Moving To Thailand Wondering About Prescription Meds For Depression Availability.

[alcanthus]

I hope this post is a moot point because when I'm in Thailand I'm so much more sabai than in america that I seem to need lower dosages of my meds for depression. However, I've tried to gradually lower my levels several times in the past 10 years or so and definitely feel worse. So at least knowing that they are available would at least quell one lingering fear I have. Being depressed for a long time changes the brain in ways that are not so easily corrected (at least short term). But I'm also amazed at how the knowledge that I'm finally moving to Thailand after 9 trips and knowing that this is something I need to do has completely changed my mindset now. And my experience at a meditation retreat in the Isaan area last month has given me a profound appreciation for how intertwined the culture I'm in and the person I see as myself are. In america, I'm the person who identifies with the beliefs I learned that contributed to my depression. It's become obvious to me that when I'm in Thailand I forget most of my beliefs over time and feel like a 10 pound weight is removed from my shoulders each day. So I'm really looking forward to seeing how living there will change my biochemistry.

[Jingthing]

I believe the more popular meds are widely available over the counter at most any pharmacy. Name the exact med and someone is sure to know specifically. Happy travels.

[coventry]

When I first came to Thailand I too was on 'antidepressants'. Like the OP, I was somewhat stressed on the thought of not being able to obtain my medication. I was on 'Venlafaxine' and I could only obtain it on prescription. For that prescription I had to visit an hospital that stocked the medication. A round trip of 200 km, to be undertaken every month due to them only issueing 30 days supply each time. Due to it being made under licence, there wasn't a cheap alternative and I had to pay top wack. In some ways that was the reason of my coming off them, the cost, travel etc. It was the best thing I did even though I went back into depressive periods for a good few months during my not taking them. Eventually the depressive bouts got less and less.

Most cases of depression will self cure in 6-8 weeks, about the same time it takes a course of anidepressants to kick in. Unfortunately try telling that to someone with depression.

I found no antidepressants available over the counter. The reason I believe is because depressive people need monitoring, hence the 30 day supply only. But saying that I would think that some pharmacies will supply them under the counter which can be a bad thing.

[Sheryl]

It depends on which meds one is on, but many anti-depressents, including all of the SSRIs (prozak, Zoloft etc and their local generic equivalents) are available over the counter in Thailand, only limitation is that it has to be a licensed pharmacy.

[ozzieovaseas]

I hope this post is a moot point because when I'm in Thailand I'm so much more sabai than in america that I seem to need lower dosages of my meds for depression. However, I've tried to gradually lower my levels several times in the past 10 years or so and definitely feel worse. So at least knowing that they are available would at least quell one lingering fear I have. Being depressed for a long time changes the brain in ways that are not so easily corrected (at least short term). But I'm also amazed at how the knowledge that I'm finally moving to Thailand after 9 trips and knowing that this is something I need to do has completely changed my mindset now. And my experience at a meditation retreat in the Isaan area last month has given me a profound appreciation for how intertwined the culture I'm in and the person I see as myself are. In america, I'm the person who identifies with the beliefs I learned that contributed to my depression. It's become obvious to me that when I'm in Thailand I forget most of my beliefs over time and feel like a 10 pound weight is removed from my shoulders each day. So I'm really looking forward to seeing how living there will change my biochemistry.

Good for you mate.My story was very similar to yours as far as the meds and the travel and the attitude.

Am now living in Thailand myself and never looked back.Its one thing to lay blame but i do think the western society we live in, what goes on and the way we are treated doesnt help BUT ive learnt to choose how to react to the situations and understand what the mind is doing and where its going..thats the key for me..and in that way you can choose to take responsibility and not let external factors dictate inner hapiness.

Anyway I found it easy to get of the zoloft, i did it cold turkey and had no repercussions whatsoever although i had a low dose and was only it for a bit over 5 months.It did seem to give me a side affect of not being able to sleep, which i still have now and so i may considering sleeping tablets in the future..Although i dont really want to go down that road..why introduce it if you can get by without?

I was going to ask if anyone can reccomend sleeping tabs available here, just in case?

I tried some briefly in the past but they never seemed to do much.

But ive no doubt it will all turn sunny for you and Thailand will be good.I find life here is great and I think its actually the best therapy you can have.Ive found the bad turns are now replaced with continual grattitude and appreciation for being here and being able to soak up the lifestyle and things get better day by day.

In my case though im not sure how things will go when going home!!

Maybe at the time it will be just another new step of the journey.

I did notice the poster mentioning Zoloft was available over the counter here, so was glad not to be needing it anyway.

All the best for you for the future mate and wishing a speedy recovery in L.O.S

PS could you post the name of the meditation place at Isaan...might be worth a look sometime