Korean Job Discussion Forums

[eyetoeyenow56]

I'm wondering if anyone has ever gotten prescription drugs mailed to them here in Korea? I am out and can't see a doctor until my ARC is in my hands (or, from what I understand, I can see a doctor I just wouldn't be able to use my insurance, which I would like to do).

So, I'm considering having a friend was mail me his extras. They would be for anxiety, Xanax or ativan, which are technically controlled substances. Is this a terrible idea? Ok, I know it's not ideal. And it's not the smartest, so please, no need to reiterate that. What I would like to hear is from anyone who has done this before or knows someone who has. Or, any other ideas for me, other than just waiting it out until I have the proper prescription from a doctor here.

Also, may be helpful to know, it will a few more weeks until I have my ARC card, so it's not just a few days without my meds, it would be to the point of medically dangerous to withdraw from them on my own, at least in the opinion of the medical community. I foresee it being pretty uncomfortable, although not intolerable, as my dose is on the medium to low end. I know, I should have had the foresight to have more meds with me in case something like this happened, but I couldn't force my doctor into prescribing more before I left, he knows I would be taking them while I am no longer under his care. He said in this case (Benzos, or any controlled substance) he would certainly not prescribe more than one month at a time as a matter of law and ethics. So I tried. But here I am, in a pickle.

For whatever reason, my boss didn't have me take the medical exam for a few weeks after I arrived. Also, there was trouble verifying the hospital at the immigration office, had to go back, and they said I will have to pick it up, rather than mail it to me. I guess my point is, there was lots of red tape in the bush, and the process is taking longer than the few weeks it should.

I've seen people post here about mental health issues, and it seems a mix bag whether other posters are supportive. Please don't berate me for my own personal medical choices, I'm not looking for tips on how to get off of prescription pills, or reasons why someone with anxiety issues shouldn't be in Korea in the first place. I just need some advice. Is having these pills mailed to me worth the risk? Thanks!

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

A doctor's visit might cost you around 50k-60k without insurance. Xanax is legal here. Just go to the doctor.

[iRock]

^^ pathetic troll attempt

go to a small clinic those are cheaper than hospitals. you can get the medicine but might have to pay but shipping and worrying and waiting are worse probably.

[eyetoeyenow56]

Hey thanks for the responses, iRock and NYCGal, much appreciated. (Sidenote: I'm new to forums, and generally not much for computers, so forgive me if this is a stupidly obvious question; when you are referring to a "troll" on a forum, do you mean to say someone who just reads and posts useless and negative comments, or is there more to the definition of troll? Like someone who isn't even interested in said topic, and does this on other sites as well? I know, I sound like I was born in the forties or something, but you gotta learn somehow, right?)

I guess my next question is are there any certain clinics/hospitals you would recommend? I live in Seoul, eastern side, north of the river.

iRock, you said I could indeed get the meds mailed, but it may not be worth the worrying or the shipping costs. Have you ever had meds shipped? Or know anyone who has? I guess I'm not super worried that they will or won't arrive due to shipping issues, it's more of an issue of them not being prescribed to me. That can look shady, especially when we're talking pills that are legal, but not so legal to share. Thoughts?

Also, another question--do you know if any these clinics are open on weekends or late in the evening? I am at my hagwon M-F from 9:30 until 8 pm almost everyday. At the earliest, twice a week I can leave around seven pm. Which really, really sucks, but I suppose that's another thread altogether. Again, thanks for your help, much appreciated.

[northway]

I've had propecia shipped, but it's kind of in a different class.

[Steelrails]

I'm sorry, but something about the thread title gives me a mental image of Grandpa Simpson.

[eyetoeyenow56]

I love it! That's exactly the image I was trying to conjure up. Now, where the hell did I put my prune juice?

[shamash]

Sorry to bump this, but I'm wondering about having a zoloft prescription mailed to me. I'd rather not get the prescription in Korea since depression is one of those dark topics that you aren't supposed to talk about here. Would it most likely be fine to have it mailed to me from the states?

[ttompatz]