Korean Job Discussion Forums

[nicam]

Ok, so no matter what I do I can't sleep in Korea (I'm a bit of a newbie and it's taking me long to adjust to the time difference, not to mention the roaches in my apartment), and someone told me you can buy Valium OTC here.

Is this true? That'd knock me right out at night for sure!

[seoulsucker]

Nope. This ain't Thailand, homey.

You can get a prescription, but it's not an easy thing to do. They'll hook you up with a week's worth, maximum, and put you through the wringer first to make sure you're not an abuser.

That's been my experience here when it comes to muscle relaxers/painkillers.

[nicam]

Ugh, I knew it was too good to be true! Anyone have any suggestions for safe OTC sleep aids?

[spliff]

You can't buy in Thailand now as well. You must first go to a dr first and get it from him/her.

[Cohiba]

Go to the International Clinic in Itaewon:

http://internationalclinic.co.kr/

Tell the doc you are having anxiety attacks or you have a
fear of flying. He will prescribe Xanax 0.5mg. These will
put you to sleep.

Before you get the prescription filled, get it copied. Next time
you need them go to your local doctor with the prescription copy
and tell him/her you need a refill.

That is what I do. I must have 500-600 Xanies sitting in a bottle
by now.

[nicam]

Thanks! Xanax will do the trick.

[losing_touch]

[sojourner1]

Yes, getting adequate meds is tough. Last year, I went for sleep aid and got 3 pills to get 3 nights of sleep on. I went for more and was denied as they weren't going to allow me to become a drug addict.

I also was trying to get Chanpix for stop smoking and got 3 weeks. Quit smoking and when I went back for more at the end of 3 weeks, they said no when I was supposed to take it for 12 weeks.

They have western medicine, but not western prescribing and treatment.

Good luck getting something. If nothing else, get some American OTC melatonin at a black market store. That's what I did for a sleep aid and to combat jet lag when need be. While it doesn't knock you out, it works wonders in controlling your biological clock.

[nicam]

Black market store? I like the sound of that but don't know where to find one. I'd prefer Melatonin to anything addictive anyway.

Jesus, what do people who are on anti-anxiety drugs for legit reasons do here?

I feel like Al Pacino or that Swedish guy in the original Insomnia

[spliff]

[nobbyken]

I suppose you've tried the old favourites:
Some rigorous exercise several times a week, no meal within hours of bedtime, ear plugs, or watching Korean TV.

Try chemicals on the roaches.

[nicam]

Well, I used to run 8 miles a day back home but I can't do that here. Too hot and dangerous. I just got my ARC, so I will be able to join a gym soon. That's probably a factor though, for sure.

Don't eat before bed, but I do sleep with Korean TV on because I am afraid of roaches in the dark.

I can't really do the chemical thing because I have a cat, but I did cover the whole place with boric acid, which is supposed to be safe. However, it's been over 2 weeks and I don't think the roaches are gone.

I can't take much more of this though. I would sleep A LOT better if my apt wasn't infested with disgusting cockroaches.

[spliff]

Jeeeez, what kind of place do u live in that has roaches? Personally, I've never seen one in this country.

[MollyBloom]

Any pharmacy sells Aron. It's 아 론 in Hangeul. I can't remember how much it is, but it's not expensive. 10 pills per pack.

[nicam]

The apartment is nice, and I would rather not move. It's clean, and a nice size, with seven big bay windows and a separate kitchen. I don't know if I have a dirty neighbor, or if they are migrating from the food places across the street, but it's not good. I am obsessively clean and do not eat at home as of now, but I do have a cat, so there's cat food out most of the time.

About half of the foreign teachers I met here said they also have roaches, so I do think it's common. Maybe depends on where you live.

I am going to get Aron today! Thank you !