Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mongrelcat]

i tried posting in FAQ but "it" wouldnt let me
i also looked for my answer there but no luck

im not in Korea, still thinking about coming there

can you buy antidepressants OTC in Korea?

and if not, does anyone know how expensive they are or if National Health helps pay for such with a prescription?

[skconqueror]

ahh great, another emotionally unstable person wants to "hide" in Korea. STAY HOME

[trubadour]

Yes, it's called Soju, Bek Se Ju or Makoli!

Or, it's achieved by 'KBO' (Winston Churchill). Winston Churchill was a manic depressive who's self-taught remedy was to keep himself constantly occupied. When in doubt, he would say, "KBO" [Keep Buggering On] and do some painting, renovate the garden, or whatever. Or, self-overcoming (Nietzsche -'what does not kill me, only serves to make me stronger')... Or meditation: i.e. self discipline, self acceptance, discovering hope and eternal truth.

Seriously, if you aren't prepared for something along the lines of the above, as such challenges only a real change can bring - do as you doctor recommends - avoid stress, avoid change. In other words, don't come to a strange land full of strange people who speak a strange language and who operate according to a strange culture.

Or do, if you believe you can free yourself from fear.

[tyleranthony]

[BS.Dos.]

[trubadour]

It may come as a shock, but I have no idea under what conditions
(if any) the OP was given anti-depressants. I have experience of depression, of anti-depressants, of over-coming depression without drugs and of Korea as a foreigner, that is all.

[seoulsucker]

I'm pretty sure you can't buy OTC anti-depressants ANYWHERE.

However, it is possible to get prescriptions for SSRIs and the like here in Korea. Just don't tell any Koreans you work with that you're taking the meds, or ask them where you can get them filled.

[mongrelcat]

thanks for the frank replies.

sorry if such a simple question caused some of you more stable people to snap.

anyway, i am teaching in Turkey and most medications can be bought OTC here without prescriptions.

[mongrelcat]

[jmbran11]

To answer your question, they are not over the counter, and you may not have easy access to a psychiatrist depending on where you are. There are a couple who pander to foreigners, but they are expensive. As to whether it's covered by your health plan, I don't know. But, medical information is not private here, and your employer will have access to you insurance information. You will probably not be treated well by your employer if he/she becomes aware that you are taking this medication. Consider bringing a large supply with you. You may be able to get it shipped in from the internet, but it's a gamble.

[jajdude]

[TheBrain]

How strong can they be if they're OTC? Maybe you can wean yourself from those pills while you are here.

[mindmetoo]

[jajdude]

[Cerebroden]

no OTC anti-depressants, but if you're looking for a place to off yourself....plenty of people have decided korea is the best place to do it.