Job Discussion Forums

[philipjames]

I'm thinking of moving to the Mid-East to work. I take a small dose of Wellbrutin each day. Are anti-depressants available over there, or do we need to have them shipped in?

Thanks in advance for any information,
Jameson

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

I see you on the saudi board.

If you have issues with depression, MAN, is saudi NOT the place for you!!!

NCTBA

[philipjames]

It's mild depression, which is controlled by medication. I've survived ten years in the hellhole that is South Korea. I think I can survive Saudi Arabia. If Korea didn't kill me...

[veiledsentiments]

I don't see how you would get them shipped in... I doubt that they would make it past the inspectors by mail. I would suggest that you carry a years' worth with you. (I carried things like vitamins... split between my suitcases) It may very well be available there, but unlike most medications, you will likely need to have a prescription.

But... to be honest, I would take NCTBA's advice seriously. We have had more than one teacher with mild mental problems have crack-ups live on this board from their difficulties in Saudi. There is NO comparison...

VS

[scot47]

You need booze AND medication for depression ? Do NOT come to Saudi Arabia. This place is NOT for you.

[Dedicated]

For Philip James,

A lot will depend where you are going in the Middle East. I cannot speak for Saudi Arabia, but in the UAE, Qatar and Oman, there are western-educated doctors and hospitals where prescriptions can be written for a wide range of medications.

Sometimes drugs have generic names, but you should be able to check with your doctor (well, you can in the UK) about availability of drugs worldwide. Certainly colleagues never had any problems getting Prozac and similar medications.

However, do NOT attempt to carry in huge supplies, as bags are searched.

[scot47]

If it is known at interview stage that you use drugs against depression you will not be hired. I had to conceal from a previous employer that I am diabetic ! At that time I controlled my diabetes by diet only, but the company had a policy of terminating foreign employees who had diabetes ! My current employer is much more considerate, but I am sure would not be happy about employees using psychoactive medications.

[bulgogiboy]

[celticbutterfly]

As one who was in Korea for a number of years, and then came to the Middle East, AND who suffers from depression, I would offer these comments:

1. The sunshine and warmth in the ME does wonders for depression.
2. I go home every year and get a year's supply of meds, and nobody has ever checked (knock on wood).
3. The UAE has facilities for getting anti-depressants, but as far as I know you have to go WEEKLY to the psychiatrist in order to fill your prescription (you only get a week at a time), and I would say word might get back to wherever you work.
4. Once medicated, the ME craziness and stress is definitely more bearable. This place is very similar to Korea in that management have their heads up their asses most of the time, and you have to expect the unexpected at all times. The difference here is that you have no job security and no personal security - no rights. If someone doesn't like you and wants to get rid of you, it's a damn sight scarier situation than in Korea.
5. I would try to work in a less strict society than Saudi, if I were you. It's just way too nutty to handle.
6. The fewer people that know you are on anti-depressants, the better. Definitely don't tell your employers.

[MrScaramanga]

I think Celtic gives good advice, especially about being discreet about your meds and condition.

However, the part about anti-depressants being prescribed one week at a time is untrue in the UAE. They are, as far as I know, prescribed on a month-to-month basis. Sleeping pills are much harder to come by and those are usually prescribed parcimoniously, almost on a pill-by-pill basis!

I would definitely listen to the advice of staying out of Saudi. The ME has no shortage of western weirdos and they seem to flock to KSA for some reason...
MrS

['abdalmusawwir]

I have heard that this particular medication is also prescribed for quitting smoking - not info I can instantly verify - but, if so, you may be able to ask for it in this capacity.

[eclectic]

[teddye38]

I was concerned about the same thing when moving to the M.E., however many anti-depressants are available OTC.

[MrScaramanga]

Really? Which ones and where?
Frightening to think of expats self-medicating with powerful anti-depressants mixed with liberal doses of liquor...
MrS

[Cool Teacher]