What you need to know about ADHD stimulants when traveling to and from Japan
I work as a general practitioner in New Zealand and on top of my usual work as a primary care specialist, I work as a GP with special interest in mental health, managing ADHD diagnoses and treatment at a private clinic in New Zealand.
(I also hold a medical license in Japan.)
In this article, I will provide information on what is necessary to bring ADHD stimulant medication into Japan. (The same applies to taking ADHD stimulant medication out of Japan.)
Table of Contents
1. ADHD Medications Used in Japan
As of 2024, the ADHD medications prescribed in Japan are "Concerta," "Vyvanse," "Strattera," and "Intuniv."
Among these, the first two—"Concerta" and "Vyvanse"—are central nervous system stimulants, and caution is required when bringing them into or out of Japan.
"Concerta" contains methylphenidate, while "Vyvanse" contains lisdexamfetamine.
Vyvanse is prescribed in Japan to patients under 18 years old, and prescriptions for those over 18 are limited to patients who were prescribed Vyvanse before turning 18 in Japan.
(This mean, if you are on a stable dose of Vyvanse in your country, other than Japan, you may not be eligible of having Vyvanse prescribed in Japan, if you move to Japan at the age of 18 or older. Please check this with a psychiatrist practicing in Japan.)
Both Concerta and Vyvanse are long-acting stimulant medications.
In Japan, they do not prescribe short-acting stimulants for ADHD due to the higher potential for misuse and abuse.
2. Differences in the Classification of Central Nervous System Stimulants in Japan and Abroad
Outside of Japan, both methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine are known as central nervous system stimulants used to treat ADHD.
In Japan, however, these two medications are classified differently: methylphenidate ("Concerta") is classified as a "psychotropic drug," while lisdexamfetamine ("Vyvanse") falls under "stimulants’ raw materials”.
In Japan, "Stimulant" refers to illegal drugs, and none can be brought into the country. This includes medications prescribed for ADHD abroad, such as amphetamine and dexamphetamine.
Even with a doctor’s letter, bringing these into Japan is not permitted, and violations may lead to legal action.
Vyvanse is considered a prodrug, which means it is inactive until metabolized into d-amphetamine in the body. For this reason, Vyvanse is classified as a "stimulants’ raw materials" rather than a stimulant itself in Japan.
3. Bringing Methylphenidate into Japan
Methylphenidate, classified as a psychotropic drug in Japan, can be brought in without special procedures if it is for a maximum of 30 days' worth and the total quantity is less than 2.16g.
This means you can bring in Concerta, Ritalin, or Rubifen without extra documentation.
For a person taking methylphenidate daily, up to 72mg per day is allowed.
If you exceed this amount, bringing the medication requires documentation such as a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor stating the necessity of the medication.
Although no official documentation is required for quantities below the limit for methylphenidate, I would personally recommend carrying a doctor's letter when crossing borders, as stimulants are controlled substances in many countries.
4. Bringing Amphetamine-Based Medications into Japan
As previously mentioned, amphetamine-based stimulants are classified as illegal stimulants in Japan and cannot be brought into the country.
Medications like Adderall, common in the U.S., fall under this category and cannot be brought into Japan even with a doctor’s letter.
However, because Vyvanse is a prodrug, it is considered "stimulants’ raw materials” rather than a stimulant itself, and it can be brought into Japan, although the process is more complex than for methylphenidate.
To import or export substances classified as medical narcotics or precursors of stimulants, you must obtain permission from the Narcotics Control Department. Without permission, you cannot bring them into Japan.
The process applies whether you are bringing the medication into Japan from abroad or if you are a Japanese resident returning from overseas with remaining medication.
More detailed information can be found on this webpage including the guide on the procedures for importing or exporting medical narcotics through personal carry.
Summary
Methylphenidate: You can bring it without special procedures if it’s for 30 days’ worth or less, and the total quantity does not exceed 2.16g.
Vyvanse: Requires prior permission from the Narcotics Control Department.
Amphetamine-based ADHD stimulants: you are not allowed to bring them into Japan by law.
Other ADHD medications like atomxetine, intuniv can be brought in without any permission, as long as it is up to one month supply. So it is similar to Methylphenidate. (Please bring them in their original packages as prescribed. I would also get a doctor's note summarizing which medications you are taking.)
Please make sure, you refer to the Japanese government webpage above for detailed application process, including the necessary documents and timelines.
5. Precautions
The medication must be carried by the individual themselves.
Both import and export permits may be required.
If you bring Vyvanse into Japan (= import) but you did not use them up while in Japan, so you take some Vyvanse back to your country (= export), or you travel other countries after Japan and you carry you Vyvanse when you leave Japan (= export), you need to get permissions for both import and export in advance.
Ensure compliance with the regulations of all countries you plan to visit, as each country may have different rules regarding the import and export of medications.
Plan in advance, allocating enough time before travelling to Japan
Although, thankfully you can do all the application process online, it takes some time to get all the paperwork ready. Allow at least 2 weeks for this process (although your brain may like to leave this task until the last minute 😁)
If you are really running out of time, email or call them and ask for the process to go faster. Below is the list of contact. Choose the prefecture of the airport you are flying in. (Narita/Haneda - Kanto-Shin’etsu office, Kansai - Kinki office, etc)
https://www.ncd.mhlw.go.jp/dl_data/keitai/area_en.pdf
Of course, you may consider changing ADHD medication before travelling to Japan if you are on Amphetamine-base ADHD medication, and you definitely want to visit Japan!
Or you may choose not to take your ADHD stimulant medication while in Japan on holiday.
Please discuss with your doctor if you think one of these options is appropriate.
6. In Conclusion
Japan’s regulations around ADHD medications are stricter compared to New Zealand. It's important to plan in advance if you're traveling to Japan with ADHD medications, as certain medications cannot be brought in without proper documentation or permits.
If you have any additional information based on your own experiences, feel free to share. This article is thoroughly researched, but I am not responsible for any issues that may arise from following the guidance here.
Please verify all information yourself to ensure a safe and smooth trip.
Also their regulations can change, so make sure you are up-to-date with necessary information.
🌸 I run a Private telemedicine clinic for people in New Zealand.
If you have any question, you can put your question in the comment section below, or you can contact me through my website.
Although I do not currently offer medical services outside of New Zealand, I am available to discuss concerns via email or through a consultation, especially for more complex issues.
いいなと思ったら応援しよう！
