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Omeo · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 245

I asked this question on the Japan board, but since Japan isn't the only place I'm interested in teaching, I thought I'd get a concensus from the general discussions. I'm thinking about going on medication for ADD, but I'm hesitating for two reasons. First, I'm planning on starting my TEFL career in another year and a half or so and it doesn't make sense to start taking a medication I'm probably going to have to give up when I leave the country to start teaching. Am I wrong in assuming that I'll have a hard time getting medications like the ones used for ADD in other countries? I realize it'd be different from country to country, but I just mean in general.

Second, and more importantly, I'm afraid that being on such a medication may cause potential employers to turn me down. I read another post that said being on medication for depression is enough to keep you from teaching in Japan; not so much because being on medication means you're incapable of teaching, but rather because they get enough applications from people who aren't on medication that they can afford to say 'No' to people who are. Is this a reasonable concern? Again, I realize it'll probably be different from country to country.

Before anybody brings up the point, I'm quite confident that I can teach just fine without medication. I'm sure it'd be easier if I had medication, but I've never taken any before and I'm sure I've got it under control well enough to teach. It's hardly a debilitating condition.

Thanx, guys.

tedkarma · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 11:57 pm Post subject:

Generally speaking, in most capital cities in Asia - you will find international hospitals that are pretty current on methods AND meds. If not the exact same meds - at least a local equivalent - unless you are taking something very new.

MAJOR ISSUE:
Why would you ever tell an employer what medications you are taking? I never would. It's not their business.

An immigration required physical might be a different issue - but I'm not sure I would even state it there - because that is not what they are looking for. Generally they are just trying to screen out communicable diseases - of which ADD is not one (we hope).

Cdaniels · Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 4:40 am Post subject: ADD meds in Mexico

Apparently formulations of Methylphenidate, including Ritalin, are strictly regulated in Mexico. Although it may be a simple matter to get a doctor's script for Ritalin Question

It seems amphetamines (Adderall) are banned altogther. If anyone has more information about obtaining ADD meds in Mexico and the rest of Latin America, I'd appreciate it.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2006 12:04 am Post subject:

tedkarma · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2006 4:33 am Post subject:

I hear Justin's point about your employer's insurance. I always carry my own independent policy - so don't tend to think of that.

The main reason I carry my own insurance is because most overseas employers carry the absolute minimum they can get away with and it is pretty much useless in the event of a catastropic illness or injury and doesn't work outside the country you are working in. (Do you intend to travel?).

Even some of the better coverages (like Saudi Arabia) just dumps you into the public health system - which can be down right frightening.

But, I would vote with Justin - if you intend to partake of your employer's coverage for pre-existing conditions (which I seriously doubt they are going cover anyway) - you need to let them know.

I would take this position on your other health related thread also, Omeo.