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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by MichaelF on August 27, 2000, at 0:29:55
Does anyone have any info on what the rules and regulations are concerning importing meds into Canada from overseas?
I am interested in meds that are not available in Canada, such as Amisulpride.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
MichaelF
Posted by JohnL on August 27, 2000, at 5:35:47
In reply to Importing meds into Canada, posted by MichaelF on August 27, 2000, at 0:29:55
> Does anyone have any info on what the rules and regulations are concerning importing meds into Canada from overseas?
>
> I am interested in meds that are not available in Canada, such as Amisulpride.
>
> Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
>
> MichaelFSince I live in the USA I am not familiar with importing into Canada. However, what you could do is contact your potential supplier directly and ask them. You could try calling them, or email. They will likely know what they can and cannot do, and what the differences are from one country to another. You could try calling Canadian Customs as well to see what they say. I suspect importing Amisulpride would pose no problems, since it is not abusable, not a controlled substance, and not an illegal drug. But I don't know for sure. In your shoes I would have to scout around and ask.
I hope you can get it. Amisulpride is a wonderful medication for a variety of psychiatric conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, social anxiety, and more. Very few, if any, side effects. Even if there was a possible gliche in it getting by Customs (I don't think there is, but maybe) there's still a decent chance it will get through. They simply don't have the manpower to check every single package with a fine tooth comb.
But I could be wrong. Maybe it's a big No-NO to import a med unapproved in Canada. I don't know. Since Amisulpride is common in France, I would hope and think it would be OK in Canada.
CamW is from Canada and very knowledgeable. I bet he would know. Hopefully he will respond. If he doesn't, you might want to re-post your question again and specify his name in the title. In the meantime, try contacting the supplier and try calling Customs.
One more thing. Sometimes suppliers will package your medication 'discreetly' at your request, and sometimes for an extra fee. They'll maybe ship it in an envelope instead of a box, or even in several different envelopes. You might want to ask your potential supplier if discreet shipping is available.
John
Posted by Cam W. on August 27, 2000, at 20:49:27
In reply to Re: Importing meds into Canada, posted by JohnL on August 27, 2000, at 5:35:47
Michael - Your doctor has to make a request to Health Canada to have the drug imported for you. You will have had to have had no or inadequate response to similar meds that are already available in Canada. If your doc phones Health Canada, they can send the information to him/her. - Cam
Posted by MichaelF on August 29, 2000, at 0:02:52
In reply to Re: Importing meds into Canada, posted by JohnL on August 27, 2000, at 5:35:47
John,
Thank you very much for the feedback. I ordered and received a small quantity of Amisulpride and started it last Friday. I am looking to replace Stelazine with Amisulpride and so far I am pleased with the results.
When I realized I needed more to complete my trial, I thought I should post and find out what the regulations are for bringing meds into Canada. From your response and Cam's, it would appear that this initial order did indeed slip past customs.
My doctor is very narrow minded, shall we say and I want to trial Amisulpride and see if it works for me. If it does work for me, then I plan on telling my doctor I have found a med that works well, can a have a prescription please? Kind of a sneaky way of doing things but I am fed up with my doctor's reluctance to try different meds so I thought I would take matters into my own hands for a change.
Again, thanks for your reply.
MichaelF
Posted by MichaelF on August 29, 2000, at 0:17:33
In reply to Re: Importing meds into Canada, posted by Cam W. on August 27, 2000, at 20:49:27
Cam,
I appreciate your reply.
If I understand what you have written, the regulations for importing medications into Canada seem to be more stringent compared to importing them into the US. My understanding is residents of the US need only send a prescription with their order and that is sufficient to clear customs. Is my understanding correct?
If my doctor gives me a prescription for Amisulpride and I order it from an overseas pharmacy, will Canadian customs prevent it's delivery, should they discover the order?
Thanks Cam,
MichaelF
Posted by Cam W. on August 29, 2000, at 6:57:19
In reply to Re: Importing meds into Canada » Cam W., posted by MichaelF on August 29, 2000, at 0:17:33
Michael - Canada Customs, if they catch your order (and they catch about 2%) will send you a nasty letter the first time. I think that if you do produce a prescription they will send the necessary paperwork to the doctor. The only long term problem is, is that Customs will enter your name in a database to better enable them to make you part of that 2%, which is no big deal (unless you don't stop those cocaine shipments from Peru ;^)
- Cam
Posted by JohnL on August 30, 2000, at 4:43:12
In reply to Importing meds into Canada, posted by MichaelF on August 27, 2000, at 0:29:55
Michael,
It's just my opinion, but if you find an overseas medication to be effective for you, while other Canadian choices weren't, then in my mind doing whatever is needed to get that overseas med becomes a high priority. After all, if it keeps you depression-free, your entire life depends on it, right? Without it, everything suffers...your job, your family, your friends, your future, your health, and...you. If there was a medication available to you in Canada that worked as well, it would be a different story. And if the overseas medication doesn't work all that well, that changes the story too...no longer a high priority. Wouldn't make sense.
