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Travel Tips

How to Make Sure You Travel with Medication Legally

Traveling with medication — even prescription drugs — isn’t as simple as packing it. Here’s how to stay on the right side of the law, anywhere you go.

can i travel with a xanax

By Tanya Mohn

Travelers often pack medications when they go abroad, but some popular prescription and over-the-counter ones Americans use for things like pain relief, better sleep, allergies and even the common cold are illegal in some countries.

The United Arab Emirates and Japan, for example, are among the most restrictive nations, but many ban or restrict importing narcotics, sedatives, amphetamines and other common over-the-counter medications.

Most travelers won’t run into problems for carrying small amounts for personal use, said Katherine L. Harmon, who oversees health analysis for iJET International , a travel risk management company. But noncompliance can result in confiscation,(which could, in turn, have severe medical consequences), deportation, jail time, and even the death penalty. “Does it happen a lot? No. Could it? Yes,” Ms. Harmon said. “Consumers need to understand this and how it might adversely impact them before they book that awesome trip to an exotic location.”

She shared a few tips to keep you on the right side of the law, whatever you take and wherever you roam.

Laws vary by country and there is no central, up-to date repository, so Ms. Harmon suggests consulting your physician, travel medical insurance company, or local pharmacist four to six weeks before traveling. “When you inquire about your shots, ask about medications. Odds are they may not know off the top of their head, but they have the resources to find out.”

She also suggests checking with the embassy of your destination country. The State Department website lists foreign embassies in the United States, and their contact information. It also lists insurance providers that offer overseas health coverage. Comparison websites Insure My Trip and SquareMouth can help assess those insurance plans, if they’re necessary.

Label and Pack Your Medication Properly

Carry all of your medication — even vitamins and supplements — in their original, clearly marked containers or packaging in a clear plastic bag in carry on luggage. Make sure the name on the prescription, the medicine container and your passport (or one for the recepient of the medication) all match. If you lost the product information insert, ask the pharmacist to print a new one for you.

Also, check the Transportation Security Administration’s website for up-to-date rules and regulations on packing and carrying your medication when you depart. The standard rules for liquid carry-ons don’t apply to medications in liquid or gel form, but you need to inform the T.S.A. when you pass through security so they don’t confiscate it .

Obtain and Carry Necessary Documentation

Keep copies of your original prescriptions, if you can . Better yet, obtain a letter on official letterhead from your physician that lists the medicines you need and why they were prescribed. Ideally, you would get this translated to the language of your destination country, so it’s easy to read.

For some medication and specialized equipment used to administer them, some countries require documents to be submitted to government officials well in advance of your arrival. Ms. Harmon, for example, was questioned at the Singapore airport once for entering with an EpiPen, but she had prior authorization allowing its transport.

Know the Names and Amounts of Active Ingredients

The documentation you carry should also indicate the generic and chemical names of the active ingredients, which determines permissibility, not brand names.

For example, the active ingredient in Benadryl, diphenhydramine, is banned in Zambia in over-the counter products. In Japan, it is allowed only if the amount in a tablet or injection is limited. However, a typical 25 milligram tablet of Tylenol PM in the United States exceeds the 10 milligram maximum amount in a tablet you can bring into Japan. Some countries restrict the overall total amount of an active ingredient an individual traveler can legally import, which may impact longer stays.

Reduce or Substitute Medication

In countries where a medication is allowed, but its amount is capped, reducing your dosage or switching to another available medication is the best way to stay compliant. Allow enough time beforehand to ensure the smaller dose or new medicine works effectively, and consider making the switch before your trip to give yourself time to adjust.

Some medications can be used for several diagnoses. Hormones used for birth control may also be used to treat excessive menstrual bleeding, Ms. Harmon said. “Doctors need to get creative sometimes. Substitutions can allow authorities to accept the drug as a medical need rather than going against the country’s religious or moral code.”

Reassess Your Travel Plans

Parents with a child doing well on Adderall for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who prefer not to make adjustments on the fly, or a student with bipolar disorder may want to consider vacation or study abroad locations where the medications they rely on for mental health are not banned or restricted.

“Viewpoints on treatment and diagnoses can vary widely,” Ms. Harmon said. “Western Europe and North America understand that brain chemistry is often at the root of these problems. But some countries, like Russia, do not consider mental health challenges as medical problems and often treat them criminally.”

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Traveling Abroad with Medicine

assorted colorful pills

Many international travelers carry medicines with them to treat acute or chronic health problems. However, each country has its own laws related to medicines. Medicines that are commonly prescribed or available over the counter in the United States might be unlicensed or considered controlled substances in other countries. While rules vary by country, there can be serious consequences if you violate the laws at your destination. The consequences may include:

  • Authorities taking away your medicine
  • Penalties, including jail or prison time

Before Travel

Check with your destination’s  embassy and embassies of countries that you have layovers in to make sure your medicines are permitted.

  • Many countries allow a 30-day supply of certain medicines, but also require the traveler to carry a prescription or a medical certificate from their health care provider.
  • If your medicine is not allowed at your destination, talk with your health care provider about alternatives and have them write a letter describing your condition and the treatment plan.
  • You may also want to check the  International Narcotics Control Board  website that provides general information about narcotics and controlled substances, for countries that have information available, for travelers.

Check CDC’s destination pages for travel health information . Check CDC’s webpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist  that takes place at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing your health concerns, itinerary, and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.

  • If you plan to be gone for more than 30 days, talk to your health care provider about how you can get enough medicine for your trip. Some insurance companies will only pay for a 30-day supply at a time.
  • If you are a traveling to a different time zone, ask your health care provider about any changes to taking your medicine. Medicines should be taken according to the time since your last dose, not the local time of day.
  • Find out how to safely store your medicine while traveling and check whether it needs refrigeration. Keep in mind that extreme temperatures can reduce the effectiveness of many medicines.

Prepare a  travel health kit   with items you may need, especially those items that may be difficult to find at your destination. Include your prescription and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Pack medications in a carry on in case your luggage is lost or delayed.

  • Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Ensure that they are clearly labeled with your full name, health care provider’s name, generic and brand name, and exact dosage.
  • Bring copies of all written prescriptions, including the generic names for medicines. Leave a copy of your prescriptions at home with a friend or relative in case you lose your copy or need an emergency refill.
  • Ask your prescribing health care provider for a note if you use controlled substances, or injectable medicines, such as EpiPens and insulin.

Buying Medicine Abroad

Counterfeit drugs  are common in some countries, so only use medicine you bring from home and make sure to pack enough for the duration of your trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. If you must buy drugs during your trip in an emergency, see CDC’s Counterfeit Drugs page.

More Information

  • CDC Yellow Book: Avoiding Poorly Regulated Medicines
  • Travel Smartly with Prescription Medications (US Department of State)
  • Traveling with Prescription Medications (US Food and Drug Administration)

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I am traveling with medication, are there any requirements I should be aware of?

All passenger items must undergo security screening. It is recommended that medication be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process.

You may bring medically necessary liquids, medications and creams in excess of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on bag. Remove them from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.

IAMAT |International Association of Medical Assistance to Travellers|

Travel Health Journal

Medication and pills

What you need to know about travelling with medications

Do you know if you can legally travel with your medication? If you’re unsure, you’re not alone. Many of us are unaware of or confused about the restrictions countries place on the import of medication for personal use. And unfortunately, finding out about international regulations is no easy task.

Countries independently regulate the import of medicines and many do not have publicly available or clear guidelines. In this blog, you’ll find everything you need to know about travelling across borders with prescription and over-the-counter medications. (Need even more information? Check out Travelling with Medications: A guide .)

How much medication can I bring?

It depends. The amount of prescription medication you can take with you varies depending on your destination’s regulations and the type of substance you are travelling with.

Typically, travellers are permitted to bring a 30- to 90-day supply of prescription medication that does not contain a controlled substance. Medication that contains a controlled substance is highly regulated.

Dos and Donts medication graphic

What are controlled substances and why are they an issue?

A controlled substance is a drug that is internationally regulated due to its high risk for addiction and misuse. Controlled substances include certain narcotic and psychotropic medications (substances that target the central nervous system and have a psychoactive effect, changing the way you think, feel, or behave). For example, regulated narcotics include acetaminophen/hydrocodone (Vicodin) and methadone (Dolophine). Examples of regulated psychotropic substances include amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and zolpidem (Ambien).

Countries place strict limitations on the type of controlled substance that can be imported. But, limitations can vary widely. Some countries may allow for a 30-day supply, while others only allow for a few days. In some cases, certain controlled substances can be outright banned from being brought into the country. For example, Japan prohibits stimulant drugs (amphetamines, methamphetamines) such as specific medications for ADD/ADHD like Adderall, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse, as well as common over-the-counter medications like Actifed, Sudafed, and Vicks inhalers. Even with a valid prescription from your general practitioner, these substances are not permitted into Japan.

How do I find out about my destination’s regulations on importing medicines for personal use?

To find out what regulations your destination places on importing medicines, check:

  • The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) website. This is an independent and quasi-judicial organization responsible for international drug control. Countries must self-report their regulations to the INCB and as such, some listings are incomplete or outdated.
  • The International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) pharmacist group has also compiled a list of international regulations on the importation of medicines for personal use . This list also relies on self-reported regulations, so information may be incomplete or outdated.

You should always look at multiple sources when reviewing your destination’s regulations. This is because the information countries provide online may be outdated, unclear, or not available in your language. Many countries also have not made their regulations public, so you may have to contact their embassy, consulate, or national drug administration body for more information.

For help navigating controlled substance regulations for your destination, check out the following graphic:

Controlled Substance graphic

What documentation should I bring?

When you are travelling with any medication, you should always bring the following:

  • A copy of your original prescription.
  • A letter from your doctor that includes details of the medication (including its generic and brand name, and dosage), any required medical supplies, and the condition being treated.

These documents can help you navigate customs if you are asked to declare, but they can also be useful in case you need to see a doctor or pharmacist during your trip. If possible, have these documents translated into your destination’s language.

If you are travelling with more than the permitted amount of prescription medication or a controlled substance, you may be required to declare it. You may also need to apply for an import license or permit to import your medication to present at the border.

To learn more about travelling with medications, check out:

Travelling with medication: A guide

This resource includes everything you need to know about travelling with medications including how to:

  • Navigate country restrictions
  • Travel with a controlled substance
  • Pack medication for transit
  • Navigate customs with medications
  • Find medication abroad in case you need a refill
  • Avoid fake or substandard medication abroad

Photo by Julie Viken, Pexels

Article by Claire Westmacott

  • Alprazolam (Oral Route)

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex ®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much of this medicine is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence) or cause an overdose.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Swallow the extended-release tablet or tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

If you are using the orally disintegrating tablet, make sure your hands are dry before you handle the tablet. Do not remove the tablets from the bottle until you are ready to take it. Place the tablet immediately on the top of your tongue. It should melt quickly and be swallowed with saliva.

