Korean Job Discussion Forums

jennad · Joined: 02 Dec 2010 Location: San Diego

I'll be living near Seoul in less than two months, and I'm worried about getting my Prozac prescription filled. It's a pretty low dosage and I could probably even do without it, but I don't want to take any chances.

One of my friends who lives there says you would probably need a Korean to help you find a doctor, make an appointment etc., but she said what was more concerning was the fact that if you ask one of your Korean friends to help you (most likely a co-worker) they would probably gossip or think differently of you since mental health issues there are not taken seriously.

Any truth to this?

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

Just find an English-speaking doctor.....most Korean doctors speak enough English to do what you want. You don't need a Korean.

You don't need an appointment either. Just go in to the clinic, check in at reception, then wait your turn.

You can use a Korean to help you find a clinic if you can't manage that yourself, but you don't need to tell them what the appointment is for. Just say it's personal.

rchristo10 · Joined: 14 Jul 2009

I haven't gone for prozac, but I'm sure you won't have a problem going to Seoul National University clinic. I've found that (whether a student or not) the hospitals/ clinics on college campuses are usually cheap (except for Severance/ Yonsei) and they speak English. You shouldn't have a problem.

jennad · Joined: 02 Dec 2010 Location: San Diego

Thank you both for the info!

seoulsucker · Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 3:58 pm Post subject:

Your friend is spot on about playing that one close to the chest. Psych meds carry a HUGE stigma here.

MacLean · Joined: 14 Feb 2011

Do not worry. All of these medications are available in Korea. You do not have to involve a Korean. If you have your prescription bottle from home just take it to the local doctor. Actually, don't do that. Your school will likely hear about it. Go to a doctor in Itaewon (in Seoul). There's a great doctor there that I go to if I need anything for the flu etc. But I have friends who take anti-depressants and they have no problems getting them here. They are available.

If you are concerned pm me and I will give you information about my doctor. I've used him for several years. I can even meet you in Itaewon some time and take you to his office. (I'm in Itaewon a fair bit.)
Anyway, do not worry about getting prozac here. You can get it 100%.

Be well.

yoja · Joined: 30 May 2008

In Korea, generic Prozac is called "Propin" and a month's supply will cost around 10,000 won, depending on dosage.

It would probably help if you bring in an old prescription bottle or something to verify your usual dosage and to show that you are familiar with taking the medication.

There's no need to mention anything to anyone other than the doctor. It's a private matter that doesn't need publicity.

beachcomber77 · Joined: 14 Jun 2012

Anyone out there on Prozac pass the drugs test ok? I've read conflicting things that it can show up as a false positive.

Anyone have any experience first-hand?

Seoulman69 · Joined: 14 Dec 2009

SpiralStaircase · Joined: 14 Feb 2008

Ballerina2012 · Joined: 17 Jan 2012

Wish I could say I use Lorazepam for IBS...

Dazed and Confused · Joined: 10 Jan 2003

I know an English speaking doctor in Seoul who will prescribe your meds. Sometimes general medicine doctors can't prescribe certain medications. I had this issue with Nexium. I don't know why Rolling Eyes

However, this doctor will be straight up with you if he cannot give you the prescription.

Send me a PM and I will pass on his number.