Travelling abroad with Gabapentin

[Givemestrength65]

hi I am due to travel to Thailand soon but am worried as I have to take my medications including co codamol, Amitriptyline and Gabapentin - I am panicking that I will be stopped by security (my panic is running away with me!) Anyone got any advice/experience of travelling with their medications…Iv seemed to have quite a collection which aI take daily. Do I need any gp letters to verify that I am taking these prescribed meds? All advice greatly appreciated

[Hidden]

I personally would obtain a letter, I take medications abroad and countries like the US are very very strict, and I would have thought Thailand wouldn’t be a push over with “drugs” being bought in. I would have all your prescriptions, a doctors note (they do charge mine was £25) and also ensure all your meds are in labelled boxes with the prescription Sticker on. Better to be safe than sorry. I take controlled drugs and you have to be even more careful

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee]

if you are concerned then contact the thai embassy in London. You will need a letter and take no more than 30 days. You do not mention narcotics but co-codamol comes up as a tag and some drugs like codeine and morphine based drugs require you to apply for a permit in advance. I think it is 2 weeks ahead of arrival is the suggested timeline.

They are mainly concerned with narcotics and psychoactive substances but as I say the thai embassy is the most authorative place to contact. Tried to get to the thai fda website but it timed out on me but that did have some resources on this.

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee in reply to desquinn]

Givemestrength65 The website is now working so if you go tot he link below you can put your drugs in and see what the process is and whether you need to apply for a permit.

permitfortraveler.fda.moph....

Gabapentin does not need it but co-codamol would for example.

photo of drugchecker tool

[Cat00]

I've taken my meds, in the past Gabapentin, but also Diazepam, Zopiclone and Naproxen to Egypt many times with no problems.

I'd love to go to Thailand but couldn't cope with the length of the flight.

[moo196]

try the gov. uk/travel website.

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

How wonderful, yes ring your doctors surgery they should be able too advise you, have a lovely time😀

[candyfloss66]

I would take a copy of your repeat prescription form also as proof of prescribed use. Helped me to get thru security at this end,this as well as labels on every item .

[rosewine]

I've managed to copy and osteoarthritis this for you from the Thai embassy website in London."If the prescription medicine not listed as controlled drugs. The medications are likely classified as medication preparations according to the Drug Act B.E. 2510 (1967). A patient under treatment who requires medications in that category is allowed to bring for personal use such medications in a quantity not exceeding 30 days of prescribed usage. The medications must be in their original containers with proper labels, accompanied by a letter or prescription for the doctor. However, such medications fall under the responsibility of the Bureau of Drug Control, Thai FDA. You can consult that office directly by sending an email to the Director of the Bureau of Drug Control: [e-mail] Please also send a cc copy of that email to [e-mail]

If the prescription medicine containing Narcotic Drugs/Psychotropic substances will be brought into or out of Thailand, please check the followings:

Restriction on Narcotic

Restriction on Psychotropic

Check the Drug

List of Controlled Narcotic Drugs under the Thai Narcotics

FAQ

If your prescription medicine falls under Category 2 of the list of controlled drugs, you should get a permit from the Food and Drug Administration, by completing online application (click here) at least 2 weeks in advance. The Food and Drug Administration will take 3-5 working days to check your application and issue the permit.

Please note that application must be completed online. The link can be found at permitfortraveler.fda.moph...., by clicking the "Permit Request" button on the top right corner, and choosing "Application for Carry-In". It is recommended that the applicant uses PC or laptop to do this (cannot be done on mobile phone). Once the permit is granted, it will be sent by email. Applicant is required to print out the permit and bring it with them to Thailand when pass throught the customs channel at the airport.

For more information

Please visit Food and DrugAdministration of Thailand’s website at permitfortraveler.fda.moph.go.th for more information and online application, or contact directly to Drug Control Division, Food and Drug Administration e-mail to [e-mail] or Narcotics Control Division e-mail to [e-mail]

Narcotics Control Division, Food and Drug Administration.

Hooe it helps.x

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee in reply to rosewine]

the websites yesterday were not working hence why I suggested calling but they are now so will post the link to the drug checker which is a good tool for this query.

[rosewine in reply to desquinn]

Great I have never been any good with links.