If you are using the oral liquid, measure the dose with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • Adults—At first, 0.25 to 0.5 milligram (mg) 3 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 4 mg per day.
  • Older adults—At first, 0.25 mg 2 or 3 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
  • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • Adults—At first, 0.5 to 1 milligram (mg) taken in the morning once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 10 mg per day.
  • Older adults—At first, 0.5 mg taken in the morning once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
  • Adults—At first, 0.5 milligram (mg) 3 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 10 mg per day.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

It is very important to protect the orally disintegrating tablets from moisture. Remove and throw away any cotton packaging from the medicine bottle when you first use the medicine.

There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form.

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5 Tips for Traveling to the U.S. With Medications

5 Tips for Traveling to the U.S. With Medications feature

You’re returning from a trip overseas and want to bring back over-the-counter drugs from Europe that aren’t available here. Can you? Your mother-in-law is visiting from Mexico to help with the new baby and runs out of her blood pressure medication. Can she refill her prescription at a U.S. pharmacy? Your foreign exchange student forgot his allergy medication. Can his parents mail it to him from Japan?

Those are just some of the questions people ask the Food and Drug Administration’s Division of Drug Information, says LCDR Lindsay E. Wagner, an FDA pharmacist—although not every question the Division is asked falls under FDA’s regulatory authority.

“As a pharmacist at the FDA, I advise people to remember that we at FDA cannot ensure that medications approved in other countries are safe or effective, or have been manufactured properly,” says Wagner, PharmD.

So what are the rules for flying with or shipping medications? Here are some answers to common queries:

Q: What should travelers and visitors know about bringing medications into the U.S.?

A: When you come to the United States with medications, you fall under the authority of FDA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents operating the nation’s airports. There are varying restrictions, and different agencies may have other requirements or jurisdiction over a product. So check with each agency before you plan to travel with medications into the country.

In general, you should have with you a valid prescription or doctor’s note—written in English—to bring medication to the U.S. The medication should be in its original container with the doctor’s instructions printed on the bottle. If you don’t have the original container, bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor explaining your condition and why you need this medication. Travel with no more than you need for your personal use during your stay. A rule of thumb: Bring no more than a 90-day supply of medication.

If you’re staying longer than 90 days, you may have additional medication sent to you by mail or courier. Include documentation showing that the medication is being sent for your own use while visiting the United States. This documentation may include: a copy of your visa and passport, a letter from your doctor, and a copy of your prescription (in English).

Q: What if there’s a generic available overseas but not here?

A: FDA does not permit personal importation of unapproved versions of FDA-approved drugs from foreign countries. FDA cannot assure that foreign-made versions of FDA-approved drugs have been properly manufactured, are safe and effective, and are the same formulation as the FDA-approved versions.

Q: Can a foreign traveler get a prescription filled when visiting the U.S.?

A: If you’re traveling to the United States from another country and need a prescription filled, you should visit a health care provider. Very few pharmacies can fill a foreign prescription, and this is determined on a state-by-state basis.

Q: Can you ship or mail a prescription medication to the U.S.?

A: In most cases, it’s illegal for people to import drugs into the United States for personal use. That’s because drugs available in other countries haven’t been evaluated or approved by FDA for use or sale in the U.S., so we can’t ensure that they’re safe and effective. FDA generally considers such drugs unapproved.

FDA understands that there are cases in which someone may need treatment with a foreign drug that’s not available in the U.S. and there are no other U.S. medicines available to treat the condition. FDA’s Personal Importation Policy provides instructions for FDA personnel relating to the personal importation of drugs that may be illegal in the United States. FDA considers the following when reviewing such an application:

  • The drug is for a serious condition for which there is no effective treatment available in the U.S.
  • There is no marketing or promotion of the drug to U.S. residents.
  • The drug doesn’t represent an unreasonable health risk.
  • You verify in writing that you’re importing the drug for your own personal use.
  • You have a letter, written in English, from your doctor saying the drug is a continuation of treatment that began outside the United States or you provide the name and address of a U.S. licensed physician who will supervise your use of the foreign drug. The letter should accompany the package and be addressed to a Customs and Border Protection officer or broker.
  • You’re not importing more than a three-month supply of the drug.

If the medicine is sent through the mail, Customs might detain it until an FDA inspector can examine it. This could take as long as a month. To speed things along, make sure the outside package is marked and states that it contains a letter to the CBP officer or broker. The best option is to send the package by a courier service and flag it so the U.S. Customs broker will alert FDA inspectors about the special circumstances for sending the package.

Q: What else should you know about traveling with medications?

A: If you have questions for FDA about traveling with medications, contact the Division of Drug Information at 855-543-DRUG (3784) or email us at [email protected] .

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has other restrictions on bringing controlled substances into the country. Review those rules § 1301.26 Exemptions from import or export requirements for personal medical use .

Contact TSA if you have questions about carrying prescription medications in your luggage or carry-on when flying. For more information follow TSA’s blog Travel Tips Tuesday .

Review the many webpages dedicated to travel questions provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

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Traveling with Xanax: What You Need to Know

Xanax is a prescription medication commonly used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. If you take Xanax and are planning to travel, it’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations regarding the transport of prescription medications, as well as any potential risks or challenges you may encounter. Here’s what you need to know about traveling with Xanax.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that Xanax is a controlled substance, meaning that it is regulated by the government and is only available with a prescription. In the United States, Xanax is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance, which means it has a low potential for abuse and is considered to have a safe medical use.

Cheap flights with cashback

If you are planning to travel with Xanax, it’s important to bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your healthcare provider indicating that you are being treated with the medication. This will help to ensure that you are not denied access to your medication while traveling.

It’s also a good idea to check the laws and regulations of your destination country regarding the possession and use of Xanax. Some countries have stricter laws governing the import and use of controlled substances, and it’s important to be aware of these laws to avoid any legal issues while traveling.

When it comes to packing your Xanax for travel, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, be sure to keep your medication in its original container, with the prescription label attached. This will help to ensure that you have all the necessary information about your medication, as well as help to prevent any confusion or misunderstandings while traveling.

It’s also a good idea to keep your Xanax with you in your carry-on luggage, rather than checking it. This will help to ensure that you have easy access to your medication at all times, as well as reduce the risk of it being lost or damaged while in transit.

In conclusion, traveling with Xanax is generally safe and allowed, as long as you have a valid prescription and follow the necessary rules and regulations. By being prepared and informed, you can help to ensure that you have a smooth and stress-free travel experience with Xanax.

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That medication you’re taking? It may not be allowed in another country

Make sure your medication is allowed at your travel destination.

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Your medications are such an ingrained part of your life that you hardly give them a second thought. But when you’re traveling abroad, you must give them a second and even a third thought, not only because you must maintain your routine but also because you need to stay out of trouble with the authorities. You want to spend time in the country, not in the clink.

A reader brought this to my attention by asking a question about Adderall, a medication often prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. She was traveling to Asia and had learned that the commonly prescribed medication is not allowed in her destination.

Adderall is a stimulant, Dr. Glenn Hardesty, an emergency room physician with Texas Health Plano, reminded me. But, he said, it is technically different, although customs or other officials and a country’s law may not see it that way.

That’s just one of the medications that might set off alarm bells. Another: Sudafed, which can be used in the production of methamphetamine.

But mostly, Hardesty said, “It’s the narcotics and psychotropics that cause concern, and it’s hard to know what countries will have problems [with their import] and which will not.”

Therein lies the problem. There is no central place to find out which country will allow Xanax, Ambien, Valium or other drugs — and which will not.

The International Narcotics Control Board , which describes itself as an “independent, quasi-judicial expert body for the implementation of the United Nations international drug control conventions,” can be a starting point. It has information on countries’ policies, but some of that information is ancient or incomplete, and some countries are absent.

What’s a traveler to do? Here are some tips from professionals.

♦ Routine medications such as those for blood pressure generally aren’t a problem, Hardesty said. But, he added, “As a general rule, medications that are considered problematic here probably will be problematic elsewhere.” Those are the ones, he said, that you can’t walk into a drugstore and buy off the shelf.

♦ Call the embassy or consulate of the country you are planning to visit and ask specifically about that drug. Find out also whether there is a limit to the amount you can bring into the country, said Victoria Sowards, director of wellness and nursing resources for Passport Health , which offers immunizations and counseling to people who travel internationally. Too much of a medication may make it appear as though you are trafficking, Hardesty said.

♦ Carry with you a letter from your doctor that gives the name of the medication — brand as well as generic names — the dosage and why it is prescribed. If you’re carrying syringes for insulin injections, a letter explaining why you have them may be helpful.

♦ Having a copy of your prescription with you is also a wise move, said staff of the International Assn. for Medical Assistance for Travelers , a nonprofit organization focused on traveler health. You may not be able to fill that prescription, but the organization can provide information about local doctors who may be able to write you a prescription.

♦ If your medication could raise eyebrows, talk to your doctor to see whether there’s another medication that can help. In no case should you go without that medication, said IAMAT staff, who noted that the nonprofit can help you find a doctor at your destination.

“We maintain a list of reputable English-speaking doctors around the world,” its email said. “Our members can contact a doctor before or during their trip to confirm availability of a medication or make an appointment.”

♦ When you pack your medications, make sure they are in their original bottles with the patient’s name on the bottle, Sowards said. And you should carry only your own. “Mrs. Jones should not be carrying Mr. Jones’ prescriptions,” she said.

♦ When you pack those medications, make sure they are in your carry-on bag in case your checked bag goes astray. Even though you won’t let your carry-on bag out of your control, affix a luggage tag just in case.

One final thought: If you have a chronic condition, Sowards said, consider medical evacuation insurance. Medications and evacuation insurance can keep you going in the right direction.

[email protected]

Twitter: @latimestravel

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can i travel with a xanax

Catharine Hamm is the former Travel editor for the Los Angeles Times and became a special contributor in June 2020. She was born in Syracuse, N.Y., to a peripatetic family whose stops included Washington, D.C.; Honolulu; and Manila. Her varied media career has taken her from McPherson, Kan., to Kansas City, Mo., San Bernardino, Salinas and L.A. Hamm has twice received individual Lowell Thomas Awards, and the Travel section has been recognized seven times during her tenure as editor. Her favorite place? Always where she’s going next.

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What You Should Know About Taking Xanax Before a Flight

air travel stress

A flight can be a very stressful affair with long lines, rushed schedules, security checkpoints, turbulence, and everything else. Long flights may sound scary too especially if you’re a first-timer. If it’s your first flight and traveling alone, you don’t know what to expect. While some people developed a fear of flying due to bad past experiences on a flight.

Many people take Xanax, Valium, or other anxiety medications to deal with pre-flight nerves or to deal with flight anxiety. While these prescription medications may effectively treat anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions, people should only take them under a doctor’s supervision.

Xanax misuse can be extremely dangerous, and you don’t want to have a medical emergency while on air travel. So you need to read this easy guide to learn more about Xanax abuse and find out how to get help if you have a problem.

