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ANTIDEPRESSANTS IN ECUADOR

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cynthiaf
  4/17/2015 11:50 EST

Is it possible to obtain antidepressants in Ecuador? I am specifically interested in knowing about Effexor, zyprexa and ritilan.
The generic names are Velafaxine,Olanzapine and Methylphenidate.
Are Benzos really that hard to obtain? Xanax is ok but I prefer the Valium family like Cerax or Oxazapam.
I'll be in the Loja providence so I'll be close to Peru and wouldn't mind a monthly trip or maybe someone has info on having meds shipped from Canada. Thanks

cynthiaf
  4/17/2015 13:15 EST

So---You think I actually want to suffer from these disorders??!!!!--MENTAL HEALTH IS A SERIOUS ISSUE!!!--- And if you don't know that literally tens of millions of people in the US,alone,are diagnosed with some form of Mental Illness, yearly, and require Medication for chemical imbalances impacting their mental health-----------well ----------------------
your just an IDIOT!

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OceanHideaway
  4/17/2015 15:10 EST

Anxiety disorders are some of the most difficult to have to handle because they not only create an illness of physical symptoms but also affect perception of normal stimuli such as a comment or response.

Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Susan, the Moderator here and also a person with Bipolar II (rapid cycling). I live in Ecuador and I purchase my medications here. I am on an antidepressant, Paxil and an anti seizure medication that acts also as a mood "stabilizer" Topictal (topimirate)

I know of others on Effexor and Zyprexa and Ritalin for depression and social anxiety.

Valium and all of the benzodiazapines are very difficult to get here. Even sedating antihistamines like Benadryl are unavailable.

And of course getting a large prescription of these medications is usually contraindicated because of it's highly addicting nature and serious over dose potential.

By the way, while there may be a few fools on this group -- there are many more who applaud your courage to ask a serious question ...and one to which there is a *stigma* attached, though we both know it too is fool's stigma.

Our bodies and sense organs are all part of one organism and it works holistically.

Once any intelligent person can comprehend that basic fact, the stigma falls away and and you realize that mental illness is just like any other chronic debilitating illness, it needs treatment, study, and understanding.

We are people with a disability, we are not disabled people :)

Tambopaxi
  4/17/2015 15:18 EST

Well said, Susan, well said...

kmoriarty45
  4/17/2015 15:44 EST

Very well said, Susan.
Cynthia , you may want to get a referral. Your doctor in the States may not habe contacts down here but I'm sure he/she would be happy to write a letter stating what you are taking, dosages, strengths etc. that you can present to a competent MD here who can then write your prescriptions for you in Spanish ans also take care of your needs while you are here. I am sure that one of posters can recommend a good doctor in the Loja area.

ecuadorjoe
  4/17/2015 16:12 EST

km45
Lets agree on something, we are talking about controlled substances. I am not sure if the lady is Canadian or from U.S. but I know that controlled substance can be prescribed only by a physiatrist in U.S. and in Canada. My daughter is a physiatrist she has practice in TX. So to make it short she will be much better of if she sees a Ecuadorian physiatrist and hire a translator for $ 10.00- for one hour. Oh, before she does all this, she should get on the internet wherever she is and Google for the medication she needs whether or not is available here (Ecuador) specifically in Loja. If it is available she should do what I wrote above. Ecuador accepts only Ecuadorian physiatrist prescriptions and according to the Health ministry she has 3 day to use the prescription, after the 3 days it is useless.

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kmoriarty45
  4/17/2015 17:18 EST

ejoe, not to put too fine a point on it, because we're both saying the same thing in different ways. A psychiatrist is an MD , as apposed to a phychologist who usually only has a PHD. I was trying to explain to the lady ( without getting too deep into her problems concerning meds down here ) that in order to " legally " obtain the meds she needs or has been taking, she would be best served to get a ( translated ) referral from her 'doctor' in the States to one here, etc . etc. etc.
I also think that if she finds a good doctor down here, that after a thorough examination, her prescriptions might be changed.
This happened to a friend of mine who was being treated in the States for severe bipolar disorder. Long story short, changes in latitude, attitude, diet and atmosphere, his doc. here changed is medications. He is much better and feeling great. He takes a lot less medication - he believes - because the doctors here aren't in the pocket of Big Pharma !

