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stephmarie
Joined: 16 Jul 2015
Location: Gumi, Korea
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 Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2015 12:57 am Post subject: Legal Prescription Medication and Drug Tests |
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My situation is sort of unique, so I am posting a new topic.
I am a 25-year-old American citizen. I came to Gumi, Korea to start working at a hagwon a little over a month ago. I have my E-2 visa, but I still need my Alien Registration Card. I went through the health check, and everything came up fine EXCEPT a trace amount of "a drug" in my bloodstream.
I take a few prescription medications, a couple of which may show up on a drug test. I stopped taking these medicines a few days prior to the test, but that either wasn't long enough or something, because it still came back positive. Now I'm being told I'm going to be deported if I can't get a negative drug test result in 2 weeks.
I have given my recruiter, school director and doctor in Gumi certified documentation from my doctor in the US showing exactly what medicines I'm on, what dose, and that I am taking them legally. None of this seems to matter. If you are on ANY medicine for ANY reason, Korean immigration thinks you should be deported.
Here are the medicines I take:
Amitriptyline HCI 25 mg
Citalopram (Celexa) 40mg
Portia (a birth control)
Has anyone experienced this before? Do I have any other options besides skipping my medicine for a week (which would be very painful and uncomfortable)? I've given them literally every piece of proof I have that the medicine is legal. I'm really at my wit's end. |
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CentralCali
Joined: 17 May 2007
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| Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2015 3:11 am Post subject: |
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The first two drugs you listed are antidepressants (assuming my Internet searching ability is up to snuff). So, how did you answer questions 13-4 and 13-6? When did you provide the documentation from your US doctor? If you withheld that little bit of information prior to application and prior to the test, it doesn't matter if the drugs are legal in Korea, even with a prescription. Withholding relevant information on your job application is grounds for immediate termination in practically every job on the planet. It sounds to me like you knew having those drugs would be an issue on the health check; otherwise, you would not have stopped taking them prior to the check. I may be wrong, and if so accept my apologies.
Note: I'm not being callous about depression, or any other mental health issue for that matter. I disagree with the general attitude in plenty of places, including Korea, towards those suffering from such a condition. But I'm not the one issuing visas to South Korea. What matters is how your Korean employer and the government of South Korea will view (a) withholding information related to your employment and visa (if you did, in fact, withhold such information) and (b) if the drugs happen to be legal in Korea without a Korean doctor's prescription.
Here is some information you should have read prior to going to Korea:
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Customs Regulations: If you are traveling to or from the Republic of Korea, or just transiting the ROK, you should be aware that the Korea Customs Service (KCS) strictly enforces regulations on importing and exporting items such as firearms, ammunition, explosives, narcotics and prescription drugs (see below), non-prescription health supplements, radio equipment, and gold. KCS also restricts importation of books, drawings, video or audio recordings that are considered obscene, subversive, or in any way harmful to the public peace.
Certain prescription drugs are considered controlled substances. Visitors who plan to hand-carry, ship, or import prescription amphetamines or narcotics must apply for permission from the Narcotics Control Division, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Instructions for obtaining the Permit Letter can be found on the U.S. Embassy Seoul consular website health information page.
Customs regulations also apply to items mailed to and from the Republic of Korea. As a result, several U.S. citizens have been prosecuted for participation in drug smuggling via international mail.
Amphetamines are illegal in South Korea and even prescription amphetamines and other prescription narcotics will not be permitted into the country without advance permission from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in the form of a "bring-in permit letter." More information on how to obtain a “bring-in-permit letter” can be found on the U.S. Embassy Seoul, Health Information page. |
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stephmarie
Joined: 16 Jul 2015
Location: Gumi, Korea
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| Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2015 3:34 am Post subject: |
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Well, yes, the first two are classified as antidepressants, but that's not why I am taking them. Let me explain.