Table of Contents

  • 1 What Is Xanax?
  • 2 Is Xanax Addictive?
  • 3 Is It Okay To Self-Medicate With Xanax?
  • 4 Can Xanax Cure My Anxiety?
  • 5.1 Arrive at the Airport Early
  • 5.2 Bring Entertainment
  • 5.3 Speak to a Doctor About Your Anxiety
  • 6 How Much Xanax Should I Take?
  • 7 Is Mixing Alcohol and Xanax Dangerous?
  • 8 Will I Go Through Withdrawal After Quitting Xanax?
  • 9 Is an Addiction Treatment Program Worth It?
  • 10 Safeguard Your Health and Future

What Is Xanax?

Xanax is the trade name of alprazolam, a common benzodiazepine . Doctors commonly prescribe Xanax to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorders. With the right dosage and under a doctor’s supervision, Xanax can prevent panic attacks and ease symptoms of anxiety.

Xanax has stronger side effects than most other anxiety drugs, especially the sedation and drowsiness part. Thus, if you haven’t taken an anti-anxiety medication to treat anxiety before, then your doctor will likely try to put you on a drug with fewer side effects before prescribing a benzodiazepine.

Is Xanax Addictive?

Like other benzodiazepines, Xanax has a fairly high risk of addiction. This is why it’s so important to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking this medication. Snorting Xanax, regularly taking more than your prescribed dosage, drinking liquor with Xanax, and mixing it with other drugs can be very dangerous. If you feel the urge to misuse Xanax, then you should talk to your doctor immediately so that they can wean you off the drug and find a safer alternative.

Xanax for Flying

Xanax for Flying

Is It Okay To Self-Medicate With Xanax?

You should not consume Xanax without a prescription for any reason, even if you have a flying phobia. Ii is never okay to take Xanax without medical advice. When a doctor prescribes Xanax, they take the patient’s weight, gender, symptoms, medications, health conditions, and other factors into account to find a safe and effective dosage.

Without a medical professional’s guidance, you could easily overdose on Xanax, exacerbate an undetected medical condition, have a bad drug interaction, or develop an addiction. Taking someone else’s prescription can be incredibly dangerous.

While a dealer or friend may say that they’re giving you a certain dose of Xanax, you have no way to verify that information. Unfortunately, drug dealers and illegal drug manufacturers are very skilled at making counterfeit prescription drugs appear authentic.

In turn, you may think that you’re purchasing Xanax when you’re actually getting something else that the manufacturers could have laced with fentanyl and other deadly adulterants. Self-medicating is very risky, and you don’t want to put your life on the line to treat your anxiety.

With that in mind, if you think that you need Xanax or another prescription drug to treat your anxiety, then you must speak to a doctor and follow their instructions.

Can Xanax Cure My Anxiety?

Xanax treats the symptoms of anxiety, but it is not a complete solution. To stop worrying so much about flying, you need to understand and address the root causes of your anxiety. Your doctor will likely refer you to a mental health specialist to help you develop effective coping mechanisms. Depending on your health and the extent of your symptoms, the doctor may or may not prescribe Xanax or another drug to take in conjunction with psychotherapy.

What Should I Do if I’m Anxious About Flying?

If you have a fear of flying or if it’s your first time going on a flight, there are things you can do to avoid being anxious. You don’t have to resort to anxiety meds right away. On your next flight, try these tips.

Arrive at the Airport Early

The hustle and bustle of going through the security checkpoint, waiting in all sorts of lines, checking in, and sticking to a tight schedule may induce a lot of anxiety. You may panic, feel sweaty, and your heart rate beats so fast.

You can avoid some of that pre-flight tension by arriving at the airport an hour earlier than you normally would. The lines will be shorter, so you’ll get more time to relax and take care of any last-minute issues before your flight.

Bring Entertainment

Knowing that you’re in an aircraft thousands of feet above the ground can be pretty unnerving. To distract yourself from that sense of helplessness, you should bring a book or download your favorite movies, shows, and audiobooks. A good pair of noise-canceling headphones will help you sleep, and soften any loud or sudden noises during your flight.

Speak to a Doctor About Your Anxiety

If you still feel intense anxiety about flying no matter what you try, then you must speak to your doctor as soon as possible. Making it to a physical doctor’s appointment can be inconvenient, but many doctors now offer telemedicine services so that you can access high-quality healthcare from the comfort and convenience of your own home.

When discussing your problems with your doctor, make sure to include as many details as possible. Even if a certain aspect of your experience seems mundane or insignificant, it can give your doctor more insight into your condition, so try to be open and honest about your symptoms and feelings. The intervention for fears and phobias is Exposure Therapy which a therapist can help with.

How Much Xanax Should I Take?

Your doctor is the only person who can determine how much Xanax you should take. If you feel like your current dosage isn’t working, then you should let your doctor know right away. They’ll increase your dosage, put you on another medication, or find some other solution to your problem.

Do not change your dosage without consulting a doctor. Failure to take the prescribed dose at the proper frequency may lead to an overdose, worsen anxiety issues, drug resistance, and other serious problems.

Is Mixing Alcohol and Xanax Dangerous?

Alcohol is one of the worst substances to take with Xanax. Even a single drink, while you’re on Xanax, could lead to severe memory loss, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and respiratory problems.

Drinking heavily and taking Xanax at the same time may result in severe liver damage, brain damage, overdose, coma, and death. Xanax can take up to three days to completely leave your system, so you should not consume alcohol if you’ve taken Xanax within the last few days.

Will I Go Through Withdrawal After Quitting Xanax?

Most individuals who struggle with Xanax addiction begin to experience acute withdrawal symptoms within three days of their last dose. Common symptoms of Xanax withdrawal include anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms, psychosis, seizures, nausea, light sensitivity, and body aches.

These symptoms will peak within a couple of weeks and persist for up to a month. Heightened anxiety and other psychological symptoms may continue for years after a patient quits Xanax. The first month of Xanax withdrawal is extremely challenging.

Thus, increasing your odds of success and minimizing the chances of experiencing a seizure or psychosis at a dangerous time. You should consider enrolling in a detox program at an addiction recovery facility. Detox centers employ medical staff and therapists to keep patients safe, healthy, and comfortable as they endure the worst withdrawal symptoms.

Is an Addiction Treatment Program Worth It?

Individuals who go through professional addiction treatment programs are more likely to maintain long-term sobriety. In a treatment program, you’ll attend therapy sessions with a qualified addiction professional to address your substance use, anxiety, and other problems.

You’ll also attend group sessions with other individuals who suffer from addiction, and you can participate in a wide range of fun and healthy activities at the treatment center. During the treatment process, you will build the necessary coping strategies to manage your anxiety and avoid abusing drugs for the rest of your life.

An inpatient program will completely remove your access to Xanax and other addictive substances for the duration of your stay. This will greatly increase your odds of making it through the most difficult stage of addiction recovery. No two patients experience addiction or anxiety in the same way, so the therapists at a reputable addiction recovery center won’t treat you with a one-size-fits-all approach.

Instead, they’ll assess your condition and consider your thoughts and feelings as they craft a treatment regimen that works for you. You only live once, so it’s important to do everything in your power to keep your mind and body healthy. An addiction treatment program will give you the right tools for lifelong success, sobriety, and happiness.

Safeguard Your Health and Future

Between the risk of overdose, serious injury, legal trouble, permanent brain damage, organ failure, and psychological harm, misusing Xanax is just not worth the supposed benefits. Quitting Xanax can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you want to treat your anxiety and stop abusing Xanax, then you should call or email NJ Addiction Resources as soon as possible to find the best treatment program for your unique needs.

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Traveling Europe with Prescription Drugs

We had originally planned to bring our prescriptions in a weekly pill organizer and leave the bottles (10) at home but I read that you need to travel with them in the original prescription containers. Another friend that travels frequently to Europe just takes them in an organizer and has no problems. Any suggestions?

Husband and I have been traveling with them in zip lock bags or pill a day containerd for years and never had an issue. Some folks print off copies of their prescriptions to take along but we never have

We have been using a pill organizer for years. I also bring extra labeled in a zip lock bag. We both only have a couple of meds to take. We also bring a pharmacy print out of our meds. I also take a screenshot to have on my phone. Never had a problem.

I don’t have a recommendation as to how to handle this but I will relate the situation that I faced in March of 2020.

I had only brought with me enough medication in pill organizers to cover me for just a few days beyond my scheduled trip when the U.S. closed its borders due to the pandemic. I was in Morocco and was faced with an extended stay. Well off to the pharmacy I went with essentially nothing (but the pills on hand and my head knowledge of what they were) to try and obtain more.

Having at least a copy of the prescriptions (i.e. labels from the bottles) would have made the process easier. I still use the pill organizers but now I carry extras in the original containers too.

As long as you are not carrying narcotics or any schedule controlled substances (example: Xanax), you should be fine with whatever organizational system you come up with. I just used small snack size baggies with the days meds, then all of those go in a bigger baggie, they can just be stuffed wherever and are small. That was the system that took up the least amount of space, I could pretty much just stuff them in my little side pocket inside my suitcase. A Note: if you are taking a flight that would correspond with the normal time you take your meds, make sure to pack that single dose in your carry on.

I, too, use organizers and snack baggies for my daily pills. I also print off my medication list from my healthplan which tells dosage, etc. and since most are generic I don't have to worry about a script that only has a brand name.

Do be aware that the advice you are getting is more or less what I did advice. You would be hard pressed to find a source, government or otherwise that will suggest its a good idea to bring your meds in anything but the original prescription bottles.

We put our meds in ziplock bags with an extra Rx label attached. In addition, we carry a copy of the data sheet that comes with the meds just as a back up to prove what they are. We've traveled to many countries that way and never had a problem.

I take the original bottles and plenty extra in case the unforeseen happens an I am unable to return home for a few weeks.

I keep them in a zipped travel bag I got at REI.

Always travel with meds in their original labeled plastic containers. Doesn’t weigh much and its the last thing I pack.

I keep a list of the meds on my iphone in the notes application. Also have a printed copy that goes into my travel folder.

Never had a problem.

I use organizers and have a photo of the bottles on my phone.

Along with all the pills in baggies, I print out our medication lists from our doctor’s website.

its not a good idea to bring your meds in anything but the original prescription bottles.

Not every country gives medication in prescription bottles. Some get blister packs. Others get pill envelopes. Etc, etc, etc.

Not every country gives medication in prescription bottles. Some get blister packs. Others get pill envelopes. Etc, etc, etc

Since you are being literal, perhaps we could just amend the statement to the 'original container as dispensed'. But I believe the original statement is what appears (paraphrased) in the advice given by the State dept. And the Canada govt travel site. European countries, for the most part don't seem too concerned about meds for personal use. But show up with a baggie full of self labeled pills in some other countries, and you could absolutely count on a lengthy conversation with a government officer.

