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Hamsun · Joined: 16 Sep 2009 Posts: 5

From all that I�ve read on the forum, bringing prescription drugs such as xanax and/or propranolol (a med that regulates adrenalin to the heart) would be tantamount to lugging a fifth of Maker�s Mark whiskey and a honey baked ham. The meds are prophylactics for migraine headaches and not at all recreational�any advice folks?

Thanks in advance

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 2:28 am Post subject:

Wouldn't worry a bit about the propanalol. The xanax is another matter, though. It many ways, it would be easier to take it in (sealed, with a letter from your doctor) rather than take the chances of not being able to get it once you arrive. Xanax and other similar drugs are HIGHLY controlled substances and only psychaitrists prescribe. them. Even then, they only give them out in like three-day doses.

Good luck to you.

Hamsun · Joined: 16 Sep 2009 Posts: 5

Mia Xanthi:

Thanx for the quick and informative reply, I assume that by sealed you suggest a new container. Also it would be more than "a three day supply" as I'd be in KSA for at least a year. To recap, a sealed box w/a note form my physician will do the trick?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Everything is "maybe". If you need Xanax I am not sure KSA is for you.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 7:09 am Post subject:

Of course, Xanax could level the poster out. I worked with many a squirrel that coulda used Xanex to make them liveable.

Obviously, they were off their meds!

NCTBA

P.s.- Poster, heed Scot's words...if you need Xanex, you definitely DON'T need saudi!

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 2:36 pm Post subject:

The container should be sealed by the pharmacist in such a way that it is obvious that you have not tampered with it along the way. My pharmacist has always sealed the prescription bottles by wrapping them in plastic, and then placing them in a paper bag, which is then stapled at the top along with the note from the doctor. It should be very official-looking and tamper-proof.

Please remember that taking Xanax into KSA is a serious issue, and that I am not promising that you will be safe even if you take all of these precautions. However, I doubt that they would do much more than confiscate the meds if you had a doctor's note.

Cleopatra · Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2009 9:36 am Post subject:

What Mia says is all true, but unless you would be carrying really a LOT of meds, it's rather unlikely that the customs officials would be aware of them. These days, bags are usually run through a scannar and it's rare for them to be subjected to even a cursory search, let alone one thorough enough to reveal medicine known to be controlled in KSA. However, as with anything else, it might happen so it's best to take all the precautions Mia advises if you're taking in a lot of xanax.

esmerelda · Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 4 Location: San Francisco

As you are going to Saudi Arabia, may I suggest you take the abslute maximun number of Xanax (and anything else you can get your hands on, for that matter) allowed by law.

Hamsun · Joined: 16 Sep 2009 Posts: 5

Thanx for the (mostly) helpful advise. Most likely I'll leave the Xan behind! Sounds like too much hassle.

BTW, they are for pain managment not for dealing! If you've not had a migraine I guess there is no way you could really understand!

H-

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Actually as an American, I only partially agree with that. Certainly take enough of any medication that might be controlled in Saudi, which is really not that many things. (narcotics, barbiturates, etc) But general standard prescription medications are easily available OTC and often 10% of the price in the US. One of the medications that I took daily cost for the year in the Gulf less than what it cost for one month's worth in the US. (and it was the same bottle made in the same factory - $100 in the US, $7.60 in the Gulf)

VS