The Celexa I am taking to treat side effects of the Portia. That is all. The amitriptyline is a trycyclic antidepressant, but it is commonly prescribed to treat chronic daily headaches or migraines, which is why I am taking it. I told my employers the medicine I am taking. I didn't withhold any information from them. I provided the documents from my doctor before I even took the health test. Yes, I knew they may cause an issue, so I was advised BY THE KOREAN DOCTOR to stop taking them for a few days and then do the drug test. This is what I did, but the result was still positive. I was just wondering if anyone else had experienced this or had advice. |
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goat
Joined: 23 Feb 2010
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| Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2015 4:57 am Post subject: |
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| stephmarie wrote: |
Well, yes, the first two are classified as antidepressants, but that's not why I am taking them. Let me explain.
The Celexa I am taking to treat side effects of the Portia. That is all. The amitriptyline is a trycyclic antidepressant, but it is commonly prescribed to treat chronic daily headaches or migraines, which is why I am taking it. I told my employers the medicine I am taking. I didn't withhold any information from them. I provided the documents from my doctor before I even took the health test. Yes, I knew they may cause an issue, so I was advised BY THE KOREAN DOCTOR to stop taking them for a few days and then do the drug test. This is what I did, but the result was still positive. I was just wondering if anyone else had experienced this or had advice. |
just because it's legal in another country doesn't mean it's legal here |
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drcrazy
Joined: 19 Feb 2003
Location: Pusan. Yes, that's right. Pusan NOT Busan. I ain't never been to no place called Busan
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| Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2015 5:24 am Post subject: |
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| goat wrote: |
| stephmarie wrote: |
Well, yes, the first two are classified as antidepressants, but that's not why I am taking them. Let me explain.
The Celexa I am taking to treat side effects of the Portia. That is all. The amitriptyline is a trycyclic antidepressant, but it is commonly prescribed to treat chronic daily headaches or migraines, which is why I am taking it. I told my employers the medicine I am taking. I didn't withhold any information from them. I provided the documents from my doctor before I even took the health test. Yes, I knew they may cause an issue, so I was advised BY THE KOREAN DOCTOR to stop taking them for a few days and then do the drug test. This is what I did, but the result was still positive. I was just wondering if anyone else had experienced this or had advice. |
just because it's legal in another country doesn't mean it's legal here |
I take Amitriptyline for nerve pain from a severe injury. I started it for the first time here in Korea in 2003. I also take Wellbutrin for the pain. I also started those in Korea many many years ago. They help a lot. Many antidepressants are used to treat chronic pain, especially nerve pain. I also take Librium, and have since 1999. Antianxiety meds also can help nerve pain. Every time I have moved to a new job, I take my health insurance card, walk down the street and go to the first Internal Medicine doctor I can find. I tell him/her what my problem is, the three meds I take, how much and how often, and 5 minutes later I am out the door with my prescription. |
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goat
Joined: 23 Feb 2010
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| Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2015 6:57 am Post subject: |
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| drcrazy wrote: |
| goat wrote: |
| stephmarie wrote: |
Well, yes, the first two are classified as antidepressants, but that's not why I am taking them. Let me explain.
The Celexa I am taking to treat side effects of the Portia. That is all. The amitriptyline is a trycyclic antidepressant, but it is commonly prescribed to treat chronic daily headaches or migraines, which is why I am taking it. I told my employers the medicine I am taking. I didn't withhold any information from them. I provided the documents from my doctor before I even took the health test. Yes, I knew they may cause an issue, so I was advised BY THE KOREAN DOCTOR to stop taking them for a few days and then do the drug test. This is what I did, but the result was still positive. I was just wondering if anyone else had experienced this or had advice. |
just because it's legal in another country doesn't mean it's legal here |
I take Amitriptyline for nerve pain from a severe injury. I started it for the first time here in Korea in 2003. I also take Wellbutrin for the pain. I also started those in Korea many many years ago. They help a lot. Many antidepressants are used to treat chronic pain, especially nerve pain. I also take Librium, and have since 1999. Antianxiety meds also can help nerve pain. Every time I have moved to a new job, I take my health insurance card, walk down the street and go to the first Internal Medicine doctor I can find. I tell him/her what my problem is, the three meds I take, how much and how often, and 5 minutes later I am out the door with my prescription. |
that's fine and dandy
but there are laws about transporting drugs internationally |
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ttompatz
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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| Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2015 3:16 pm Post subject: |
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Back to the matter at hand....
did the OP disclose the medical issues BEFORE the visa was issued (the personal medical questionnaire for the visa application)?