A Note: if you are taking a flight that would correspond with the normal time you take your meds, make sure to pack that single dose in your carry on

I also wanted to comment on this, from Letizia. ALL of your meds should be in your carry on or your personal item when flying. You should NEVER put prescription meds in your checked bags, in case they are delayed or lost.

I gave the answer i gave because I am not prepared to be personally responsible for the results of any other answer. I carry 6 meds including one not approved for use in the EU and one that requires carrying syringes. What do I do? Not material to the question.

CJean- I agree one of the things that stays with you at all times are your meds BUT do you really want to be digging in your carry on for your pills or have the one single dose needed inflight conveniently in one baggie that is easily accessible? I just pack the one dose of X number of pills separate from my main stash, in the front pocket of my carry on.

I take pictures of the original bottles and keep on my phone if using a pill a day organizer. Never had issues at all anyhow. Thousands of people travel daily with medications. Even a 90 supply doesn't raise an eyebrow.

Most of our Rx's are 90 day supplies in unnecessarily large containers with way too much empty space. It seems ludicrous carrying these "original" bottles especially now that more space is also needed for test kits, masks, etc. My partner and I have never taken these original containers with us aside from my ambien....and even that is has gone to 90 day supplies in bottles that have too much wasted space. We've tried getting 30 day supplies for travel with somewhat smaller bottles but still way too much wasted empty space. The improvement was minimal and didn't justify losing the bulk 90 day savings. I suppose people could get different packaging options outside their paid plans if they are willing to pay for it.

(EDIT) A paper copy of the prescription arrives with our mail orders. We take that along with us and also snap a pic of the bottle with it's associated paper. The doctor gets me a smaller ambien Rx at the local pharmacy and I don't mind taking that small bottle with me. The doctor has indicated which of our medicines cannot have missed dosages...only one can have a few missed days.

Depending totally one’s health situation and caregivers, talking to your prescribing doctors about your trip may surprise you. Some non-critical and lifestyle meds can take a two- to four-week vacation without complications or side effects. You also can probably get along just fine for a few weeks without a collection of OTC meds and feel-good supplements. To find out, wean yourself off of them for the month before you depart.

The reason they say bring your medications in your original container is because they want to see that prescription label.

I put many of my prescriptions into small ziploc bags writing the name of the prescription on the bag. I have a copy of the prescription label and my labels have a description of the pill.

In my last 3 trips what I have done is carry my prescriptions in separate baggies for the time that I will be traveling plus 10 more in case of COVID. I make a photo copy of the prescription labels (the pharmacy can print extras for you), scan the copy and email it to myself and my phone. Haven't had problems yet.

Does anyone use Rx blister packs when traveling? The Rx label is on the card. You can cut off the used rows as you go to reduce bulk. If you prefer a 7-day organizer, you could use a Sharpie to write the day of the week on the blister pack card. Just a thought.

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I Can Find It Out

Can I Bring Xanax Back from Mexico? A Comprehensive Guide

Xanax is a popular prescription drug in the United States that is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. However, the rising costs of medication have caused many Americans to turn to Mexico for more affordable options. This has raised the question: Can you bring Xanax back from Mexico to the USA?

If you are considering bringing Xanax back from Mexico, it’s essential to understand the legal framework, the FDA rules, and the customs and border protection regulations involved in this process. This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to obtain a prescription in Mexico, buy Xanax from a Mexican pharmacy, and cross the border legally with your medication.

While there are benefits to bringing Xanax back from Mexico, there are also potential safety and quality concerns that you should be aware of. We will discuss the risks and benefits of bringing Xanax back from Mexico to help you make an informed choice.

So, if you’re wondering whether you can bring Xanax back from Mexico and how to do it legally, then keep reading for a comprehensive guide on all you need to know.

Table of Contents

The Legal Framework for Bringing Xanax Back from Mexico to the USA

If you plan to buy Xanax, a prescription medication, from a Mexican pharmacy, it is important to understand the legal restrictions for bringing the medication back to the USA. The Federal Drug Administration or FDA regulates the drugs sold and distributed in the US. Therefore, any prescription medication purchased outside of the US must comply with the FDA standards as well.

The FDA Rules You Should Know

According to the FDA, controlled medication such as Xanax, falls under the category of scheduled substances and requires a prescription in the US. Furthermore, importing any controlled substance without a valid prescription or an import license is illegal and can result in arrest or seizure of the medication. Similarly, any medication that lacks FDA approval or violates safety standards is prohibited from import.

If you are traveling with Xanax for personal use, the FDA allows three months’ worth of supply for a valid prescription. However, for any quantities above that, you must prove that the medication is solely for personal use, and presenting the prescription and a doctor’s note may help avoid confiscation at the customs.

The Customs and Border Protection Regulations to Consider

While the FDA sets the guidelines on the medication’s legality, the US Customs and Border Protection or CBP has additional regulations that must be followed. When crossing the border, you must declare all your medication , including the ones purchased in Mexico. The medication must be in their original packaging and match the prescription’s label .

Also, bear in mind that the CBP officers have the power to search your belongings , including your medication and call the authorities if they suspect illegal activity. Therefore, it is advisable to carry your prescriptions, medical IDs, and doctor’s contact information to avoid such situations.

In conclusion, purchasing prescription medication such as Xanax in Mexico can be cheaper but involves complying with the FDA and CBP regulations. By following the legal framework, you can avoid legal trouble and medication confiscation while ensuring your health’s safety.

Bringing Xanax from Mexico: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting a prescription in mexico.

Many Americans travel to Mexico to purchase prescription drugs at a lower cost than in the United States. However, it is important to note that not all medications are available without a prescription . To obtain a prescription, visit a Mexican doctor or clinic and provide your medical history, including any current medications . The doctor will determine if Xanax or any other medication is necessary and prescribe it if appropriate.

Buying Xanax from a Mexican Pharmacy

Once you have a prescription, you can purchase Xanax from a Mexican pharmacy. It is recommended to research the pharmacy beforehand to ensure it is licensed and reputable . Be sure to purchase the medication in the original packaging and follow your doctor’s instructions for dosing and use.

How to Cross the Border Legally with Xanax

When crossing the border from Mexico to the United States, it is important to declare any prescription medications, including Xanax . You may be asked for identification, and carrying a copy of your prescription can help verify the legitimacy of the medication . The limit for personal use of medication allowed across the border is a three-month supply , and the medication must be in its original packaging .

In summary, it is possible to bring Xanax from Mexico to the United States legally with a prescription. However, it is important to research the pharmacy, obtain a prescription from a licensed Mexican doctor, and declare the medication when crossing the border . Following these steps can ensure a safe and legal process for obtaining Xanax from Mexico.

The Risks and Benefits of Bringing Xanax Back from Mexico

Xanax, or Alprazolam, is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. Due to the high cost of prescription medications in the United States, many individuals have started to look for cheaper options in other countries, including Mexico.

The Safety and Quality Concerns of Buying Xanax in Mexico

While it may seem like a good idea to purchase prescription medication in Mexico, there are serious safety and quality concerns that should be taken into consideration. Not all pharmacies in Mexico are licensed, and some may sell counterfeit medication that could be harmful. It is important to do research and only purchase medication from reputable pharmacies .

In Mexico, prescription medication is regulated by the Mexican government to ensure that it meets international quality standards. However, there have been cases of counterfeit medication being sold in Mexico, which can pose serious health risks to those who take it.

Another concern when purchasing medication in Mexico is that it may not be stored or transported properly, which can also affect its quality. Medications should be stored at the recommended temperatures and kept in their original packaging to ensure their effectiveness.

The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Bringing Xanax from Mexico

The cost of prescription medication in Mexico is often much lower than in the United States, which may be tempting for those looking to save money. However, there are additional costs to consider, such as travel expenses and potential health risks.

Bringing prescription medication back from Mexico is legal, as long as it is for personal use and not for resale. The amount of medication that can be brought back is limited to a three-month supply, and the medication must be in its original packaging .

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication, even if it has been prescribed in the past. They can provide guidance on dosage, potential side effects, and interactions with other medications.

In conclusion, while purchasing prescription medication in Mexico may be a cost-effective option, there are serious safety and quality concerns to consider. It is important to do research and only purchase medication from reputable pharmacies. It is also important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication, even if it has been prescribed in the past.

Table 1: Comparison of Xanax Prices in Mexico and the US

List 1: tips for purchasing prescription medication in mexico.

  • Research pharmacies before making a purchase
  • Only purchase medication from licensed pharmacies
  • Be aware of counterfeit medication
  • Ensure medication is stored and transported properly
  • Consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication

In conclusion, bringing Xanax back from Mexico to the USA is possible if you follow the necessary legal requirements. Knowing the guidelines set by the FDA and Customs and Border Protection is crucial to avoid any legal issues. Additionally, obtaining a prescription from a reputable Mexican pharmacy and crossing the border legally will help mitigate risks associated with the safety and quality of the medication. However, before making any decisions, it’s important to weigh the cost-benefit analysis. To learn more about navigating the legal regulations and obtaining quality medication, check out other articles on my blog, I Can Find It Out.

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can i travel with a xanax

I’m Ethan Query, a seasoned problem-solver with an endless curiosity. With years of experience in various fields, my mission is to help you navigate through life’s ‘Can I?’ questions, no matter how big or small

Rx for Jail? What to Know Before Taking Your Meds Abroad

Anthony Grant

Maybe you didn't see Midnight Express , but its reputation precedes it: no movie before or since ever came in like as big of a wrecking ball to an entire country's tourism industry. The harrowing, mostly true tale of what befell American student Billy Hayes after he tried smuggling hash out of Turkey hinged on a banned drug, but it's a cautionary tale nonetheless. That's because there are some everyday prescription medications that, while perfectly above board in the US or Europe, could easily land you in hot water — or maybe even a prison cell — if found on your person or in your suitcase overseas.

Unforeseen dangers

If you think such scenarios are the just the stuff of cinema, consider Egypt , where British tourist Laura Plummer was arrested on October 9 at Hurghada International Airport (HRG) on drug trafficking charges for bringing in Tramadol, a prescription painkiller that is legal in Great Britain but a strictly controlled substance in Egypt. Precisely why the 33-year-old shop assistant brought the meds with her are still a little murky — she maintains they were for her Egyptian partner's back pain — but, legitimate or not, she ran afoul of Egyptian customs authorities at the Red Sea resort airport. After a baggage scan detected 290 tablets of Tramadol, Plummer was hastily made to sign a 38-page confession document in Arabic and soon found herself locked up in a cramped communal 15-foot by 15-foot prison cell worthy of, you guessed it, Midnight Express . This month, following a brief, chaotic trial, she was sentenced to three years in an Egyptian prison.

Now, the fact that Hull was carrying so many Tramadol pills — the actual number may have been 320, according to news reports — may well have sounded an alarm at the airport and moreover was a pitfall that could have been avoided. Dr. Allen Lechtman, a retired California anesthesiologist who has specialized extensively in pain management, says that "higher numbers of pills can definitely raise red flags. In general and regardless of the specific medication, a patient should only receive enough medication to cover the initial evaluation period, which is usually between one and four weeks." The total number of those pills, he adds, "will depend on the dosing." As for Tramadol, Dr. Lechtman says that "it's a strong synthetic narcotic used to treat moderate to severe painful conditions and it has a strong potential to be abused — and is highly addicting."