Consider yourself lucky if you've found the magic in an overseas medication. As you know, there are thousands upon millions of people in the world terribly handicapped by depression and unable to find the right med to treat it effectively. If you've found that medication in an overseas drug, it's no longer fun and games (if it ever was!) It's real life serious stuff. Like I said, EVerything depends on staying well.
With that perspective, you might have to accept the burden of importing the med as one of the prices one must pay to stay well. Here are some ideas that could be helpful:
1) Place multiple orders at different times (perhaps staggered a week or two weeks apart). It will cost more in shipping, but the odds are that most, if not all, of those orders will get through. If some get seized, others will still get through. Build up a good supply quickly, then don't worry about it for while.
2) Use various shipping addresses. Maybe a friend or a family member will be understanding of your cause, and packages could be sent to multiple addresses.
3) Ask the supplier if they can provide discreet mailing (envelopes instead of boxes). Offer to pay extra for it. To stay well, that's a small price to pay.I don't mean to advocate skirting the law. It's just that given a choice--being depression free or adhering to some beauracrat's red tape rules--I'll choose depression free and pay whatever price is needed for it. After all, no matter what the price, one's entire life depends on it. Through my sufferings I have come to view a depression free life as absolutely priceless, a gift of gold, and any price I have to pay to achieve it is miniscule in comparison.
John
Posted by JohnC on August 31, 2000, at 2:16:31
In reply to Re: Importing meds into Canada-Michael, posted by JohnL on August 30, 2000, at 4:43:12
Greetings JohnL,
I live in the US(Dallas,Texas)and was wanting to know if you have any recommendations on a trustworthy overseas supplier for valium or xanax? I have spoken with people who have taken both of the above and they said they worked wonders and gave them they're lifes back.I have looked EVERYWHERE and all I can find is ad's for books with listings of pharmacys or all they have is diet and nutritional products.My panic attacks have been going on since my highschool days but they were suttle enough to cope with with out any medication but recently they have been getting to the point where I feel like the world is caving in on me.When I get in crowded areas I become very nervous and want to leave the area.It didn't start getting real bad untill this past semester of college.The day will be going fine then out of no where a panic attack will happen.It seems to happen the most when Im either driving or around alot of people.Any info will be greatly appreciated.Thank You,
John
Posted by JohnL on August 31, 2000, at 4:36:14
In reply to Re:To JohnL on US importation?, posted by JohnC on August 31, 2000, at 2:16:31
> Greetings JohnL,
>
> I live in the US(Dallas,Texas)and was wanting to know if you have any recommendations on a trustworthy overseas supplier for valium or xanax? I have spoken with people who have taken both of the above and they said they worked wonders and gave them they're lifes back.I have looked EVERYWHERE and all I can find is ad's for books with listings of pharmacys or all they have is diet and nutritional products.My panic attacks have been going on since my highschool days but they were suttle enough to cope with with out any medication but recently they have been getting to the point where I feel like the world is caving in on me.When I get in crowded areas I become very nervous and want to leave the area.It didn't start getting real bad untill this past semester of college.The day will be going fine then out of no where a panic attack will happen.It seems to happen the most when Im either driving or around alot of people.Any info will be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thank You,
> JohnJohnC,
Unfortunately importing Valium or Xanax is a big no-no. That's because these are controlled substances under narcotics laws. They can get you high and they are sometimes sold illegally by drug dealers on the street. I doubt seriously you'll find a source for these by mail. Even if you did, you could get in trouble with the law and likely be arrested. When we discuss overseas meds, we're talking about ones we can legally import, like antidepressants and antipsychotics.If you could get to the Mexican border, you might be able to walk over and visit a pharmacy there. I used to live in El Paso, and it was fairly common for folks to walk over to Juarez to purchase meds and drugs. The problem still exists though, because when you re-enter the US, Customs officials will look you over and question you before you cross the border. They are very good at their jobs. They know how to 'read' you. If you're caught, you'll definitely have your drugs and your money seized, and go to jail. Neither Valium or Xanax are worth the risk.
Even a US doctor is limited in prescribing these drugs. They can only prescribe a certain amount at a time, and a hard copy prescription (not a phone call) is required for refills.
I think it would be best for you to maybe locate a psychiatrist or psychologist to help you treat the anxiety. Sometimes it can be controlled through biofeedback, which a good psychologist can teach you. Sometimes, if it's a biological brain chemistry problem, medication is required.
Benzos, like Xanax, are commonly used to treat anxiety. So are some of the SSRI antidepressants. An often overlooked cause of anxiety however is overactive norepinephrine which can be treated with an antihypertensive medication; or overactive dopamine, which can be treated with a small dose antipsychotic.
Valium and Xanax, just like all drugs, don't work the same with everyone. I for example get more depressed when taking Xanax. It doesn't make me feel good at all. Just because you know some people who really liked it doesn't mean it will be the same with you or someone else.
Hope this helps.
John
Posted by JohnC on August 31, 2000, at 6:12:58
In reply to Re:To JohnL on US importation?, posted by JohnL on August 31, 2000, at 4:36:14
Greetings John L.,
I was told by a college professor recently that Congress just passed a new law this year stating that you could recieve prescription drugs from overseas pharmacys by mail without a doctors script as long as it wasn't over a 90 days supply,wasn't to be resold, and was for personal consumption only, even if they were Xanax, Valium, Vicodin, etc. Do you know where to verify this info?If you find out please let me know.
