Traveling to Korea with epilepsy medication

Not controlled in Korea, and sold there under the same brand name. Bring your dose history so a Korean neurologist can continue without restarting titration.

Not controlled in Korea, same brand name there plus generics.

Not controlled in Korea despite US Schedule V; same brand there.

Annex 5 barbiturate, including a child's medication carried by a parent. 30 mg tablets are sold in Korea, so a local neurologist can continue treatment.

Annex 6 benzodiazepine. Prescribed in Korea as Rivotril.

Annex 6. Available in Korea as generics.

Annex 6, and no nasal midazolam exists in Korea to refill. Bring the full trip's supply under the permit.

My child has epilepsy. Is a Korea trip realistic?

Yes. Most maintenance medications (lamotrigine, gabapentin, and other non-controlled anticonvulsants) enter under the ordinary personal-use rule with a prescription. The permit work concentrates on three things: phenobarbital, benzodiazepines, and midazolam rescue sprays. If your child uses any of those, apply 3 to 4 weeks ahead; the permit is issued within 10 business days and covers up to 90 days of supply.

Who applies for a child's permit?

Apply in the patient's name with the pediatric prescription and the doctor's statement of diagnosis and dose, online at nedrug.mfds.go.kr or by email to narcotics@korea.kr. Carry the permit with the medication and declare on arrival.

What if a seizure happens in Korea?

Call 119 for an ambulance. Korean emergency departments handle seizures routinely, and major Seoul hospitals have international clinics. Carry a note stating the diagnosis and current medications with doses, in English; it is the first thing emergency staff need.

Can my anticonvulsant be refilled in Korea?

Usually. Lamictal sells under the same name, phenobarbital tablets exist, and clonazepam is prescribed as Rivotril. The gap is rescue midazolam: no nasal or buccal form is marketed in Korea, so bring your full supply and ask a Korean specialist about a substitute rescue plan for longer stays.