As it happens, Egypt's geography places it at the crossroads of the world's major routes for drug trafficking, and the country does have a growing drug problem. The government-backed Egyptian newspaper Al Ahram reported that after the 2011 revolution, the country's shifting social situation and raging unemployment helped feed an addiction crisis. A large influx of Tramadol in shipments from China apparently contributed to its popularity as an "affordable fix" of choice and consequently, the paper reported, "people were easily able to access the drug through the black market instead of having to go to a pharmacy with a prescription." In such a charged climate, travelers ignore the relevant local laws at their peril.

Customs quirks vary by country

can i travel with a xanax

With Hull in prison, the UK's Foreign Office has stepped up its own warnings about bringing prescriptions to Egypt. And the Egyptian Consulate's advisory itself is pretty stark, stating that if travelers need to take medicine while visiting Egypt, an official letter from their doctor is required "specifying that the medication you are taking to Egypt is for your personal use only" and "the quantity you will be carrying." (The government also prohibits any meds containing Methadone from being taken into the country entirely.)

Ultimately though, how do you know if the medicine you need to take with you is banned once you get there? It always pays to consider the political and social context of the countries you're planning to travel to or through. Consider the United Arab Emirates , where it's forbidden to bring in more than a three month's supply of medicine. While you should be okay with regular prescription meds, narcotic drugs require not only valid prescriptions but prior approval from the UAE's health ministry — not your own country's. Having even tiny amounts of illegal drugs has resulted in travelers being detained and imprisoned. And the vagaries of customs regulations don't stop there: E-cigarettes are banned in the UAE as are, believe it or not, poppy seeds. Have an Israeli product (or, the global village being what it is, an Israeli prescription) on you? Don't bring it to the airports in Abu Dhabi or Dubai because the UAE prohibits products from Israel too, and if found on you, expect them (in the best case scenario) to be confiscated.

But by no means does the conservative Middle East have a lock on strict or arcane regulations governing meds. A certain kind of cough syrup is prohibited in Zambia . In Japan , only up to one month's supply of allowable prescription medicine — that's allowable by Japanese law — can be brought into the country. The website of the American Embassy in Japan notes that "heroin, cocaine, MDMA, opium, cannabis (marijuana), stimulant drugs including some prescription medications such as Adderall, and including some medications available over-the-counter in the US are prohibited in Japan" and "there are no exceptions in bringing these prohibited medications into Japan, even if the medication is legally obtained outside of Japan." So, as for that joint you started puffing outside LAX for legal recreational or medicinal purposes? Make sure you've tossed it before boarding your flight to Tokyo, or you could be in for one heck of a buzzkill after you land.

Get a letter…and don't forget to pack it

Photo by clearstockconcepts/Getty Images.

Regardless of where you're headed, think smart before you go. "It's a good idea to keep your prescription medicine in its original packaging and to carry a letter from your doctor accompanying any prescription if you're traveling to a foreign country," Dr. Lechtman says. Beyond that, doing your homework may be the best preventive medicine you can take to avoid potential legal snafus and other dangers. For general information about what is or isn't legal to take as well as very specific questions, you can reach out to the relevant embassy or nearest consulate, and in most cases a simple Web search will do. Turkey's official travel site, for example, has a page about forbidden drugs , which incidentally but significantly includes marijuana. No excuses will be brooked.

Dr. Lechtman, who early in his career spent two years in Izmir, Turkey, as an Air Force physician as part of a NATO detachment, advises that "even with a perfectly valid prescription, it's always good to remember that the moment you go abroad you're going to be at the mercy of local authorities and a given country's regulations. Some things will always be out of your control but taking some basic precautions with your prescriptions will go a long way toward reducing the chance of making yourself an inadvertent target of a random custom officer's whims."

The bottom line is always be prepared, and as the doctor says — and as at least one British tourist has learned the hard way — "don't be shocked at what can happen to you in some countries."

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Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan

Find out the rules on what medication you can bring to Japan

Japan Travel

Nothing ruins a trip more than getting sick and not being able to treat your illness. Often, travelers will carry typical over-the-counter or prescription medicines with them to avoid any unpleasant situations. However, Japan’s strict rules concerning the importation of medicines may affect your packing list.

Find out what the rules are for bringing medicine to Japan, and what you might be able to get locally, with our step-by-step guide.

The information shared in this guide does not constitute legal advice and is subject to change in accordance with the latest laws and regulations stipulated by the Japanese government. We advise contacting the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare or other official institution listed below for the latest information.

Over-the-Counter Medication

What otc medications are prohibited.

While numerous medications are easily available in Western countries without a prescription, Japan takes a much harder line on certain ingredients.

The following are prohibited as they contain narcotic or stimulant ingredients in excess of the Japanese standard:

  • These medications include (but are not limited to) Tylenol Cold, NyQuil, Actifed, Sudafed, Advil Cold & Sinus, Dristan Sinus, Vicks Inhaler, and Lomotil

Both the limits and what is considered a permitted ingredient is subject to change, so we advise consulting the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s English language website before any planned travel to Japan.

What OTC medication can you bring?

Travelers are permitted to bring a two-month (60 day) supply of any permissible over-the-counter medication, and an equivalent amount of vitamins. This also applies to contact lenses.

If you need more than two months’ supply, a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (輸入確認書) would then be needed.

Prescription Medication

Can i bring any prescription medicine into japan with me.

In general, visitors to Japan are permitted to enter the country with prescription medicine without any special procedures if they adhere to the following conditions:

It is only for your personal use

It is not a prohibited or controlled drug in Japan

The quantity is up to 1 month’s supply.

Please review Japan's Controlled Substances List from the Narcotics Control Department to ensure that you follow the appropriate protocols for your medication.

Which prescription medicines are outright prohibited?

Opium, cannabis and stimulant drugs (Amphetamines, methamphetamines), including certain medicines for the treatment of ADD/ADHD (such as Adderall and Dexedrine) are strictly prohibited and illegal to bring into Japan.

Travelers face prosecution if in possession of them, even if those medications come with a foreign prescription or a customs declaration form – there are no exceptions.

On a related note, it goes without saying that hard drugs—like heroin, cocaine and MDMA—are similarly outright prohibited.

Does your prescription involve narcotics?

If your prescription medication involves the use of narcotics (e.g. morphine, codeine, oxycodone, pethidine, hydrocodone), you must seek advance permission from one of Japan’s eight Regional Bureaus of Health and Welfare.

You will need to submit an import application form as well as supporting documentation at least 14 days before traveling to Japan.

Does your prescription involve psychotropics?

The permitted dosage depends on the drug. For example, drugs such as Valium do not require a Yunyu Kakunin-sho if in quantities lower than 1.2 grams (the limit for the active ingredient, diazepam).

For an outline of which drugs fall into this category and the permitted dosages of each, please refer to this list provided by Japan’s Narcotics Control Department.

How to prepare permitted medicine to bring with you?

A copy of the prescription and a doctor’s note of explanation should accompany the medication when brought with you to Japan.

Medication should be stored in the original bottle – do not store in an unmarked container or bottle labeled for a separate medication.

Do I need to apply for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho?

Generally, you will need to apply for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (special certificate of import), under the following circumstances:

You need greater than 1 month’s supply of prescription medicine

You need greater than 2 month’s supply of non-prescription medicine

You need syringes or a number of Medical Devices that exceed the limit.

In these cases a Yunyu Kakunin-sho must be issued in advance so that it can be presented at customs if required.

For information on how to obtain a Yunyu Kakunin-sho, visit the website for the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (which includes up-to-date information on when you do and don’t need to rely on this form). Note that this process could take up to 3 weeks to obtain, which you should have before you leave home to travel to Japan.

Be aware overseas prescriptions are not honored in Japan – if your prescription needs are greater than what you are able to bring with you (even with a Yunyu Kakunin-sho), you will need to see a local care provider. In this case, it is wise to speak to your home country health care provider in advance if this may affect an ongoing treatment.

Summary: How much medicine can I bring into Japan?

The following provides a basic framework summarising what can be brought into Japan without requiring special permission (see Yunyu Kakunin-sho above). Note that the aforementioned rules and exceptions, based on prohibited ingredients, still apply.

Locally Available Medicine

Where can i get otc medication in japan.

Japan does have well-stocked pharmacies in most major metropolitan areas, so finding relief for minor health issues (like coughs and sore throats) is often easily accomplished.

Brands and medication ingredients may differ from what travelers may be used, but pharmacists can often assist in finding an effective alternative.

Common drug stores in Japan

Where can i get prescription medication in japan.

For those in need of a specific prescription, a list of English-speaking doctors can be found through various embassy websites.

  • British Embassy Tokyo: Sources of Medical Information in Japan
  • US Embassy: Medical Assistance
  • Australian Embassy Tokyo: Medical Information

Often, a phone call to an English-speaking doctor before a trip to Japan to discuss any medicines with questionable content will go a long way to avoiding any potential issues at customs.

Official Links & Resources

  • Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
  • Narcotics Control Department
  • Essential Guides
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By Japan Travel

Japan Travel Staff

Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan

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I use Xanax to help me sleep, but am worried I could get into serious trouble bringing it into Mexico at customs. Would I be ok with a doctor's letter or is Xanax an illegal substance and it doesn't matter if I have a doctor's note? thanks!

' class=

My wife is prescribed Xanax for easeing her flying fears. We have been to Mexico several times, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and Aruba and shes never had an issue at customs. With a prescription you'll be just fine.

can i travel with a xanax

You just need to have it in the prescription bottle with the prescribed person’s name on it. I take Ativan to fly and never have has an issue bringing it in. (Ativan is in the same category of drugs as Xanax)

' class=

I've been bringing valium in for years. I make sure its in a prescription bottle with my name on it and i only bring what i will need for the duration of my stay.

No need for Dr’s note. As long as it’s in the original prescription bottle. I have even brought Vicodin when I had back issues. Good you asked because some countries won’t allow certain things and some countries only allow the quantity for only the days your there. Mexico is not one of those countries so no worry. Don’t bring Benadryl, that’s illegal. Crazy huh... Since I have been in tropical storms and hurricanes I always bring extras. Not necessarily a new full prescription but always a few for extra days in case something happens.

Is Benadryl illegal? I’ve taken it with me 20 plus times to Mexico due to severe allergies. Yikes.

Jennifer, I found out last year also after going 15 years. We have taken it also every trip. I actually went and got generic gel capsules that were clear and put it in an Advil bottle for gel caps. Not so sure I should be doing that but my allergies are very bad at times. I am contacting my allergist this year to see about some sort of prescription I can take that’s equivalent. Not sure they have one but I will try

Landed today with xanax. Customs searched our bags upon entry. Customs agent just looked at the bag of meds and that was all.

