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Any issues bringing Ambien over from the US?

Colin Decker

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Frances (2017)
My Dr. informed me that ambien is a controlled substance and suggested I check to see if there were any issues bring it to Spain.
 
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My Dr. informed me that ambien is a controlled substance and suggested I check to see if there were any issues bring it to Spain.


Known in Europe under the name Zolpidem.
Prescription only indeed here, well at least in Belgium.

If taken as medication against sleepness nights : not needed on the Camino. The daily exercise will make you be asleep around 9 pm.
Of course if taken for other ailments : different situation.
EDIT : this is my personal view and it can in no way replace profesional medical advice!!
 
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I have taken Ambien to Spain/EU in the past, I always carried them in the prescription bottle just in case. Don't see it as a problem unless your carrying a large amount. BTW, 1/2 of a tablet worked very well. Buen Camino.
 
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Yes also take into consideration that one of the common side effects can be drowsiness or dizziness : be careful with that upper bunk:)
Another excuse to give to the hospy to get a bottom bunk. :rolleyes:
 
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Your good doctor is correct. It is a 'controlled substance' in most European countries so far as a quick Google (tm) can ever be a source of fact.

Carry it in its dispensed container and perhaps give your doctor the pleasure of writing you a letter confirming their prescription. Unless you are planning on flogging any spares you should not have a problem at airport security or on the ground in Spain. I walk with a Pharma-copia. Never had a problem.
 
I don't believe a doctor's letter is necessary (and will cost money), simply a photocopy of the prescription. And always carry medication in its original packaging, never try to save space or weight by putting tablets into unmarked bottles, plastic bags or pill dispensers.
 
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I take ambien every night and have for years. I travel 2-3 times a year in foreign lands. I always put my prescriptions (I only have 3) together in a baggy. I've never been questioned or had any problems with these, even if the baggy also has over the counter supplements, Aleve, etc.
 
I'm thinking you could take a picture of the prescription bottle on your phone, that usually includes your medical provider's name and phone number, if they have questions. I can't imagine where or when any airport security would root through your toiletries and ask, though.
Oh, and be careful mixing wine with zolpidem. Not a good combo. You might not remember what you did, but everyone else in the albergue will!
 
I carry a medical kit equipped to handle the apocalypse (occupational hazard). Have never had a problem with any medications, either controlled or not. My pharmacist prints out copies of the Rx's for me but no one has ever asked.
 
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Your profile does not show where you are from. If you are coming from Australia/NZ and are stopping of in the Middle East be very careful. Their attitude to such medications is more serious than Europe, despite the fact that they are available locally on prescription.

Ooops I did not read the title. :oops:

I'll leave the comment for travellers from the Antipodes.
 
Use it on the plane over and back
I would think twice about that one. I took it once, on a long flight from Washington DC to Milan Italy. When the plane landed I saw I had written down contact information on both of my seatmates, and I had ZERO recollection of any conversation with either of them. In addition I think there are safety risks with taking Ambien on a flight.
 
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I would think twice about that one. I took it once, on a long flight from Washington DC to Milan Italy. When the plane landed I saw I had written down contact information on both of my seatmates, and I had ZERO recollection of any conversation with either of them. In addition I think there are safety risks with taking Ambien on a flight.
Personally I am with you. I used it one time after open heart surgery and I would rather be in pain sleeping poorly.
 

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