Well,with those that can be imported "legally"
what would you recommend that would calm down a severe case of anxiety attacks?If you could send me the website of a legal overseas pharmacy it would be greatly appreciated!Thanks,
JohnC
Posted by AndrewB on August 31, 2000, at 10:34:05
In reply to Re:To JohnL on US importation?, posted by JohnC on August 31, 2000, at 2:16:31
John,
Do you have a reason why you want to not use a doctor for this?
I've bought all sorts of meds from overseas, but I have to agree with JohnL, this is something you want to deal with through a US doctor. All the meds that may help are in the US. A doctor can help you avoid possible problems with addiction and misuse of the meds. A psychiatrist familiar with treating anxiety disorders may give you the best care. Do not avoid the medical system, it is there for you.
BTW, have you taken ectasy or LSD. What's not often said about these drugs is that moderate use of them tends to cause panic attacks and mood disorders to develop down the road.
AndrewB
Posted by Chris A. on August 31, 2000, at 21:47:47
In reply to Re:To JohnL on US importation?, posted by JohnC on August 31, 2000, at 6:12:58
> I was told by a college professor recently that Congress just passed a new law this year stating that you could recieve prescription drugs from overseas pharmacys by mail without a doctors script as long as it wasn't over a 90 days supply,wasn't to be resold, and was for personal consumption only, even if they were Xanax, Valium, Vicodin, etc. Do you know where to verify this info?If you find out please let me know.Dream on. Congress is not that stupid. Please get to your student health clinic or see an M.D. or a D.O., preferably a psychiatrist. I can't imagine a prof telling you that. These meds come under the Federal Controlled Substances Act which is administered by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). You can get help, but please look in the right places and keep yourself from further troubles. You need the supervision of a licensed, board certified physician to guide you.
If you were my young adult child I would hope that someone would give them the good advice you've been given here.
Chris A.
P.S. You can verify this info by checking with the DEA
Posted by JohnC on August 31, 2000, at 22:33:54
In reply to Re:To JohnL on US importation?, posted by AndrewB on August 31, 2000, at 10:34:05
Greetings Andrew,
In my highschool days I did take LSD a few times and had no problems but the last time I took any it was the week before HS graduation I got a very very strong intense feeling of anxiety,the worst panic attack imaginable .I felt like I was going to die, it lasted for hours so I never touched drugs since that day and that was over 4 years ago.The main reason why I don't want to see our family doctor is because I don't want my parents freaking out and thinking that their son is loosing it. My father has never had a panic attack so he don't under stand the situation and thinks my mother is nuts because she gets them alot. My mother takes xanax for her panic attacks,Soma and Effexor for other unknown reasons and my father is allways cracking jokes about her and how it runs in her side of the family because almost all of her family (mother,sisters,brothers) take some sort of med's, he says their like a walking pharmacy and that they are all nuts but in a joking around way and saying wise cracks "I hope you don't end up like her side of the family".It would be a big disapointment to my father.I am willing to see a doctor but I don't know where to go or what kind of doctor to see.It just seemed like less trouble to go through mail order but I agree with you about seeing a doctor.Any suggestions on how I should go about finding the right doctor?Thanks,
John
Posted by Chris A. on September 1, 2000, at 0:55:51
In reply to Re:To JohnL on US importation? » AndrewB, posted by JohnC on August 31, 2000, at 22:33:54
I am willing to see a doctor but I don't know where to go or what kind of doctor to see.It just seemed like less trouble to go through mail order but I agree with you about seeing a doctor.Any suggestions on how I should go about finding the right doctor?
John,
One suggestion is to phone your state's most highly regarded university medical center (has an assoiciated medical school). Ask to be connected to the outpatient psychiatric department. Normally they can refer you to a competent doc in your locale. For example, the University of Colorado is very good at doing this where I live. You can also phone the most highly regarded hospital in your area that has an inpatient psych department and ask for a recommendation. Your family physician should be able to refer you to someone. You can request that this be confidential if you are over eighteen, unless, of course, you are asking your parents or their insurance to pick up the tab. Confidentiality is very important to docs. My pDoc won't discuss anything about me with my husband unless I given him ongoing explicit permission to do so.Hope this helps. Please forgive me for being so harsh in my previous post.
Chris A.
Posted by AndrewB on September 1, 2000, at 11:37:28
In reply to Re:To JohnC on US importation?, posted by Chris A. on September 1, 2000, at 0:55:51
John,
Chris gave sound advice as far as locating a qualified pdoc.
Thanks for sharing your story. Panic attacks are a physiological problem. And, yes, your dad is being a bit of an unhelpful jerk. I just want to encourage you to keep reminding yourself that even though your dad is being unfair, you won’t let him distract you from getting proper medical attention. Remember, having your mama’s genes (for panic attacks) doesn’t make you a mama’s boy. Deal with this problem like any other, in a straight forward and assertive manner. Perhaps you can teach your dad something here.
Best wishes,
AndrewB
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