If yes then maybe she might be able to avoid being sent home.
If no or if full disclosure was not made then homeward bound is likely.
. |
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drcrazy
Joined: 19 Feb 2003
Location: Pusan. Yes, that's right. Pusan NOT Busan. I ain't never been to no place called Busan
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| Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2015 11:10 pm Post subject: |
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| goat wrote: |
| drcrazy wrote: |
| goat wrote: |
| stephmarie wrote: |
Well, yes, the first two are classified as antidepressants, but that's not why I am taking them. Let me explain.
The Celexa I am taking to treat side effects of the Portia. That is all. The amitriptyline is a trycyclic antidepressant, but it is commonly prescribed to treat chronic daily headaches or migraines, which is why I am taking it. I told my employers the medicine I am taking. I didn't withhold any information from them. I provided the documents from my doctor before I even took the health test. Yes, I knew they may cause an issue, so I was advised BY THE KOREAN DOCTOR to stop taking them for a few days and then do the drug test. This is what I did, but the result was still positive. I was just wondering if anyone else had experienced this or had advice. |
just because it's legal in another country doesn't mean it's legal here |
I take Amitriptyline for nerve pain from a severe injury. I started it for the first time here in Korea in 2003. I also take Wellbutrin for the pain. I also started those in Korea many many years ago. They help a lot. Many antidepressants are used to treat chronic pain, especially nerve pain. I also take Librium, and have since 1999. Antianxiety meds also can help nerve pain. Every time I have moved to a new job, I take my health insurance card, walk down the street and go to the first Internal Medicine doctor I can find. I tell him/her what my problem is, the three meds I take, how much and how often, and 5 minutes later I am out the door with my prescription. |
that's fine and dandy
but there are laws about transporting drugs internationally |
The OP made no mention of transporting drugs internationally. Unless you are counting the meds that were in his blood when he got off the plane.  But I would guess that he did his homework, knows they are legal in Korea and had prescriptions as proof the meds are from a doctor.
Now, to get back to your way of thinking, I will say this about your post:
That's fine and dandy, but there are laws about which side of the road to drive on. |
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goat
Joined: 23 Feb 2010
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| Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2015 11:48 pm Post subject: |
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| drcrazy wrote: |
| goat wrote: |
| drcrazy wrote: |
| goat wrote: |
| stephmarie wrote: |
Well, yes, the first two are classified as antidepressants, but that's not why I am taking them. Let me explain.
The Celexa I am taking to treat side effects of the Portia. That is all. The amitriptyline is a trycyclic antidepressant, but it is commonly prescribed to treat chronic daily headaches or migraines, which is why I am taking it. I told my employers the medicine I am taking. I didn't withhold any information from them. I provided the documents from my doctor before I even took the health test. Yes, I knew they may cause an issue, so I was advised BY THE KOREAN DOCTOR to stop taking them for a few days and then do the drug test. This is what I did, but the result was still positive. I was just wondering if anyone else had experienced this or had advice. |
just because it's legal in another country doesn't mean it's legal here |
I take Amitriptyline for nerve pain from a severe injury. I started it for the first time here in Korea in 2003. I also take Wellbutrin for the pain. I also started those in Korea many many years ago. They help a lot. Many antidepressants are used to treat chronic pain, especially nerve pain. I also take Librium, and have since 1999. Antianxiety meds also can help nerve pain. Every time I have moved to a new job, I take my health insurance card, walk down the street and go to the first Internal Medicine doctor I can find. I tell him/her what my problem is, the three meds I take, how much and how often, and 5 minutes later I am out the door with my prescription. |
that's fine and dandy
but there are laws about transporting drugs internationally |
The OP made no mention of transporting drugs internationally. Unless you are counting the meds that were in his blood when he got off the plane. But I would guess that he did his homework, knows they are legal in Korea and had prescriptions as proof the meds are from a doctor.