Dear sir / madam

I am visiting Thailand I am under medication taking NEBILET ( nebivolol 5mg), CIPRALEX 10mg and XANAX ( alprazolam. 0.5mg .

I have prescription for it .

Please guide me in this regards.

Thanks and regards

Never have had a problem bringing Benadryl for years

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can i travel with a xanax

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Travelling into and out of Canada with prescription medications that contain controlled substances

On this page, before you travel in or out of canada, travelling into canada with a narcotic or controlled drug, travelling into canada with a targeted substance, travelling out of canada with a narcotic, controlled drug or targeted substance.

Find out if your medication contains a controlled substance by:

  • asking your pharmacist, doctor or other medical professional
  • searching the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and its associated regulations
  • checking the Drug Product Database to confirm the product name and schedule under the Act

There are 3 types of controlled substances:

  • hydromorphone
  • barbiturates
  • pentobarbital
  • amphetamines
  • anabolic steroids

There are specific requirements for each type of controlled substance.

If you want to travel to Canada with a medication that contains a narcotic or controlled drug, you must meet certain terms and conditions. These are outlined in the exemption under section 56 of the Act.

Section 56 class exemption

Summary of terms and conditions

You can bring whichever amount of medication is less:

  • a single course of treatment of a narcotic or controlled drug, or
  • a 30-day supply of a narcotic or controlled drug, based on the usual daily dose

The medication must be:

  • nurse practitioner
  • packaged in pharmacy or hospital packaging

The medication must be for you or for a person you are responsible for who is travelling with you. It cannot be for an animal.

You must declare the medication to customs when you arrive in Canada.

The requirements are the same if you are entering or leaving Canada.

You cannot send products containing a narcotic or controlled drug into Canada by mail.

If your stay in Canada is longer than 30 days, you will need to see a physician in Canada to get a prescription.

If you want to travel to Canada with a medication that contains a targeted substance, you must meet certain requirements.

Requirements under the Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances Regulations

Summary of requirements

If you are a Canadian resident, you can bring whichever amount of medication is less:

  • a single course of treatment of a targeted substance, or
  • a 90-day supply of a targeted substance, based on the usual daily dose

If you are a resident of a foreign country, you can bring whichever amount of medication is less:

  • a full container of a targeted substance, or
  • a 90-day supply of a targeted substance, based on the usual daily dose, or
  • the usual daily dose (of a targeted substance) for each day you stay in Canada

The medication must be prescribed by a practitioner, such as a:

The label must include:

  • directions for use
  • name of the patient
  • prescription number
  • name or brand name of the medication
  • date the pharmacist gave you the medication
  • name and address of the pharmacy or pharmacist
  • name of the practitioner who prescribed the medication
  • quantity and the strength per unit of medication, if applicable

The medication must be for you or for a person you are responsible for who is travelling with you. It can also be for an animal travelling with you.

Some drugs that are legal in Canada may be illegal in other countries you plan to visit. Before you leave Canada, contact the foreign representatives in Canada of the country you plan to visit. They can tell you if your medication is legal in that country. They can also give you any travel requirements you must follow.

Foreign representatives in Canada

Email the Exemptions Section if you have any questions about travelling into and out of Canada with prescription medications that contain narcotics or controlled drugs:

Email: [email protected]

Email the Compliance Section with your questions about travelling into and out of Canada with prescription medications that contain other controlled substances.

Email: [email protected]

Email the Health Products Border Compliance Program for information about travelling with prescription medications that do not contain controlled substances.

Related links

  • Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
  • Drug Product Database
  • Definition of practitioner
  • Bringing health products into Canada for personal use (GUI-0116)

Page details

This Florida airport had the most delays: The best, worst airports for spring break travel

can i travel with a xanax

Nothing can ruin a spring break getaway faster than encountering a travel disruption at the airport.

Half of all travelers with spring break plans are “concerned” about disruptions impacting their travel plans, according to travel platform Hopper’s 2024 Spring Break Travel Outlook . 

The report said last year saw a higher-than-average volume of disruptions. During spring break, 20.1% of flights were delayed, compared to 18.4% throughout 2023.

For smooth travels, aGamble analyzed flight departure data from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics to see which airports had the most disruptions during March and April 2023 – the usual spring break period. Disruptions included delays, cancellations and diversions. 

Haven't booked a spring break trip yet? 4 things to know about pricing, destinations

Learn more: Best travel insurance

“With spring break officially kicking off, airports are expected to be crowded throughout the coming weeks, and travelers may face flight disruptions depending on their departure location,” Collin Czarnecki, a researcher for aGamble, told USA TODAY in an email.

“It might not be surprising that a majority of airports with the most flight disruptions are located in spring break destination hotspots such as Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Las Vegas, and Miami,” Czarnecki said. On the other hand, the airports with the best on-time departures during the spring break period last year were Pittsburgh International Airport in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,  and Portland International Airport in Portland, Oregon.

Czarnecki also added that the second and third week of March will be the busiest at security checkpoints, so be sure to arrive at the airport with ample time. 

The worst airports for spring break travel

  • Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – 34.87% of flights delayed, 4.63% canceled 
  • Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nev. – 31.44% of flights delayed, 1.47% canceled 
  • Orlando International Airport in Orlando, Fla. – 31.06% of flights delayed, 1.52% canceled 
  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Baltimore, Md. – 31.26% flights delayed, 1.22% canceled 
  • Chicago Midway International Airport in Chicago, Ill. – 29.04% of flights delayed, 1.32% canceled
  • Miami International Airport in Miami, Fla. – 29.22% of flights delayed, 0.88% canceled 
  • Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, N.J. – 25.81% of flights delayed, 2.53% canceled
  • Dallas-Forth Worth International Airport in Dallas, Texas – 25.11% of flights delayed, 2.49% canceled
  • Denver International Airport in Denver, Colo. – 26.51% of flights delayed, 1.04% canceled
  • John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, N.Y. – 25.06% of flights delayed, 2.23% canceled

The best airports for spring break travel

  • Pittsburgh International Airport in Pittsburgh, Penn. – 83.8% on-time flight departures
  • Portland International Airport in Portland, Ore. – 83.2% on-time flight departures
  • Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in Cincinnati, Ohio – 82.2% on-time flight departures
  • Washington Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C. – 82% on-time flight departures
  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C. – 81.9% on-time flight departures
  • Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in Minneapolis, Minn. – 81.8% on-time flight departures
  • Indianapolis International Airport in Indianapolis, Ind. – 81.7% on-time flight departures
  • Seattle/Tacoma International Airport in Seattle, Was. – 81.6% on-time flight departures
  • Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport in Cleveland, Ohio – 81.3% on-time flight departures
  • Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia, Penn. – 80.9% on-time flight departures

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

Rolling Stone

Trump's White House Was ‘Awash in Speed' - and Xanax

If you ever looked at the actions of the Trump White House and wondered, ‘Are they on drugs?' - the answer was, in some cases, yes. Absolutely, yes.

In January, the Defense Department's inspector general released a report detailing how the White House Medical Unit during the Trump administration distributed controlled substances with scant oversight and even sloppier record keeping. Investigators repeatedly noted that the unit had ordered thousands and thousands of doses of the stimulant modafinil, which has been used by military pilots for decades to stay alert during long missions. 

The report didn't say why so many of those pills had been given out. But for many who served in the Trump White House, the investigation highlighted an open secret. According to interviews with four former senior administration officials and others with knowledge of the matter, the stimulant was routinely given to staffers who needed an energy boost after a late night, or just a pick-me-up to handle another day at a uniquely stressful job. As one of the former officials tells Rolling Stone , the White House at that time was "awash in speed."

Knowledgeable sources say that samples of the stimulant were passed around for those contributing lines to major Trump speeches, working late hours on foreign policy initiatives, responding to Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe, coping with the deluge of media inquiries about that investigation, and so much more. (Trump's campaign did not respond to an email seeking comment for this story.)

Modafinil - also known by its brand name, Provigil - wasn't the only controlled substance that Trump officials young and old routinely acquired. "It was kind of like the Wild West. Things were pretty loose. Whatever someone needs, we were going to fill this," one source with direct knowledge of the matter recalls.

The anti-anxiety medication Xanax was also a popular, easy-to-get drug during the Trump years, three sources tell us. Neither Xanax nor its generic, alprazolam, is mentioned in the Pentagon report , which notes that it is not a comprehensive list of the controlled substances ordered during the Trump years. Two people with direct knowledge of the situation recall senior officials getting Xanax from the White House Medical Unit - and sharing it with colleagues. 

The Trump administration was well known for its chaotic, often-erratic approach to policymaking - and for its atmosphere of paranoia, where staffers regularly spilled their colleagues' secrets and bureaucratic factions often spent as much energy attacking one another as addressing matters of state. It's impossible to know how much of that was fueled by the widespread availability of drugs like Xanax and Provigil. But what's clear is that there was a breakdown of medical standards and safeguards at the highest levels of the American government; some staffers even believed that confidential information about their mental health was at risk. With Trump pushing to return to power on an agenda even more vicious than his first, a full accounting of the misuse of powerful stimulants and sedatives by his staff isn't just a matter of historical interest. It's a preview of a very possible future.

During Trump's presidency, two sources say, senior staffers would repeatedly down Xanax with alcohol. Such a combination increases the risk of "serious, life-threatening side effects," according to the National Library of Medicine. Nevertheless, senior officials would use Xanax and alcohol together to soothe themselves while enduring the sky-high levels of stress that come with working at the highest pressure environment job in America - with the added pleasure of serving the whims of the infamously volatile, intemperate Trump. 

As one former senior administration official puts it: "You try working for him and not chasing pills with alcohol." 

THE WHITE HOUSE MEDICAL UNIT has been handing out prescription medications to staffers for decades - especially when they're traveling abroad, and need to combat jet lag. "I think any White House staff knows that overseas trips are very grueling," Stephanie Grisham, Trump's former White House press secretary, recalls. "For us, you'd be on a flight with a president who never sleeps, and then you hit the ground running in a foreign country, and you have to be alert and ready for the president and other foreign leaders." 

She describes a procedure broadly familiar to staffers across administrations: On overseas trips, physician to the president Dr. Ronny Jackson "would come around Air Force One asking Donald Trump's senior staff if they needed anything. This included Provigil and [the sleep aid] Ambien, and he would hand them out, typically in the form of packets with two or three pills in them. When this happened on Air Force One, a nurse would be trailing him, writing down who got what." 

It's back home where things got sloppier, the Defense Department investigation and our sources note. Pills were often handed out without a specific need or diagnosis. Black-and-white procedures that doctors and pharmacists routinely follow when prescribing controlled substances were ignored. Orders for pills were often written down incorrectly, or not at all. One former White House Medical Unit staffer told Pentagon investigators that the unit "work[ed] in the gray… helping anybody who needs help to get this mission done." Another said, "Is it being done appropriately or legally all the time? No. But are they going to get to that end result that the bosses want? Yeah." 

