Where to find ADHD medications

@Jamison123

Hello,

That is a very difficult and stressful situation. The fact that Da Nang doctors are reporting a 2-3 month shortage suggests a major nationwide supply issue for Methylphenidate (Concerta/Medikinet) in Central Vietnam.

Shipping controlled drugs (narcotics) between provinces without an official hospital-to-hospital transfer is highly illegal and not a safe option. Therefore, your friend will need to travel.

Here are the best strategies and alternatives to explore, starting with the most likely places to have stock:

1. Focus on Major Northern & Southern Hubs (Travel Required)

The largest cities with the most comprehensive hospital pharmacies are the most likely to have small, temporary stocks.

• Hanoi (North):

• Vietnamese-French Hospital (HFH): They serve a large expatriate community and may prioritize stocking critical drugs.

• Vinmec Hanoi: Similar to Da Nang, but with larger stock capacity.

• Action: Your friend should call the pharmacy of these hospitals before traveling to confirm current stock levels.

• Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC / South):

• Family Medical Practice (FMP) HCMC: Known for catering to international patients.

• FV Hospital (HCMC): A major international hospital, often having the best supplies.

• Action: Ask them specifically if they have Concerta, Medikinet, OR Ritalin (all the same molecule, Methylphenidate).

2. Immediate Alternative Medication

If Methylphenidate is unavailable, the friend must urgently ask a local psychiatrist about alternatives that might be easier to find in Vietnam:

• Atomoxetine (Strattera): This is a non-stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. It is a different class of drug and is not a controlled substance, making it much easier to find in standard hospital pharmacies.

• Action: Ask a doctor in Da Nang or Vinmec specifically about Atomoxetine as a substitute during the shortage.

• Bupropion (Zyban/Wellbutrin): Sometimes prescribed off-label for adult ADHD, especially when co-morbidities like depression are present.

3. Essential Requirement (For ANY Hospital Visit)

Ensure your friend has the original prescription and a detailed medical letter in English from their home country doctor.

The safest step is to contact the Vinmec or FMP branches in HCMC or Hanoi right away to check availability.

Good luck!

Hi,
I am currently looking for ADHD medications, specifically concerta or medikinet. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I might find them? My doctor in Da Nang and elsewhere I've contacted have had both out of stock for 2 or 3 months. I live in Tuy Hoa and would need them shipped, but I am willing to travel if necessary. I am also open to other ADHD meds if you have any suggestions on those.
Thank you for your help! - @Jamison123

It's hard for me to imagine a less likely place to find a regular supply of ADHD meds than Tuy Hòa.

I'm surprised you didn't inquire about ADHD meds when you were looking into Tuy Hòa employment and asked us about the availability of contact lenses there.

Anyway, I've got three thoughts:

1. For some reason (in my experience) Hà Nội seems to have a more complete/reliable supply line of medications.

2. However, HCMC is a less-conservative city and "probably" more likely to have available supplies of ADHD meds...IN HOSPITAL PHARMACIES. 

3. I think it's likely bad news for you that your doctor has dumped this issue in your lap. If your doctor is genuinely interested in supporting you with continuing care, they would take care of locating the med(s) and getting them to you.

But speaking as a retired psychiatric nurse and a long-time resident here with my own ADHD diagnosis, I don't think any doctor in Vietnam (whether you've seen them before or not) is going to supply you with ADHD meds long distance.

They certainly wouldn't want to open themselves to government oversight scrutiny.

So it likely won't be a "simple" matter of finding a source and having to travel somewhere to pick them up.

You'd almost certainly need to establish yourself as a brand new patient of any physician who is going to write their own prescription to be filled in the hospital pharmacy where they practice.

If I were you I'd start my search at one of the Vinmec medical facilities in Ho Chi Minh City.

Download the MyVinmec app to both locate the facility with psych or neuro services AND set up an appointment in advance.

Good luck 🤞

@berpasfrvn

Thank you, that is very helpful. I was able to find the medication in HCMC

@OceanBeach92107

Got it, thank you for your help!

@berpasfrvn
Thank you, that is very helpful. I was able to find the medication in HCMC - @Jamison123

Hi Jamison123. Very good to hear you were able to source the medication you needed.

When you have time, please share with the forum the steps you took. This is a subject that comes up not infrequently and will certainly assist other expat.com members with the same needs.