Now, to get back to your way of thinking, I will say this about your post:
That's fine and dandy, but there are laws about which side of the road to drive on. |
OP admits to taking drugs, in Korea
illegal transportation of drugs is illegal
having certain drugs in the body that haven't been prescribed in Korea can prevent a person from getting a working visa
facts are facts, JACK |
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Kwangjuchicken
Joined: 01 Sep 2003
Location: I was abducted by aliens on my way to Korea and forced to be an EFL teacher on this crazy planet.
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| Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2015 4:14 am Post subject: |
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| goat wrote: |
| drcrazy wrote: |
| goat wrote: |
| drcrazy wrote: |
| goat wrote: |
| stephmarie wrote: |
Well, yes, the first two are classified as antidepressants, but that's not why I am taking them. Let me explain.
The Celexa I am taking to treat side effects of the Portia. That is all. The amitriptyline is a trycyclic antidepressant, but it is commonly prescribed to treat chronic daily headaches or migraines, which is why I am taking it. I told my employers the medicine I am taking. I didn't withhold any information from them. I provided the documents from my doctor before I even took the health test. Yes, I knew they may cause an issue, so I was advised BY THE KOREAN DOCTOR to stop taking them for a few days and then do the drug test. This is what I did, but the result was still positive. I was just wondering if anyone else had experienced this or had advice. |
just because it's legal in another country doesn't mean it's legal here |
I take Amitriptyline for nerve pain from a severe injury. I started it for the first time here in Korea in 2003. I also take Wellbutrin for the pain. I also started those in Korea many many years ago. They help a lot. Many antidepressants are used to treat chronic pain, especially nerve pain. I also take Librium, and have since 1999. Antianxiety meds also can help nerve pain. Every time I have moved to a new job, I take my health insurance card, walk down the street and go to the first Internal Medicine doctor I can find. I tell him/her what my problem is, the three meds I take, how much and how often, and 5 minutes later I am out the door with my prescription. |
that's fine and dandy
but there are laws about transporting drugs internationally |
The OP made no mention of transporting drugs internationally. Unless you are counting the meds that were in his blood when he got off the plane. But I would guess that he did his homework, knows they are legal in Korea and had prescriptions as proof the meds are from a doctor.
Now, to get back to your way of thinking, I will say this about your post:
That's fine and dandy, but there are laws about which side of the road to drive on. |
OP admits to taking drugs, in Korea
illegal transportation of drugs is illegal
having certain drugs in the body that haven't been prescribed in Korea can prevent a person from getting a working visa
facts are facts, JACK |
OFF. Well now that I have finished your last sentence, I would like to add that the OP said:
"I have given my recruiter, school director and doctor in Gumi certified documentation from my doctor in the US showing exactly what medicines I'm on, what dose, and that I am taking them legally."
She had the needed documents to legally bring her meds to Korea, and take them as prescribed.
OP the half life of Amitriptyline (called enofon in Korea) can be up to 50 hours. Vitamin C shortens it. Drink lots of water and take large amounts of vit. C and you will be ok in less than a week. |
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jazzmaster
Joined: 30 Sep 2013
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| Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2015 4:23 am Post subject: |
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OP - I use amitriptyline for my IBS but it didn't show up on my last medical. I take a 10mg dose once a day though.
I'd drop all the drugs for a couple of weeks before your next medical. The two relating to birth control shouldn't be too difficult. Just get your partner to bag it up for a month or two.
The migraines may prove to be a struggle though.
