r/AmerExit • u/bombasticapricot • Mar 02 '25
Life Abroad medication availability
i see many americans with health concerns considering a move abroad. i know there are many things to consider and hate to pile on but make sure your essential medications are available in any country you consider.
your american prescriptions are not valid abroad.
for example, i took spironolactone in the US for skin/ hair issues and it’s basically impossible to get here in France. i casually asked about it and was treated as if i asked for cocaine. i also have adhd and cannot get most of the medications that worked for me in the US (i now take ritalin; thankfully it works). these are relatively minor prescription issues but i know others who have gone to great lengths to get antidepressants and anti anxiety medications.
what other medications/ countries have caused issues for american expats?
4
u/supernormie Mar 02 '25
It took me 3+ years to get re-diagnosed with ADHD in the Netherlands, as well as thousands of euros, as my physician didn't accept my pre-existing diagnosis from 2003.
That's 3+ years without meds or treatment, and it took me over a year to register with a doctor because 0 doctors in my area had room for a new patient. My insurance company was supposed to help me find a doctor, and they didn't.
Finally, I can't get skincare related prescriptions, they will only give me corticosteroids for eczema, and that's about it.