like Prozac is not a problem, but no sedatives.

Any doctor I consult for whatever medical problem will always prescribe me sleeping pills if requested with no questions asked as the reason, or any warnings as to the possibility of becoming addicted. I'd be more encouraged if they did show some concern - but they don't - not even the top specialists from places like Bumrungrad. "Which pill and how many do you need?" is all they ask.

As with so many other things here, it is a farce.

[JSixpack]

is that Sukhumvit Soi 3

No - between soi 4 and 2. They even have good cigars - I bought one the day my daughter was born at Bamrungrad.

What good cigars? I've seen a lot of cheap cigars there, but no good ones. Of course, I haven't recently tried many cheap cigars except Villager, which is vile. Good ones are found at the cigar shop in the Central World mall or the liquor/tobacco shop near Emporium.

[Sheryl]

Gang, just a reminder that it is against forum rules to dìscuss illegal activities and purchase of drugs "under the counter"would fall into that category.

Thailand has a very liberal policy with respect to selling pharmaceuticals without prescrioption and basically the only drugs not legally available without presecription are:

1) Drugs with serious addiction and/or overdoes potential: narcotics, benzos, barbituates and hypnotics (a class of sleeping pill).

2) Very new drugs which have not yet been approved for use in Thailand, may be allowed by use in hospitals and available from hospotal pharmacies but not for general sale.

3) Some corticosteroids have been banned because of widespread abuse (for "performance enhancement") which presents a serious health risk.

I think most of the drugs listed in the OP are legally sole OTC here.

[Pd10642]

Hi! :-)

Assuming a "legit" pharmacy.....like one at Tops Marketplace, etc......I've noticed that some drugs (antibiotics, thyroid medication, etc.) can be obtained without prescription. On the other hand, sleep aids do require a prescription.

Do you know where there is a resource that lists which drugs, or classes of drugs require a prescription and which don't?

Also, specifically, do you know if the following require prescriptions (note: some are brand names, some are the "chemical name"....but all are available according to the MIMS Thailand drug database)?

1. antidepressants
   
2. Concerta (or Ritalin)
   
3. Nimodipine
   
4. Naltrexone
   
5. Mestinon
   
6. Itraconazole
   

Thank you for your help. I can assure you this is meant for a good cause....as a close friend is suffering through Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (a really bad case of it, too) and her doctor is only partially willing to help with prescriptions. For the most part, doctors just don't offer much help for this affliction at this time. Hard thing to deal with for sure.

CHEERS!

D

While we're on this topic: If you are able to obtain such pills, is it illegal to bring them into the US/Canada?

I am looking to buy some Ritalin/Rubifen or similar amphetamines.

[PeaceBlondie]

I suspect that Ritalin (branded as Rubifen in Thailand) is only available in restricted pharmacies (such as a hospital one), on the written prescription of a Thai-licensed doctor. That's how I get them. Rubifen cost about half what Ritalin cost in the US (last time I checked, before dollar devaluation). If you can convince a Thai physician to issue you a prescription that is filled just before you return to North America, I'd keep your receipt and the container untouched and hope you get it through Customs. The most I've gotten in one prescription is 200 pills, I think, and then the pharmacy couldn't fill the entire order within one day. In other words, if the physican here does prescribe it (and they're not easily convinced), you can use Rubifen here. I don't know about taking them 'home' to North America, really.

[zorro1]

Hi! :-)

Assuming a "legit" pharmacy.....like one at Tops Marketplace, etc......I've noticed that some drugs (antibiotics, thyroid medication, etc.) can be obtained without prescription. On the other hand, sleep aids do require a prescription.

Do you know where there is a resource that lists which drugs, or classes of drugs require a prescription and which don't?

Also, specifically, do you know if the following require prescriptions (note: some are brand names, some are the "chemical name"....but all are available according to the MIMS Thailand drug database)?

1. antidepressants
   
2. Concerta (or Ritalin)
   
3. Nimodipine
   
4. Naltrexone
   
5. Mestinon
   
6. Itraconazole
   

Thank you for your help. I can assure you this is meant for a good cause....as a close friend is suffering through Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (a really bad case of it, too) and her doctor is only partially willing to help with prescriptions. For the most part, doctors just don't offer much help for this affliction at this time. Hard thing to deal with for sure.

CHEERS!

D

While we're on this topic: If you are able to obtain such pills, is it illegal to bring them into the US/Canada?

I am looking to buy some Ritalin/Rubifen or similar amphetamines.

check your declaration form. In oz you must declare prescription medicine

[Sheryl]

Be sure to have on you a prescription for them and also not to be bringing ion a larger quantity than could reasonably be for personal use. A doctor's letter or medical summary would also be wise. You can definitely get into big trouble carrying amphetamines in the US otherwise. And, as londie noted, by law in Thailand you need a doctor's prescription here as well.

[Pd10642]

Thank you guys for your help! Really appreciate it!