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Prescription medication for ADHD and anxiety

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ccartwright3
  5/10/2017 22:56 EST

I have been taking medication for ADHD on and off (mostly "on") for about 10 years. I am currently 31. I am very interested in teaching in Latin America, France, or possibly Africa. However, I am concerned about the following possible situations:

1) The possibility of not being granted a visa due to not being able to obtain a letter from my doctor stating that I am in "good mental health" and "free of any mental illness." I have seen that as a requirement for some specific programs, but I'm having trouble finding general yet country-specific information.

2) Not being able to find a doctor that will be able to prescribe my medication (currently I take Adderall and Klonopin; I took Concerta while studying abroad in Spain, as that was what was available there at the time, but felt that it increased my anxiety a little bit).

3) The prescription medication (or something comparable) I need to treat my condition not being available in the country in which I wish to teach.

I have considered (and am still considering) possibly going off the medication, but signing a contract and agreeing to stay in a foreign country without the option of being able to obtain my medications worries me a little. Any information you can provide would be much appreciated!!! :D

Lindesu
  5/11/2017 10:07 EST

Since both of these medications have potential for abuse, it may cause you problems. I know in France the doctors will and do prescribe the SSRIs such as zoloft and Lexapro. These medications can help with anxiety as well as depression. And of course they will treat other psychiatric conditions. Unless your adhd is very severe, you might be able to transition off of it. I base this statement on the fact that most adults I have treated, who took Adderall as a child, no longer did so as adults. They had learned strategies over the years on how to study and focus when needed. Since you have been on the Adderall so long, i would consult and work with your doctor if you want to try this. Same with the Klonopin. Definitely don't want to stop this suddenly. Good luck!

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stillkicking
  5/11/2017 14:10 EST

asking for and dispensing medical advice from an anonymous comments section is definitely not a good idea.

Lindesu
  5/12/2017 00:39 EST

Fair point, Stillkicking, though hopefully you took note that I did refer this person to their doctor. I didn't dispense medical advice, but as a practicing clinical psychologist, I felt more qualified than most to address the questions posed.

ccartwright3
  5/19/2017 19:15 EST

I understand that any advice or information I receive on here is subjective ;)

ccartwright3
  5/20/2017 15:44 EST

I wasn't asking for medical advice. I was trying to find out about potential legal issues and Visa requirements. ;)

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bhharrison
  7/31/2019 03:51 EST

My husband and I just moved to France in June (2019) and were diagnosed with ADD/ADHD in our 40's. I was wondering where you ended up and how your experience turned out.

antifreeze
  7/31/2019 08:41 EST

The first thing is to find a doctor with whom you feel comfortable. Ask other English speaking expats. If there is an Internations club, or some such expat organization, you might start there.

Hopefully you have enough meds to give you time to get settled and find a doctor.

You probably have some kind of health insurance, as I believe it’s required to get your visa. If so, how does it cover prescriptions.

I believe after you have been here for three months, you can start the process for getting your Carte Vitale. In the meantime, keep all medical related prescription receipts, just in case you can get reimbursed.

My wife and I live in Nice. With the help of a relocator, we got onto the healthcare system in just a few months. I am type 2 diabetic and I had little or no problem finding a doctor who would write prescriptions for me.

Antifreeze

bhharrison
  8/2/2019 06:13 EST

Yes, we both already have a doctor and have all of our prescriptions transitioned to France, with the exception of Adderall. Just like in the US, France requires the review of a psychologist/psychiatrist who makes the determination of medication vs behavioral modifications.

I was more wondering about how ccartwright3's experience was and what the final outcome was since I have not yet seen the psychiatrist, though I do have my referral.

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