Traveling to Korea with anxiety medication

Annex 6 benzodiazepine, in any quantity. Sold in Korea under the same brand name, so a Korean psychiatrist can continue treatment.

Annex 6. Sold in Korea as Ativan since 1979.

Annex 6. In Korea the brand is Rivotril; say the ingredient name at clinics.

Annex 6. Available in Korea as domestic generics.

Not controlled in Korea, and still sold there under a Buspar brand. The non-benzo anxiolytic with zero border paperwork.

Not controlled in Korea; prescribed there as Ucerax.

Not controlled in Korea and widely prescribed there as Indenol, including for performance anxiety.

Antidepressants are not controlled substances in Korea. The customs personal-use rule of six bottles or a three-month supply applies.

Why does Xanax need a permit when Lexapro does not?

The permit rule follows Korea's controlled-substance schedules. Benzodiazepines sit in annex 6 of the narcotics decree; SSRIs, buspirone, hydroxyzine, and propranolol appear in no annex. The paperwork tracks the list, not how the medication is used.

I only carry Xanax for flight anxiety, a few tablets. Still a permit?

Yes. The requirement has no minimum quantity. If the permit process is not worth it for occasional use, ask your doctor whether a non-controlled option such as hydroxyzine or propranolol fits your situation; neither needs any Korean paperwork.

Can I continue my anxiety treatment during a long stay in Korea?

Yes. Alprazolam is among the most prescribed medications in Korea, lorazepam and diazepam are standard there, and every non-controlled option on this page is available too. Korean pharmacies cannot fill foreign prescriptions, so plan one psychiatrist visit with your records.