Now besides for taking some tylenol with me..
I also use Melatonin with me, to get a better nights sleep.
This isn't something that will get me pulled aside by customs - is it?
I know its not "prescription" meds, but thought I'd just throw it out there to make sure.
Thank you. this is another topic I feel kind of goofy asking, but just "making sure".
Cathy.
I have read that in Europe melatonin is prescription only. But I don't recall anyone reporting here that they had a problem bringing it in from a country (such as the US) where it is legal over the counter.
Thank you Ken.
I didn't tap on the box for someone from RS group to read, but now kind of wishing I had after Ken's input here.
I don't see a way to forward this on to the rs group now that I've already created this email/question.
You can post your question again and check the box this time.
I have been traveling in Europe since 1960; dozens of trips; noone has ever looked at my meds (and these days on long trips, I have a fair amount of same in my carry on handbag) In all those years I have only had my bags checked twice at customs -- once coming in by ocean liner from Germany in 1961 and once last year when I declared all that duck confit -- they were looking for the bush meat I guess. Both of these were entering the US. I have never had my luggage checked coming into Europe or Asia or the Middle East or Mexico.
Melatonin is a prescription med in most of Europe, so crossing over the Atlantic with the store bought variety is a no no. Here in the US the FDA clamping down on it's uses, and considering taking away it's "supplement" status in favor of prescription only...food for thought.
I'm not sure why coming into Europe with your own legally acquired over-the-counter melatonin would be any problem. If you had an enormous quality that looked like you were going to be selling on the street, maybe then, but I just can't imagine that customs officials don't have bigger concerns than OTC melatonin!!!
"I just can't imagine that customs officials don't have bigger concerns than *OTC melatonin*!!!"
See above posts--the information we have is that Melatonin is by prescription only in most of Europe. I think that's why there's this discussion, because the OP was concerned since Melatonin is not OTC in Europe.
I sometimes carry a small quantity of melatonin with me to Europe, but even though it is in a labeled bottle, no one has asked about it. I have never had my bags searched on arrival into Europe, and the last time I was searched on reentry to the US was in 1976 when I was a college student with a backpack. Personally, I would not worry about it. Customs doesn't generally "pull you aside". Normally, when you arrive, you just go through the green "nothing to declare" door and you are out of there.
We usually have some with us and have never thought twice about it.
I understand that melatonin is a prescription drug in Europe (I can read). My point was that given that the OP would have acquired her melatonin where it IS OTC, I just can't see it being a problem. Presumably customs or drugs authorities in various European countries know that it is an
OTC item in the U.S. I hardly think it counts among their most-controlled substances here. Anyway, it would be perfectly legal for her to have it on her person and presumably the authorities have something better to look for than ask an American whether she's carrying a prescription for her melatonin (especially since she didn't need a prescription to obtain it where she acquired it!). Sheesh.
Cathy we just left Paris a few days ago. We have spent last 26 days in London, Paris, Dublin and Mallorca.
We have flown on Virgin, Easyjet ,Ryanair and Are Lingus. We have taken Eurostar too.
NO one at any of the four airports lloked at any of my meds.
I have flown into Paris, Amsterdam, London and Barcelona ,over the
Last ten years at least 7 times.
No one has ever looked at my meds. Ever.
I rake several prescriptions and melatonin too.
Stop worrying.
I have been to Europe nine times since 2002 and as we get older it seems like our medicine bag gets larger and we have never had anyone look at the meds in the bag. Even my husbands prescription creams have hardly been looked at. If you are really worried, maybe just put your Melatonin in a bottle that had a calcium or magnesium supplement. I don't think anyone is going to take your supplements and have them analysed.
