I've seen some conflicting info about whether we need a "doctor's note" in order to avoid trouble for our prescription medicines. We have a low blood pressure medication, welbutrin, adderall, tramadaol, and ambien. All are in their original bottles, all are about a month's worth (as we will be there about a month).
Thanks in advance.
I think people make a huge issue out of the prescription meds, yet I have never heard anyone have a problem. I personally, put my meds in ziplocs with a label that I get from my pharmacist (the same that goes on the container) I did travel for a month in Europe with my daughter who takes Adderall. NEVER a second glance. With the tramadol and the adderall, if you are at the doc and he/she will write a note, it wouldn't hurt, and it might make you feel better. Also, you can search this forum for LOTS of discussion on what people do with their meds.
This question gets asked several times a month. If you enter your posts title in a search window you will bring up way too many responses to read. I personally have never had a problem in 16 years of going to Europe.
...I personally, put my meds in ziplocs with a label that I get from my pharmacist (the same that goes on the container...
In addition to doing that, we also take the data sheet that comes with the Rx as it gives much more information than the label by itself.
Generic US State Department advice:
Travel Smartly with Prescription Medications
Bring an ample supply of medication to cover you for your trip, and if
possible, a few extra days in case there are delays. Carry a letter
from the attending physician that describes the medical condition and
any prescription medications, including the generic name of prescribed
drugs.Keep medications in their original, labeled containers.
Check with the foreign embassy of the country you are visiting or
transiting to make sure your medications are permitted in that
country.
The above said, I have never had anyone in foreign lands question my prescription medications. If I was carrying opioid drugs or other generally controlled substances, I would be more careful in having the proper documentation. While Turkey, not Greece, the 1970s movie "Midnight Express" is hard to watch.
With regard to the original container situation there isn't, as far as I know, a U.S. federal requirement that meds be in the original container. If I am incorrect, someone please let me know. There are a few states (not sure which ones) that require meds be in original containers, but I can remember only one case being made in the last thirty or so years.
I think people focus too much on the "legal" aspect of Meds and travel, something to be aware of, but unless you are hauling serious pain killers in quantity, you would rarely if ever be questioned about small amounts for personal use.
However, you should consider what would happen if you lost, spilled down the drain, miscalculated, or found yourself in an extended delay; and needed to get a re-supply.
It is only common sense advice that what ever packaging you use should have an identifying label, and separately, whether it be something from your Doctor, duplicate labels, or other info, a listing of the drugs you take, why, and Generic name and dosage that a pharmacist/Doctor in another country could determine a replacement.
I have never had a problem and don’t typically have them in the original container, but in pill carriers. I do always carry twice as much as I need - one supply in my suitcase and another in my back pack - just in case something happens to one piece of luggage or I somehow spill or lose the meds.
Thanks to everyone who weighed in. As I said, I found conflicting reports and wanted to check with real people.