ecuadorjoe
  4/17/2015 17:31 EST

km45
Hello Sir,
After reading what you said I agree we were talking about the same thing. I was being specific about the Dr. But I just tried to point out that there are things the person can do on Google, and what the local laws are.... Cerveza porfavour!! My wife is at work so now I am alone and trying to help if I can. Have a good one... Joe

kmoriarty45
  4/17/2015 18:13 EST

Hope you've got all your chores done before she gets home.! I just finished mopping the floors etc. AND bought her flowers this afternoon, so I should be good for at least an hour when she gets home. LOL !!
Have a great weekend .

ecuadorjoe
  4/17/2015 18:26 EST

km45
Yes I did, I finished cleaning and an excellent shrimp diner . If you all come this way we have a barbecue on the top of the building and I will be happy to BBQ for you and have a few cold ones. You have a nice weekend as well... Joe

windshadow
  4/17/2015 19:30 EST

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km45
I think I need a beer!!!! I need to understand if she is trying to bring the meds to S. America and sell them and then buy them here again and sell them in Canada????
If she has as many psychiatrists as meds. she must be broke!!!!

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ronwatral
  4/17/2015 19:50 EST

JOE! RON! Does that apply to me also? I know I've pissed you off several times.

ronwatral
  4/17/2015 20:01 EST

MORI! RON! Even MORE RESPECT!!! Make it a great weekend.

OceanHideaway
  4/17/2015 20:16 EST

Actually...

While there are certain substances prescribed for severe psychiatric conditions tat are under the controlled substance act, anti-depressants are in fact not controlled substances.

Controlled substances and prescription drugs (aka medication) are not synonymous -- and this is a major stigmatizing issue!

More controlled substances are prescribed for persons with arthritis -- another debilitating and chronic disease --- than for all other illnesses.
More than cancer....

But the stigma of "typical" mentally ill person remains the Hollywood depiction. It's not.

Anti depressants are non narcotic and have a very low incidence of over dose because they are not "happy pills" -- they are more like vitamin pills -- working over time. You need to take them every day...sometimes a number of times a day -- and they work by continually providing a constant trigger to a specif neuro hormonal pre-indicator to not metabolize a specific optimal level of serotonin so that sufficient remains active between the specific neuronal dendrites in the uptake loop that functions as the feedback system to the specific indicator that affects the emotional effect creating the depression state.

It is very important when that balance is achieved because over time the person with depression can learn to sel regulate because they become familiar with that new set point.

We don't strive to become sufficient without our medication, but many of us strive to become as sufficient as possible with the least amount of medications necessary. Taking any medication is costly, and may have side effects even some we are as of yet unaware.

(and just to be safe -- possible affects as well ...play along ...it's fun!)

In the USA a 90 day supply is normal for most anti depressants once the final combination has been found. And refills are almost automatically filled in. A blood test once or twice a year to check on liver enzymes --liver enzyme elevation can indicate improper metabolite levels which need to be monitored over time --. But the new anti depressants have a very low over all side effect issue once the proper combination and adjustment period has passed and the combination and dosage is set in place.

Refilling in Ecuador gives us consumers one additional value we would not have in the USA -- the opportunity to try the REAL medication where many of us were placed on the generics by our insurance company. I found that the actual label version of Paxil for example worked more effectively than did the generic Paroxetine and a minor side effect I was unaware of, until it departed, was no longer a bother (dry mouth).

Lastly remember that a psychiatrist is a licensed physician who can prescribe medication including controlled substance and specializes in diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders with medication -- that differs from psychologist (a person who counsels others with emotional problems and addictions and has a doctorate in philosophy PhD. or in psychology Psy.D)

So basically -- when discussing anti depressants -- no not talking about controlled substances (Valium and Xanax are and a psychiatrist in Ecuador would need to prescribe.

