Bringing my prescriptions into Japan

[Andocrates]

I'm coming to Japan in 2 weeks for a 3 month stretch. I'm concerned about medicines. These are things I take:

Azulpadine - a serum drug no one has ever heard of I'm sure.
Pravacol - Cholesterol lowering drug.
Ambian - This could be a problem - it's a hypnotic sleep agent but I have a script.
Proscar - Propepcia for thinning hair (It's coming back I tell you!)
I'd like to bring in some Ritalin. This is real sketchy as I don't have a perscription. Because my focus this trip is kanji, ritilin helps you focus longer.

I could mail this stuff to me ahead of time or if I'm running a risk I'll skip the ritilin and use coffee. What do you think?

[Taro Toporific]

[Andocrates]

Cool, and the worse thing that could happen is they confiscate them. OK then, thanks. I'm mailing stuff anyway - LIKE UNSCENTED STICK DEODORANT and such.

[Taro Toporific]

Cool, and the worse thing that could happen is they confiscate them.

Well...... the "worst thing" is that they'll give ya the anal probe, torture you for 21 days without a laywer, and ship ya Fuchu Prison.

As a practical matter, Ritalin is not even on the J-authorities radar as a problem drug. In the 20+ years I've been passing through J-customs twice a year, my luggage has been checked only TWICE. Both times, I had prescription drugs WITHOUT proper scripts and the J-Customs guys just ignored them. Gaijin prescriptions is just not an issue, unless you look like Charlie Manson.

[GomiGirl]

What is more of a concern is the fact you are mixing the sleep drug with the speedy ritilin... wash it all down with a quart of vodka and you would challenge the gals from "Ab Fab" with their "self-medication".

But then I ama caffeine and nicotine junkie so am not one to criticise..

[dingosatemybaby]

I could mail this stuff to me ahead of time or if I'm running a risk I'll skip the ritilin and use coffee. What do you think?

Do NOT mail the stuff. All it will do is draw attention to your "needs." As a practical matter, the Japanese Customs folks could care less about your prescriptions]

What Taro said. Don't mail the stuff - you'll raise flags at Japanese Customs. Actually, why don't you just get a nice bottle of MD 20/20? It has all those medicinal agents already in it (and probably the unscented stick deodorant as well). Plus, you can impress you're friends apres kanji klass with your taste in "apertifs." Duty-free limit of 3 bottles. Serve chilled!

[Andocrates]

What is more of a concern is the fact you are mixing the sleep drug with the speedy ritilin... wash it all down with a quart of vodka and you would challenge the gals from "Ab Fab" with their "self-medication".

But then I ama caffeine and nicotine junkie so am not one to criticise..

It's not like that Gomi, I promise. A normal dose of ritlin is slighty stronger then a cup of coffee.

Methylphenidate is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. It has effects similar to, but more potent than, caffeine and less potent than amphetamines. It has a notably calming effect on hyperactive children and a "focusing" effect on those with ADHD. (and those without too)

On another note how can mailing a package from America to the School raise customs? It might get opened and searched but it probably wont. I'm not trying to smuggle drugs here.

[kurohinge1]

... Don't mail the stuff - you'll raise flags at Japanese Customs ...

As soon as those ganja gaurds have finished listening to a 6 month stash of CD's ...

OSAKA -- Two students from prestigious universities have been arrested for smuggling marijuana by international mail from Singapore, police said Monday ...

... Tanaka, 21, and Hattori, 22, allegedly sent marijuana in CD cases from Singapore to the post office at the Kansai International Airport from August last year to February this year ...

[GomiGirl]

It's not like that Gomi, I promise. A normal dose of ritlin is slighty stronger then a cup of coffee.

And available over the counter at every corner pharmacy?

If not, how do you get this without a script? (actually don't answer that)

[Andocrates]

You walk into a Mexican drug store and buy it. However, even in Mexico you can't buy narcotics or Amphetimines over the counter.

[kamome]

Azulpadine - a serum drug no one has ever heard of I'm sure.
Pravacol - Cholesterol lowering drug.
Ambian - This could be a problem - it's a hypnotic sleep agent but I have a script.
Proscar - Propepcia for thinning hair (It's coming back I tell you!)
I'd like to bring in some Ritalin. This is real sketchy as I don't have a perscription. Because my focus this trip is kanji, ritilin helps you focus longer.

Sheesh. So basically you are telling us that you are a fat, depressed, sleep-deprived bald guy?

[GomiGirl]

Azulpadine - a serum drug no one has ever heard of I'm sure.
Pravacol - Cholesterol lowering drug.
Ambian - This could be a problem - it's a hypnotic sleep agent but I have a script.
Proscar - Propepcia for thinning hair (It's coming back I tell you!)
I'd like to bring in some Ritalin. This is real sketchy as I don't have a perscription. Because my focus this trip is kanji, ritilin helps you focus longer.

Sheesh. So basically you are telling us that you are a fat, depressed, sleep-deprived bald guy?

Yeah but at least he didn't mention the good ol' "Vitamin V".. (yes take the blue pill)

[GuyJean]

Sheesh. So basically you are telling us that you are a fat, depressed, sleep-deprived bald guy?

Let me guess; American?

just jokin'...

