Vyvanse and traveling to China

[Artsy12]

Hi Everyone!

I'm new here and was wondering if anyone could share any experience and/or advice on travelling to China with Vyvanse. Here are the particulars:

- I'm going later this year (2024)

- I'll be there for a week for pleasure/ tourism only

- I'm currently taking Vyvanse 30 mg/ day, but that may increase to 40 mg/ day next month

- I expect to bring only my current 30-day supply (or less) with me.

I've tried searching which ADHD medications can legally be brought into China for short-term personal use, but haven't had much luck finding clear answers. From what I've been able to locate on other discussion boards, Vyvanse seems to be in a "grey area", and the consensus seems to be that as long as I have the pills in the original container, with a letter from my doctor, plus my diagnosis, I should be fine.

I've tried looking at the Chinese customs and border services website, but can't find anything relevant. I'm also a bit reluctant to write to my local Chinese embassy for more information.

Can anyone else confirm?

Are there any other procedures, such as declaring the medication in advance, obtaining a certificate or permission from the Chinese authorities, etc.?

Has anyone else recently travelled to China with Vyvanse? If so, could someone please let me know what the correct protocol is? I'd like to ensure I'm onside and compliant.

Any information is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!

[Jozlynn]

I've not traveled to China specifically with my Vyvanse, but I have gone to other countries with it just fine. No one even looked at my pill bottles, much less scrutinized what kinds of meds they were. Without clear instructions to do so, I would recommend against declaring them. I've lived all over Europe, in and out of other countries in Eastern Europe, and not once has anyone paid any attention to my medication.

I know that's not totally helpful with China specifically, but I personally think if they were going to be scrutinizing what meds you bring, there would be documentation about that - making it easy to find.

[GabyHIS]

Dear Artsy12:

I completely understand your concern about bringing Vyvanse to China. From what I've gathered, Vyvanse falls into a bit of a gray area when it comes to importing it for personal use. Typically, it’s recommended to carry it in its original container with a prescription label that includes your name and dosage details. Additionally, having a letter from your doctor stating your need for Vyvanse, along with documentation of your ADHD diagnosis, can help clarify the purpose of your medication to customs officials.

While I haven't personally traveled to China with Vyvanse, ensuring you have these documents should generally align with what’s required for personal medication use abroad. However, I highly recommend contacting the Chinese embassy or consulate directly for the next steps. They can provide the most accurate guidance based on current customs regulations. If reaching out to the embassy feels daunting, you might consider consulting with a travel health clinic or a specialized travel agent who can offer insights into navigating medication importation laws for China.

I hope this information eases your concerns and helps you prepare effectively for your trip. Wishing you a wonderful time exploring China!

Here are some articles to review for your travels:

chadd.org/adhd-weekly/over-....

Sincerely,

GabyHIS