Psychiatrists are available for consult in Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil. They are much more than $10. They are very reticent to give any sedative medication. Since sudden cessation of these sorts of medications is dangerous, this poster needs to consider whether they are able to moderate their usage if they have a larger than normal supply so as not to run out when in Ecuador.

If ejoe however has a psychiatrist in the Ecuadorian side of his family however who is in fact $10 and writes him prescriptions for narcotics -- then I am sure many people would love to hear from him -- there are always lurkers wanting to get their "scripts" refilled.

...but that is another illness I am thankful not to have ..it's called addiction...

OceanHideaway
  4/17/2015 20:26 EST

Kmori --

It is crazy what a lot of folks are taking every day for their "health"

Drs. here on the coast when treating the gringos have learned to ask them to bring all their medication with them or to bring it out to the kitchen table if they meet them at home. They often see the same medication being prescribed by 3 doctors each unaware the other prescribed it and the patient taking mega doses with all the side effects. People are discovering they feel better (and look better) simply because they are no longer o.d.ing on vitamin and mineral supplements!

It's not just big pharma -- it's a sick health care system that has no time for the patient doctor relationship and a consumer who is undereducated about their own health and anatomy and over reliant on being told what to do without question.

ecuadorjoe
  4/18/2015 08:53 EST

ronw
Only if you have taken a cocktail of uppers and downers this morning. Once you recover if you recover you can tell me if what applies to you? :-)

ecuadorjoe
  4/18/2015 09:07 EST

OH,
I guess you are referring to me. All I can say is that you are brilliant, making cocktails of uppers and downers. Did you ever have to take an expat gringo to the American Embassy because he overdosed on the nice cocktail? His name began with letter M. So doctor OH be careful what you are saying about the controlled substances. Of course I am insensitive and stupid should have left the man to die. Gracias...

cynthiaf
  4/19/2015 02:08 EST

Thank you Oceanhideaway for your constructive response.--I suppose my somewhat hostile reaction to the amount of negative feedback that I received,and almost immediately, I found to be astonishing in a world that has become far more enlightened in regards to psychiatric disorders.

Perhaps I was unclear, but I am from the US. Canada, however, has long been known here as a reliable source for inexpensive prescription medications via mail.

The information I was able to obtain regarding these meds in EC was often contradictory.

I do not abuse meds and see only one doctor.------But equadorjoe---I'm Happy to buy you a cervesa when I'm down there.------I'm pretty sure I can afford it!!!

ecuadorjoe
  4/19/2015 13:33 EST

cyntiaf
Your first post was very unclear, it sounded that you wanted to bring controlled substance (pills uppers and downers) to Ecuador and sell them in Loja and possibly in Pery that is why all the negative feedback including mine. However once I understood and guessed what you were trying to say. I told you clearly what I think is the best way of getting the meds. I have one more question what period of time are you talking about when saying you want to visit Ecuador. The reason for the question is that we know in U.S. you can legally purchase only one month worth of these meds. I know someone here who needs alprazolam, they have it here but it is expensive they have generic librazolam and the person I know is getting prescription for 4 months and the price for the meds. is $ 36.00- plus the doctors visit of $ 20.00-. Of course you would see the doctor 3 times a year, hope this helps.
Thank you for the offer, but I can buy my own beer since the cost of 6 cold ones is 4.00- or 6 warm ones in Mi Comesariato $ 3.0- and change. So I can buy a warm one for 50 cents.....:-).

OceanHideaway
  4/19/2015 16:17 EST

Okay e-joe...

I read what you wrote to me and ...I am a bit confused and a bit angry...

Let us review:
Anti-depressant medication is neither a stimulant (upper) nor a sedative (downer) medication. These are not narcotics and are not on the list of controlled drugs under the Controlled Substance Act. These medications and many like them work best in tandem and/or with other medications as prescribed by a physician educated to prescribe these medications.

The best treatment protocol for various mental disorders is therefore a formulary of various medications taken together in concert, thereby treating mental health issues most effectively. This has gained the name "drug cocktail" -- among both the patients and the doctors who treat them.