So while prescription drugs have long been in the White House - John F. Kennedy reportedly took a cocktail of uppers and downers to fight back pain, and Richard Nixon allegedly took an anti-epileptic drug " when his mood wasn't too good " - they have rarely been dispensed as widely as they were in the Trump years. 

The anything-anytime-anywhere approach inspired a sense of entitlement among Trump staffers. Some senior administration officials would casually mention their Xanax intake, one source with direct knowledge of the matter recalls. The source describes a time when an aide to Melania Trump walked into the White House Medical Unit and said, "‘Could you prescribe me Xanax.' She just came in and demanded it." The source wasn't a doctor or pharmacist, however, and wasn't allowed to prescribe the anti-anxiety drug. The source politely turned the aide down. "She stormed out," the source says.

This is not, to put it mildly, how these drugs are ordinarily handled. "We tightly track controlled substances like this because they're addictive or can cause overdoses," says Dr. Beata Lewis, a psychiatrist based in Brooklyn. "It sounds like with all of these substances, people could get whatever they wanted. That puts people at risk for addiction."

She adds: "The significant thing is these rules apply to everyone … except for the White House. It's a culture of entitlement and being above the rules to the point of putting people in danger."

There wasn't much the medical unit staffers could do, even if they wanted to hold the line. Several told Pentagon investigators "they feared they would receive negative work assignments or be "fired" if they spoke out.

ADDING TO THE CLIMATE OF FEAR was the sense that even private therapy sessions would not be kept private in the Trump White House. The medical unit provided psychological counseling on request. But White House staffers were instructed to be on their guard. One former senior administration official tells Rolling Stone that within the first two years of the Trump presidency, they were warned by a colleague against divulging anything during a private White House medical session that they "would not want to be used against" them. At the time, this source notes, this puzzled the official, who was then told that under Trump, the office had a reputation for being more porous with private information "than you might expect." 

The former administration official didn't think much of it at the time. The source shrugged the warning off as mere gossip and moved on. However, according to other individuals with intimate knowledge of the matter, it was hardly an idle rumor. Immediately after counseling sessions, therapists were pressed for information about what they were told.

"They'd say, ‘We need you to see this person.' They'd walk me over there. I'd see this person. Then as soon as I got out, they would ask, ‘Hey what happened?'" one of these sources tells us. To this source, this was a blatant violation of patient confidentiality. The source would try to be as vague as possible in their responses to the questions, but in the Trump White House, "it was all kind of open kimono," they say. 

Keith Bass, who led the White House Medical Unit from 2017 to 2019, confirms that these sorts of debriefs did, in fact, happen after counseling sessions. But he says they never went into details; they were merely to determine whether a "medical/behavioral health event" would prevent a "military/DoD staff" member "from performing their duties or impac[t] their ability to maintain a [top secret] clearance while assigned to the White House," Bass says in an email. "Detailed clinical notes were not required from the psychologist; only a broad overview to determine fitness for duty status."

Our source says that's not entirely accurate. For starters, these debriefs happened after therapy sessions with civilian staffers as well. And while the questions may have been "seemingly innocent," the source says they could be seen as the start of a "slippery slope," which would then "drif[t] down into asking for information that was not appropriate." 

The White House Medical Unit's often casual approach to giving out controlled substances didn't exactly inspire confidence. "The sloppiness around handing out medications had me highly concerned about the protection of behavioral health information - medical information at large. There was no protection of sensitive patient information, period," the source says. 

Any attempts to add more rigor were entirely unwelcome, the source adds. "The more I held to professional standards" - the more the source objected to the pressure to divulge details about therapy sessions, and to keep patient information private - the worse it got. White House staffers "ostracized me," the source says. "Nobody would talk to me. The culture was toxic as f***." 

MODAFINIL WAS DISCOVERED in the 1970s by French scientists and was first handed out to pilots to help keep them awake and on task in the 1991 Gulf War. The U.S. military started to use modafinil in earnest around the 2003 invasion of Iraq . At the time, it was heralded as a massive improvement over previous stimulants: stronger and more effective than caffeine, less physically addictive than amphetamines. "These medications aren't stimulants like the old military ‘go pills,' there are few if any side effects when taken as prescribed. They simply stave off drowsiness until the medication wears off, then you naturally fall asleep," one knowledgeable source writes. 

But that "taken as prescribed" caveat is crucial. When handed out willy-nilly, outside a doctor's supervision, modafinil can pose serious risks, notes Dr. Rachel Teodorini, a researcher at London South Bank University's division of psychology who has examined the drug and its effects. "If people have cardiovascular problems, heart problems, or blood pressure issues, it could cause things like strokes or heart attacks," she tells us. And while modafinil doesn't appear to physically hook patients, "there's an element of at least psychological dependence. Tolerance builds up, and you need more and more." 

As a recent study in the journal Military Medicine notes, "although modafinil was initially said to comprise no risk for abuse, there are now indications that modafinil works on the same neurobiological mechanisms as other addictive stimulants." 

And just like with other stimulants, the overuse of modafinil can lead to the perceived need for anti-anxiety medications like Xanax. "Effectively, you're using one drug to get you up and another to get you down," Teodorini said.

Some former Trump staffers tell Rolling Stone they didn't get these drugs directly from the White House Medical Unit. One former Trump White House aide concedes they "borrowed" some modafinil from "a friend," who said they'd gotten it from the unit. "I had a lot going on in my life and I wanted some," they say. 

In other administrations, modafinil was used "99 percent of the time" for jet lag, one source notes. The Trump White House was a free-for-all. Two other sources each independently compared the White House during those years to college campuses where students cramming for finals or pulling all-nighters would pass around Adderall and other drugs, prescriptions be damned. But it wasn't just the administration's junior staffers - the recent college grads - who partook. The sources add that midlevel and certain senior officials - including those who reported to then-President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump - came to rely on modafinil, as well. The sources and former senior Trump officials, who all requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, recall instances of staff casually slipping the medical unit-provided stimulant to one another, in efforts to stay focused and help navigate the exhausting chaos of the Trump presidency. 

It was "ironic" that Trump's White House was "one place the war on drugs wasn't being fought," one of the former officials sardonically notes, given Trump and many of his lieutenants' zeal for waging the international war on drugs . 

NEARLY EVERY SOURCE INTERVIEWED for this story traced the problems with the White House Medical Unit back to Jackson, who joined the team during the George W. Bush administration and became physician to President Barack Obama in 2013. Before then, he was known as an eccentric. Afterward, he became a menace, as several Defense Department investigations detail. 

On a trip to Argentina in March 2016, one of those reports notes , Jackson's "intoxicated behavior in the middle of the night, pounding on [a female subordinate's] hotel room door, screaming, yelling, and overall loud behavior in his hotel room exhibited less than exemplary workplace conduct while on official travel to provide medical care for the President." The Pentagon interviewed 60 of Jackson's former subordinates; 56 "experienced, saw, or heard about [him] yelling, screaming, cursing, or belittling subordinates." During a six-week stretch in 2018, a Defense Department hotline received 12 complaints" about Jackson.

Jackson's office did not respond to a request for comment. After this story was published, he complained on X that Rolling Stone is "nothing but a liberal rag," and demanded the names of our sources.

His nomination to become Secretary of Veterans Affairs that same year was derailed over accusations he handed out pills to White House staffers like a "candyman." (In one case, a Senate report noted, medical staffers fell " into a panic " because he had given such "a large supply" of Percocet pain pills to a member of the White House Military Office.) 

Jackson briefly returned to the White House as Trump's "chief medical adviser" in 2019 before running for Congress. But no matter what position he held, several sources tell us, his influence dominated medical care at the Trump White House, and Jackson's "minions" and "loyalists" ran the White House Medical Unit in his stead. "Any practices existing at that time were all set up by Jackson, who'd been there for a dozen years. Though the med unit was led by an administrator, little happened without his say-so," one of those sources say. 

The source adds, "Unit leadership did slowly start making appropriate changes, but due to [the] complicated nature of missions, individual expectations within the organization, a self-imposed cone of silence and fear of being held liable for sins of the father, it took a long time to find the right way forward."

OUR INTEREST IN THIS STORY was sparked, in part, by a handwritten ledger reprinted on page 14 of the January inspector general's report: a tracking form for the controlled substances ordered by the White House Medical Unit. In addition to the thousands of pills of Ambien and Provigil listed are even more potent sedatives and pain pills: morphine, hydrocodone, diazepam and lorazepam (better known by their brand names, Valium and Ativan), fentanyl, and even ketamine. 

Jackson, now a Republican congressman from Texas, told the Washington Post that his team prescribed narcotics " less than five times " across his tenure. And according to the paper's sources, drugs like fentanyl were "kept on hand for extreme emergencies - such as a White House fence jumper impaling themselves on a spike." 

That's a ridiculous example, a well-placed source tells us. "Someone just made up something. If there was a jumper, someone would call 911," the source says. The jumper would then be transferred to a nearby civilian hospital. 

But there was a grain of truth to the idea that the medical unit retained fentanyl and the like for extreme events. In the wake of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, there was a desire to bring the advances in battlefield medicine to the White House. If the president or vice president were to get shot in a remote location, far from any hospital, the unit's physicians wanted to be able to insert a breathing tube into the VIP almost instantaneously, a process known as " rapid sequence induction and intubation ." Doing that requires sedating the patient in a hurry with powerful drugs.

"The unit employed the world's standards in pre-hospital trauma care, as directed by the DoD's Joint Trauma System & Committee on tactical-combat casualty-care guidelines. That includes the use of ketamine, fentanyl, etc. for pain management," a second knowledgeable source writes. "The whole mission is contingency planning for providing most/best possible care for the worst/craziest scenarios."

Needless to say, they never encountered a scenario that nuts. And we didn't uncover any evidence that ketamine or fentanyl were handed out to White House staff the way Xanax and Provigil were. 

But as the handwritten ledger shows - and our sources confirm - the medical unit's procedures had grown so sloppy, so lax, that it's impossible to prove the negative, that these sedatives and dissociatives weren't given to White House staff. "In our analysis of the White House Medical Unit's controlled substance records, we found that medications, such as opioids and sleep medications, were not properly accounted for," the inspector general's report reads. "These records frequently contained errors in the medication counts, illegible text, or crossed-out text that was not appropriately annotated." 

That might sound like minor errors in paperwork. They're not. They're the kind of transgressions that turn patients into addicts, and doctors into ex-doctors. "If you're sloppy even a little bit with controlled substances, you'll lose your [medical] license," one source notes. Without proper record keeping, there's no way to say just how much of the Trump White House was on drugs. There's no way to tell how they might use - and abuse - prescription medications if they come back to power. "Nothing is written down," another source says of the unit's drug distribution during the Trump years, "because we will always get to yes."

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Trump's White House Was ‘Awash in Speed' - and Xanax

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Speed and Xanax Were Reportedly Rampant in Trump's White House

  • Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later. More content below

According to a new report from Rolling Stone , the White House was "awash in speed" and Xanax during the Donald Trump administration.