GJ

[Andocrates]

Azulpadine - a serum drug no one has ever heard of I'm sure.
Pravacol - Cholesterol lowering drug.
Ambian - This could be a problem - it's a hypnotic sleep agent but I have a script.
Proscar - Propepcia for thinning hair (It's coming back I tell you!)
I'd like to bring in some Ritalin. This is real sketchy as I don't have a perscription. Because my focus this trip is kanji, ritilin helps you focus longer.

Sheesh. So basically you are telling us that you are a fat, depressed, sleep-deprived bald guy?

:sniff: That was a good one.

However, I weigh 155 lbs, I have hair I'm trying to not become bald. None of those drugs were for depression but I am a raging insomniac. Anyway, I weighed carefully before exposing myself on F@cked gaijin, the last place on earth to show weakness. But in the end Taro answered my questions.

[GuyJean]

I weigh 155 lbs.. I weighed carefully before exposing myself on F@cked gaijin.

Did you round down?

GJ

[cstaylor]

Yeah, 155lbs is pretty good. I'm 173cm and 75kg (165lbs), most of it around the stomach.

But a question I have to ask, isn't there a better way to control the body than chemicals?

[GomiGirl]

Yeah, 155lbs is pretty good. I'm 173cm and 75kg (165lbs), most of it around the stomach.

But a question I have to ask, isn't there a better way to control the body than chemicals?

I agree.. why take ritilin if you have trouble sleeping?

I used to take all sorts of herbal suppliments, st johns wort, multivitamins - a whole mixed bag. Mainly due to the pressure of advertising back at home.. but since I moved to Japan, I rarely take anything - even now avoid headache tablets and I have never felt better.

We westerners are brainwashed by advertising at home to think that we can't be healthy unless we dope ourselves up on a daily basis.

I am no health nut - far from it...

That said - I still believe in the berocca drink/vegemite on toast hangover cure..

[dingosatemybaby]

Sheesh. So basically you are telling us that you are a fat, depressed, sleep-deprived bald guy?

Let me guess]

Go tell it on the mountain, brother.

Ain't that shit the truth!

Now, once you've mixed together your American,
add:

1 toque;

1 bottle isopropyl alcohol, 70% strength (because the liquor store's closed and it's the only alcohol you can find at Boots);

a dash of Alanis Morrisette-brand flop sweat;

1 googleplex Canadian flags (sans grommets), available wherever fine Sanrio goods are sold;

2 cups of Jean Cretien-brand necrotic brain tissue;

2 cups of bitchy, uptight Ontario MP;

1 gallon of wrist du limpe pour hommes

Finally, remove testicles and sprinkle liberally with the name "Gordon." Candy may be inserted in the ass for garnish.

"Ooh, I think I'm catching a bit of a chill!" - Canadian skiier (male) overheard in Nagano

[cstaylor]

At least you don't get handed a umeboshi.... the only solution is water, lots and lots of water, since alcohol is a diuretic and robs the body of H20.

[Taro Toporific]

.... slighty stronger then a cup of coffee.
.... another note how can mailing a package from America to the School raise customs? It might get opened and searched but it probably wont. I'm not trying to smuggle drugs here.

I'm running about 1-out-8 postal packages being opened by Japan Post/Customs (as compared to only 2-openings-out-80 of my luggage at J-Customs).

As far as coffee goes....
Coffee in smaller doses keeps us awake longer
12 The Independent /UK/ 13 May 2004
A grande latte or double espresso in the morning is no substitute for regular small doses of caffeine throughout the day to keep you awake, researchers have found.
Small, frequent doses of caffeine, which build up to counteract the body's natural desire for sleep, were best for truck drivers, doctors and others who needed to stay awake over a long period, according to the Sleep Disorder Centre at Rush University Medical Centre in Chicago.
"Most of the population is using caffeine the wrong way by drinking a few mugs of coffee or tea in the morning," said the centre's laboratory director, James Wyatt

[Taro Toporific]

DP

[kamome]

Yeah, 155lbs is pretty good. I'm 173cm and 75kg (165lbs), most of it around the stomach.

Shave 2 kg off your weight and we could be twins!

Ando: you still haven't accounted for the cholesterol drugs. I assumed that they were necessary for being overweight, but what's the cause? And 155 lbs. can be fat or thin depending on how tall you are. Are you short or tall?

[cstaylor]

Shave 2 kg off your weight and we could be twins!

Now that's a scary thought.

[GomiGirl]

Shave 2 kg off your weight and we could be twins!

Now that's a scary thought.

Put a rugby shirt on Kamome and we wouldn't be able to tell you apart..

[kamome]

Shave 2 kg off your weight and we could be twins!

Now that's a scary thought.

Put a rugby shirt on Kamome and we wouldn't be able to tell you apart..

I'd prefer to let cs indulge in that particular fashion faux pas on his own. OUCH!

[cstaylor]

I'd prefer to let cs indulge in that particular fashion faux pas on his own. OUCH!

Hey, I've moved up since high school, when I'd usually be found in an Atari t-shirt and shorts...

[GomiGirl]

I'd prefer to let cs indulge in that particular fashion faux pas on his own. OUCH!

Hey, I've moved up since high school, when I'd usually be found in an Atari t-shirt and shorts... ]

That's OK - I am sure that Kamome is on the Fashion Police's most wanted posters all over town.

Not that I am one to talk..

[cstaylor]

I've got the hawaii shirts reserved for when I hit 60.

[cliffy]

And baggy beige and brown broad check shorts?

[cstaylor]

I'm going to make everyone suffer for my old age...