It appears in your post that you have alleged:
~ I am " brilliant, making cocktails of uppers and downers."
~"Did you ever have to take an expat gringo to the American Embassy because he overdosed on the nice cocktail?"

After claiming, repeatedly, that you have a "physisiatrist" in the family, you are "intelligent" and so forth I am stopped from being able to provide ANY reason (other than...cruelty or evil) .. that might act to mitigate or lessen what you just claimed... I truly cannot set aside what you just said because you are claiming to be totally in your right mind!

You really wanted your claims and words to be taken at face value and seriously.

And so much as I would want to,iIt is really hard to laugh off an attack like this which is just -- vicious lies.

In answer to what you have alleged (so far)
No. Unequivocally No.

I have never served anyone a cocktail of uppers and downers, ... No one... either with the initial M or not...

No one has ODed in my presence and had to be taken to the American Embassy as you have claimed or are you claiming You Have Done so?

If you had someone that ill in your presence...why the hell didn't you take them to the HOSPITAL like any normal person?!?!?

The fact is that when you become riled up or are drinking, you write some things that are not quite "all together" sir.

Giving you space is a matter of respect for an individual who might be suffering the beginnings of onset of dementia -- your pattern is recognizable as such and you have been granted some leeway...

But I will not be a punching bag and I will not allow a false statement about me to go unaccounted.

You finished your incomprehensible libelous diatribe by claiming this rather unclear statement...
" Of course I am insensitive and stupid should have left the man to die. Gracias..."

Which completely muddied the waters... Well speak up man -- because this should be a fascinating bit of drama. I haven't been defamed like this in nearly 3 months evidently you have something you want to say either to me or about me so let's hear it .

Make your allegation clear and concise because I am confident I am not the only one confused by your latest outburst.

And when it hits the rumor mill, we want to be sure to have one place where the ORIGINAL comment can be found ...for reference.

Follow along at home my friends and frien-emies ...there will be pop quizzes...

And remember that stigmatizing folks who take medication for mental disorders (medications that can turn mental illness back to mental health by effectively controlling symptoms) is really mean; not to mention so tacky, and extremely vulgar.

ecuadorjoe
  4/19/2015 17:55 EST

I can not lower myself to reply to this. I did not send you an email.....

OceanHideaway
  4/19/2015 18:46 EST

No, you did not send me an email...you wrote this above:

ecuadorjoe
new message 4/18/2015 09:07

OH,
I guess you are referring to me. All I can say is that you are brilliant, making cocktails of uppers and downers. Did you ever have to take an expat gringo to the American Embassy because he overdosed on the nice cocktail? His name began with letter M. So doctor OH be careful what you are saying about the controlled substances. Of course I am insensitive and stupid should have left the man to die. Gracias...

192.155.217.204

windshadow
  4/19/2015 19:20 EST

Fight! Fight! Now your getting back into the groove Susan! That is the Sister I know!

ecuadorjoe
  4/20/2015 09:48 EST

I was referring to your 200+ lines rant which you deleted...

GringoinQuito
  4/20/2015 10:03 EST

Joe, she didn't delete anything. All of her posts are still there.

ecuadorjoe
  4/20/2015 11:40 EST

ginquito,
Sorry I could not find the one where I am accused of illnesses, drinking and possibly more. But I will not respond to that one because her personality might have changed when she wrote the nasty post. But I also think being bipolar and controlling the illness can not be easy.

OceanHideaway
  4/20/2015 13:24 EST

One of us is ...not all together -- I think "one of us" is confusing threads...

One of us... is going to be compassionate about this because -- mental illness strikes at any age --- and unfortunately it steals ones dignity as well as one's reality.

I hope whatever came in the UPS package is properly supplied by the young caregiver/wife. Ecuadorian women can be very caring and loving. I hope also she realizes she will not receive his Social Security as she has not lived in the USA with him for the requisite 5 years -- and that the condo is a purchase in both their names and that she fills it with wonderful things as a nice nest egg...she deserves it. This is going to be a bumpy.
ride.

G-d bless you both and keep you safe.

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