Four former senior administration officials and others who worked at the White House during Trump's four-year tenure as POTUS said that staffers were often given speed for things as minor as an energy boost during a particularly long shift. The drug was allegedly handed out when staffers worked late on Trump's speeches, during the lengthy response to Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe, and various other times of intense workload.

"It was kind of like the Wild West. Things were pretty loose. Whatever someone needs, we were going to fill this," said one source. Modafinil, which also goes by the brand name Provigil, was among the most distributed drugs by the White House Medical Unit, but Xanax was also spread around a lot, according to three sources. Two people added that even senior officials were getting the anti-anxiety medication prescribed and would share it with others.

Former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham described the working conditions for White House staffers as "grueling" at times, especially when overseas trips were involved. Trump's physician Dr. Ronny Jackson would apparently "come around Air Force One asking  Donald Trump ’s senior staff if they needed anything." Drugs he would offer included Provigil and Ambien. "When this happened on Air Force One, a nurse would be trailing him, writing down who got what," Grisham added.

A report from the Department of Defense Inspector General, released in January, revealed that "all phases of the White House Medical Unit’s pharmacy operations had severe and systemic problems due to the unit’s reliance on ineffective internal controls to ensure compliance with pharmacy safety standards." That report, however, did not mention the use of Xanax and speed among staffers.

The staffers in the new RS article and the Inspector General's report alleged that the White House would hand out such pills without a diagnosis. An insider said that one of Melania Trump 's aides came to the Medical Unit and specifically asked for Xanax by name. "She just came in and demanded it," they said. When she wasn't prescribed the drug, she "stormed out."

Many sources specifically blamed Dr. Ronny Jackson for the "Wild West" drug culture at the Medical Unit. In 2021, a report found that Jackson engaged in wrongful workplace conduct while traveling with the former president in March 2016. As many as 56 subordinates were on the receiving end of, or saw his behavior which included one instance where he was "intoxicated" and "pounding on [a female subordinate’s] hotel room door, screaming, yelling."

More on this

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Donald Trump Launches Footwear Line at Sneaker Con Philadelphia Mark Elibert · Feb. 18, 2024

Donald Trump Fraud Verdict: $364 Million Penalty in New York Civil Case Associated Press · Feb. 16, 2024

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IMAGES

  1. What is Xanax? A Guide to What You Need to Know

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  2. Xanax Facts You Should Know

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  3. Xanax Addiction

    can i travel with a xanax

  4. How To Take Xanax

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  5. Xanax and Me! My Xanax Experience in my Life!

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  6. How Often Can You Take Xanax?

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VIDEO

  1. 📦🔥 The Controlled Xanax Delivery! 💊💊 📫 #ecrimebytes #truecrime #humor #podcast

  2. Xanax and shoplifting

  3. Why Xanax is so addictive

  4. The Surprising Reason I Started Using Xanax for Travel

  5. What is taking Xanax like? #mentalhealth #xanax #facts

COMMENTS

  1. How to Make Sure You Travel with Medication Legally

    Carry all of your medication — even vitamins and supplements — in their original, clearly marked containers or packaging in a clear plastic bag in carry on luggage. Make sure the name on the ...

  2. Can you pack your meds in a pill case and more questions answered

    You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It's highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access. TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication ...

  3. Traveling Abroad with Medicine

    Include your prescription and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Pack medications in a carry on in case your luggage is lost or delayed. Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Ensure that they are clearly labeled with your full name ...

  4. TSA Medication Rules 2021

    1) While medications can either be checked in or kept in a carry-on, a carry-on is generally better practice. You're allowed to bring your medication in your carry-on or your checked baggage. However, you should generally keep your medication in your carry-on in the event of delays or emergency situations. If your plane is running late or you ...

  5. Everything you need to know about traveling with medication

    The short answer is yes; that way, you don't risk losing essential medicine in your checked luggage. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention specifically recommends carrying your prescription medication. "If I give someone three months of malaria pills, I still tell people to put everything in their carry-on," said Klapowitz.

  6. Country-by-country guide to traveling with medicine

    When traveling, especially internationally, sometimes the pre-travel checklist feels like it's a mile long. Not only do you need to do the obvious things like making sure your passport is still valid and verifying whether you need a visa, but you may also need to seek written approval from a country's government to bring certain medications abroad.. I must admit I didn't realize this was a ...

  7. What to know about traveling with medicine, prescriptions

    Here's why you may not rely on them in an emergency. For domestic trips, the TSA recommends keeping your prescriptions in their original, marked containers. TSA regulations allow travelers to ...

  8. I am traveling with medication, are there any requirements I should be

    All passenger items must undergo security screening. It is recommended that medication be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process. You may bring medically necessary liquids, medications and creams in excess of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on bag. Remove them from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.

  9. What you need to know about travelling with medications

    When you are travelling with any medication, you should always bring the following: A copy of your original prescription. A letter from your doctor that includes details of the medication (including its generic and brand name, and dosage), any required medical supplies, and the condition being treated. These documents can help you navigate ...

  10. Alprazolam (Oral Route) Proper Use

    Older adults—At first, 0.25 mg 2 or 3 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. For panic disorder: For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets): Adults—At first, 0.5 to 1 milligram (mg) taken in the morning once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.

  11. Beware When Traveling Abroad With Medications

    Xanax and Ambien are both controlled substances. I sometimes travel with Xanax, which I use a couple times a month for insomnia. But I know that I cannot take it when I go to the United Arab Emirates, because individuals are not allowed to bring Xanax to the country for personal use without jumping through some serious hoops (i.e. carrying a ...

  12. 5 Tips for Traveling to the U.S. With Medications

    Travel with no more than you need for your personal use during your stay. A rule of thumb: Bring no more than a 90-day supply of medication. If you're staying longer than 90 days, you may have ...

  13. Traveling with Xanax: What You Need to Know

    In conclusion, traveling with Xanax is generally safe and allowed, as long as you have a valid prescription and follow the necessary rules and regulations. By being prepared and informed, you can help to ensure that you have a smooth and stress-free travel experience with Xanax. Xanax is a prescription medication commonly used to treat anxiety ...

  14. Can I bring xanax (or valium) on a plane?

    28. There are two issues that sometimes get confused: What's allowed on the plane - This is determined by security rules. If a prescription drug is not a liquid that takes you over the liquids limit, then it's allowed. If it takes you over the limit, it's generally still allowed as long as you can prove that it was prescribed to you.

  15. That medication you're taking? It may not be ...

    It may not be allowed in another country. Make sure your medication is allowed at your travel destination. Your medications are such an ingrained part of your life that you hardly give them a ...

  16. Traveling with Medication: What to Know Before You Go

    Can I travel to Brazil with methadon. And what do I need to do to be able with my medication. Reply. vicki cushing said 6 years ago. I am a UK Citizen going to visit my son in Canada for 30 days (May 15-June12) & take strong opiates for severe medical conditions (ZoMorph tabs/codeine tabs/diazepam (severe anxiety/PTSD) I have a Drs letter ...

  17. What You Should Know About Taking Xanax Before a Flight

    Xanax can take up to three days to completely leave your system, so you should not consume alcohol if you've taken Xanax within the last few days. Will I Go Through Withdrawal After Quitting Xanax? Most individuals who struggle with Xanax addiction begin to experience acute withdrawal symptoms within three days of their last dose. Common ...

  18. Getting through customs with a prescribe narcotic

    Answer 1 of 5: I take a dose of Xanax when I travel and have a US prescription for it. Is there anything you can tell me about problems I may have with customs? From what I can tell it is a class 4 drug, and although I have always traveled with my bottle of pills...

  19. Traveling Europe with Prescription Drugs

    08/10/22 08:55 AM. 581 posts. In my last 3 trips what I have done is carry my prescriptions in separate baggies for the time that I will be traveling plus 10 more in case of COVID. I make a photo copy of the prescription labels (the pharmacy can print extras for you), scan the copy and email it to myself and my phone.

  20. Can I Bring Xanax Back from Mexico? A Comprehensive Guide

    If you are traveling with Xanax for personal use, the FDA allows three months' worth of supply for a valid prescription. However, for any quantities above that, you must prove that the medication is solely for personal use, and presenting the prescription and a doctor's note may help avoid confiscation at the customs.. The Customs and Border Protection Regulations to Consider

  21. Rx for Jail? What to Know Before Taking Your Meds Abroad

    For general information about what is or isn't legal to take as well as very specific questions, you can reach out to the relevant embassy or nearest consulate, and in most cases a simple Web search will do. Turkey's official travel site, for example, has a page about forbidden drugs, which incidentally but significantly includes marijuana. No ...

  22. Traveling with xanax in checked baggage.

    Re: Traveling with xanax in checked baggage. 3 years ago. Save. The standard advice for medication is always: - Put it in the hand luggage (so it cannot get lost) - Have the original or a copy of the prescription with you (and/or maybe a doctors letter). - Leave the medication in its original packaging (identification)

  23. Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan

    Travelers are permitted to bring a two-month (60 day) supply of any permissible over-the-counter medication, and an equivalent amount of vitamins. This also applies to contact lenses. If you need more than two months' supply, a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (輸入確認書) would then be needed. Photo: Unsplash.

  24. Bringing Xanax into Mexico (or Cancun)

    15 helpful votes. 1. Re: Bringing Xanax into Mexico (or Cancun) 5 years ago. Save. My wife is prescribed Xanax for easeing her flying fears. We have been to Mexico several times, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and Aruba and shes never had an issue at customs. With a prescription you'll be just fine. Report inappropriate content.

  25. Travelling into and out of Canada with prescription medications that

    If you want to travel to Canada with a medication that contains a narcotic or controlled drug, you must meet certain terms and conditions. These are outlined in the exemption under section 56 of the Act. Section 56 class exemption. Summary of terms and conditions. You can bring whichever amount of medication is less:

  26. Spring break travel 2024: Best and worst airports with flight delays

    Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nev. - 31.44% of flights delayed, 1.47% canceled. Orlando International Airport in Orlando, Fla. - 31.06% of flights delayed, 1.52% canceled ...

  27. Trump's White House 'awash with speed' and Xanax, former ...

    Donald Trump's White House was "awash with speed" and Xanax, a former official has claimed, with staffers reportedly routinely taking stimulants during late working sessions. Former senior ...

  28. Trump's White House Was 'Awash in Speed'

    The anti-anxiety medication Xanax was also a popular, easy-to-get drug during the Trump years, three sources tell us. ... especially when they're traveling abroad, and need to combat jet lag. ...

  29. PDF FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS RELEASE March 5, 2024

    "With this expansion, VA can care for all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11. We can also care for Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty here at home - by working with chemicals,

  30. Speed and Xanax Were Reportedly Rampant in Trump's White House

    598. Al Drago/Stringer via Getty Images. According to a new report from Rolling Stone, the White House was "awash in speed" and Xanax during the Donald Trump administration. Four former senior ...