Good luck. |
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goat
Joined: 23 Feb 2010
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| Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2015 4:53 am Post subject: |
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| Kwangjuchicken wrote: |
| goat wrote: |
| drcrazy wrote: |
| goat wrote: |
| drcrazy wrote: |
| goat wrote: |
| stephmarie wrote: |
Well, yes, the first two are classified as antidepressants, but that's not why I am taking them. Let me explain.
The Celexa I am taking to treat side effects of the Portia. That is all. The amitriptyline is a trycyclic antidepressant, but it is commonly prescribed to treat chronic daily headaches or migraines, which is why I am taking it. I told my employers the medicine I am taking. I didn't withhold any information from them. I provided the documents from my doctor before I even took the health test. Yes, I knew they may cause an issue, so I was advised BY THE KOREAN DOCTOR to stop taking them for a few days and then do the drug test. This is what I did, but the result was still positive. I was just wondering if anyone else had experienced this or had advice. |
just because it's legal in another country doesn't mean it's legal here |
I take Amitriptyline for nerve pain from a severe injury. I started it for the first time here in Korea in 2003. I also take Wellbutrin for the pain. I also started those in Korea many many years ago. They help a lot. Many antidepressants are used to treat chronic pain, especially nerve pain. I also take Librium, and have since 1999. Antianxiety meds also can help nerve pain. Every time I have moved to a new job, I take my health insurance card, walk down the street and go to the first Internal Medicine doctor I can find. I tell him/her what my problem is, the three meds I take, how much and how often, and 5 minutes later I am out the door with my prescription. |
that's fine and dandy
but there are laws about transporting drugs internationally |
The OP made no mention of transporting drugs internationally. Unless you are counting the meds that were in his blood when he got off the plane. But I would guess that he did his homework, knows they are legal in Korea and had prescriptions as proof the meds are from a doctor.
Now, to get back to your way of thinking, I will say this about your post:
That's fine and dandy, but there are laws about which side of the road to drive on. |
OP admits to taking drugs, in Korea
illegal transportation of drugs is illegal
having certain drugs in the body that haven't been prescribed in Korea can prevent a person from getting a working visa
facts are facts, JACK |
OFF. Well now that I have finished your last sentence, I would like to add that the OP said:
"I have given my recruiter, school director and doctor in Gumi certified documentation from my doctor in the US showing exactly what medicines I'm on, what dose, and that I am taking them legally."
She had the needed documents to legally bring her meds to Korea, and take them as prescribed.
OP the half life of Amitriptyline (called enofon in Korea) can be up to 50 hours. Vitamin C shortens it. Drink lots of water and take large amounts of vit. C and you will be ok in less than a week. |
You are correct. She has done everything correctly. Nothing to worry about.
Don't worry OP. Enjoy the new job. Everything will be cool in a few more weeks. |
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Kwangjuchicken
Joined: 01 Sep 2003
Location: I was abducted by aliens on my way to Korea and forced to be an EFL teacher on this crazy planet.
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| Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2015 5:02 am Post subject: |
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| The op got some good info. here. I guess she has not said a fast thanks to us because: (a) She OD'ed, (b) Is in rehab., or (c) took the vitamin C/lots of water advice and is too busy peeing. |
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northway
Joined: 05 Jul 2010
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| Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2015 8:51 am Post subject: |
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| goat wrote: |
that's fine and dandy
but there are laws about transporting drugs internationally |
Right, the laws generally being that it's fine to do so as long as you have a valid prescription and the drug in question is legal in the country you're traveling to. Your comment seems entirely irrelevant in this instance. |
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Kwangjuchicken
Joined: 01 Sep 2003
Location: I was abducted by aliens on my way to Korea and forced to be an EFL teacher on this crazy planet.
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| Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2015 5:15 am Post subject: |
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| Kwangjuchicken wrote: |
| The op got some good info. here. I guess she has not said a fast thanks to us because: (a) She OD'ed, (b) Is in rehab., or (c) took the vitamin C/lots of water advice and is too busy peeing. |
It could be she OD'ed then went into rehab where she took so much vitamin C and drank so much water she peed herself to death. RIP  |
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