European travel question

[ADHD_DAD]

My wife is very concerned about an upcoming trip to Europe having been told by Spain that methylphenidate is considered a narcotic there. Obviously, our son cannot stop taking his meds, but we are concerned with clearing customs/ immigration. France and Italy have indicated that we need only a letter of medical necessity (which we have) for customs there. Has any American had difficulty traveling to Europe with a child with ADHD? Tips? Thanks in advance.

[virgy]

We lived in France fairly recently. We used Concerta there but had to see a therapist from time to time that prescribed it.

[Redpanda5]

In March 2023, my college aged son flew from home (US) through Germany, Italy and Switzerland and back home with zero trouble. He traveled with Vyvanse (stimulant - controlled substance in the US). He did keep the medicine in the bottle in which it was prescribed so I would recommend keeping it in the original bottle. Hope this helps!

[ADHD_DAD in reply to Redpanda5]

Thank you for your response. We heard back from the emabassy of each country we will visit. Each requires that the meds be in original bottle and that twe be prepared to present the prescription and letters of medical necessity. Spain has a a required certificate but only for quantities above 2g, which we will not need for our ten days in Europe. Otherwise, the letter of medical necessity will suffice.

[BLC89]

If you have word directly from the Spanish government that methylphenidate is not allowed you may need to change your travel plans. You don't want to get to customs and have them take the meds away. Get something in writing from the Spanish government that you can travel with a prescription, just be aware that you may run into a hassle depending on the customs agent.I haven't been to Spain in particular but know that when the government is against it, we certainly don't get special treatment as Americans, often judged more harshly.

I suggest getting the OK from a government official in writing.

Have fun! What a lucky kid to get to see other cultures and parts of the world.

BLC89

[ADHD_DAD in reply to BLC89]

Thank you. We heard back from the embassy in Spain. A certificate is only required for quantities above 2g. Otherwise, meds in original bottles accompanied by letter of medical necessity will suffice. All good. Thanks for the help!

[BLC89]

Yay! Have a great trip

[Coconut12346]

My son went to a summer camp in Spain and he had no issues. We even gave his group leader the medicine and he supervised it. Concerta

[Ejcox2002]

I maybe a little late- I travel a lot with work.

Yes, anywhere in Europe it is a controlled drug. But you can bring them in! My tips-

Doctors letter

Photocopy of the prescription

The prescription dispensing stickers on everything

Original packaging- I usually try to get it redispensed

In my hand luggage- on the top so it is clearly visible.

Again as I am always worried- I staple a copy to the paper bag with them in and then place a spare in a folder.

With all of this I have never had a problem. I've been to most of the world including Europe and the difficult middle east.

[ADHD_DAD in reply to Ejcox2002]

Thank you

[Ejcox2002 in reply to ADHD_DAD]

No worries- the chances of anyone actually even seeing them is very slim!

The only place who has checked was an ME country as they scan your bags upon arrival.

Also I keep them in my hotel room safe- again, just in case they get stolen (hotel staff in the room etc) this way, I have done all I can to protect the 'controlled drug' from getting into the wrong hands.

Most of what I do is overkill- but I like to play the safe game!

You are also taking less than a 30day supply too right?