samui pharmacy

[christina3370]

Hello. I've just relocated to samui from China. I had an excellent psychiatrist for several years in China, but now I'm on an island with only one (from what I found on the internet) psychiatrist. I've contacted that one psychiatrist but the cost of seeing the doctor, hospital fees, and medication is waaaay too expensive for what I make here. I've been on the same meds for about a year, so I'm totally stable and would like to continue the same meds and dosages. So what I need is some info on whether I can get the medications OTC and which pharmacy on the island would stock these sorts of meds (for depression, anxiety, insomnia). I think the paroxetine is most important, lamotrigine i could live without and alprazolam is just for sleep so I could try another medication if it is difficult to get. If there is another psychiatrist or mental health clinic on Samui please let me know. thanks!

Paroxetine 20 mg
Lamotrigine 50 mg
Alprazolam 1 mg

Edited August 16, 2015 by christina3370

[sirocco]

Oh my ! Christina, get out, talk to the people around you, laugh

for anything, you see, it is very efficient.

It is not good taking drugs.

And to sleep, a good whiskey thai wrongly-guts and you pass a quiet night.

Not let yourself go. Must live your life.

[christina3370]

I've battled with this for a long time. Trust me, most people with mental disorders do not WANT to take medication, but you must realize it is an illness like any other and therefore, it should be treated and not ignored.

Also, I'm an adult, I don't need to be told what is good or bad for me.

Edited August 16, 2015 by christina3370

[Sheryl]

An unhelpful post has been removed.

Alprazolam is a controlled drug and can only legallty be gotten at a hospital pharmacy.

Lamotrignine can be bought over the counter without presecription. It won't be cheap though as only an imported brand (Lamictal) available.

Paroxetine -the non sustained release form is also OTC but the sustained release form is restricted. It too is available only i an expensive import form, Seroxat.

So provided you are not on the sustained release form of paroxetinme, buying at a pharmacy is an option.

Pharmacies you could try:

1. Morya - ring road near Maenam. tel Tel: 0 7724 7361, 0 815 369 288, 0 819 792 029. There are also branches inside Tesco in Chaweng and Lamai but these may be less likely to stock what you need.

2. Gai Pharmacy - Maenam (Soi 4) - has been highly recommended by many TV members

3. Joy Pharmacy - Plai Laem Bo Put. Just after the Big Buddha coming form Bang Rak. Also well recommended.

I trust you know that it is necessary when on these meds to have periodic blood tests of liver and kidney function...say every 6 months. There is a medical lab in Nathon, open evenings only, that should be able to do this for you. Turn leftat the traffic light heading towards waterfall.

Should you find it necessary to see a psychiatrist the most affordable option by far is the government psychiatric hospital in Surat Thani. Have to arrive first thing in the morning (like 7 AM) as it is crowded and works on a queue system. First visit, will need to register to get a patient number. Best to have a Thai speaker along for at least first visit to help you navigate the red tape, Doctors should speak English but nursing and admin staff will not and signs, forms etc will be in Thai. Only open Mon-Fri and closed Thai holidays. Expect it to take a full day and bring along plenty of reading matter and patience. Cost of consultation will be minimal, probably under 100 baht. There will also be no mark up on meds, they'll be near wholesale cost, but they might not have some of the more expensive imports. There will however be large pharmacies near the hospital that do and at competitive prices.

[christina3370]

Perfect. Thank you so much!