ADHD Medication in Japan
The first step in planning your trip to Japan is to determine whether or not your ADHD medication is legal in Japan. Different medication classes have different legalities in Japan. This article goes through ADHD treatments by medication class and clarifies the legality of each type of ADHD medication in Japan.
Disclaimer
NeurodiveAbroad has done its best to research the legality of the most common treatments for ADHD in Japan, to provide resources for Travelers with ADHD to plan their trip to Japan. However, the legality of these medications for import and personal use in Japan is subject to change. Travelers are encouraged to reference the Japanese Bureau of Health and Welfare website and the Narcotics Control Division of Japan website for further information on the legality of ADHD medications in Japan.
Article Contents:
Amphetamines
Methylphenidates
Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonists
Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
Tricyclics
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common type of prescription medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Stimulants work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals in your brain) called dopamine and norepinephrine. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. Stimulants work by increasing the chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters. Stimulants specifically help to increase the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which support focus, attention, and motivation.
Most ADHD stimulants fall into one of two drug classes, amphetamines and methylphenidates. Only one type of stimulant class for ADHD is legal in Japan.
Amphetamines
A majority of amphetamines are completely illegal in Japan. If you take medications containing any of these ingredients, you will not be permitted to bring your medications into Japan, regardless of whether or not you have an import certificate. These include medications such as Adderall ©, Adzenys ©, Dexedrine ©, and any other forms of amphetamine salts.
Prohibited Ingredients:
Dextroamphetamine mixed salts
Amphetamines or Methamphetamines
Methamphetamine hydrochloride
Amphetamine sulfate
Dextroamphetamine sulfate
The only exception to the amphetamine ban is the use of the medication Vyvanse ©, also known as lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, which is classified as a Stimulant Raw Material in Japan. While it is legal in Japan, it requires a special import certificate called Yunyu Kakunin-sho. See our article Japan Import Certificate Tips for more information on how to navigate the Japanese import process.
Methylphenidates
Methlyphenidates are another class of stimulants used to treat ADHD. They are commonly used to improve attention and reduce impulsivity. While there are less restrictions on methlyphenidates than amphetamines in Japan, there are still certain stimulants that are completely prohibited.
Prohibited Ingredients:
Dexmethlyphenidate
Dexmethylphenidate Hydrochloride
Serdexmethylphenidate
Medications containing simply Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate hydrochloride, such as Ritalin and Concerta, are typically allowed in Japan. However, all legal stimulants used to treat ADHD in Japan still require an import certificate. See our article Japan Import Certificate Tips for more information on how to navigate the Japanese import process.
Non-Stimulants
Non-stimulants are prescription ADHD medications that increase norepinephrine levels in the brain. Non-stimulants for ADHD work more gradually than stimulants. Unlike stimulants, non-stimulants may take 3–4 weeks of daily use to reach full effect. They can last up to 24 hours and help with focus, attention, and impulse control.
There are two main classes of non-stimulants used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. While none of these non-stimulant classes are considered controlled substances in Japan, it is best practice to consult your doctor about obtaining the proper documentation for these medications. See our Doctor’s Notes and More article for more information on obtaining the proper documentation for your medication.
Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors are a specific type of non-stimulant ADHD medication that increases norepinephrine by blocking its reabsorption (“reuptake”) in the brain. Higher norepinephrine levels can help with focus, sustained attention, and emotional regulation.
The two most common medications within this class to treat ADHD are:
Atomoxetine hydrochloride (Strattera ©)
Viloxazine (Qelbree ©)
Neither of these medications are considered to be a controlled substance in Japan. But it is still good practice to have the proper documentation outlining your prescriptions and their treatment purposes.
Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonists
Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonists are affect receptors in the brain that help calm and regulate attention and behavior. They are especially helpful for hyperactivity, impulsivity, and sleep issues.
The two most common medications within this class to treat ADHD are:
Clonidine hydrochloride (Kapvay ©)
Guanfacine hydrochloride (Intuniv ©)
Similar to the medications listed in the previous class of non-stimulants, these medications are not considered to be controlled substances in Japan. However, there are certain Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist medications that are not commonly used to treat ADHD that may have some restrictions in Japan. Please reference the Narcotics Control Department of Japan’s list of controlled substances in Japan for more information.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants used for ADHD affect dopamine and norepinephrine, which support motivation and focus. While the FDA hasn’t specifically approved antidepressants for treating ADHD, many healthcare providers prescribe them either alone or alongside stimulants, especially when someone has both ADHD and depression or anxiety.
The two most common classes of antidepressants used for treating ADHD are norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors and tricyclics.
Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors are a specific type of antidepressant that increases both norepinephrine and dopamine levels by preventing the brain from reabsorbing them too quickly. This can improve attention, energy, and focus.
The most common medication within this class to treat ADHD is Wellbutrin:
Bupropion hydrochloride (Wellbutrin ©)
Bupropion hydrochloride (Wellbutrin SR©)
Bupropion hydrochloride (Wellbutrin XL©)
Wellbutrin is not considered to be a controlled substance in Japan, but requires proper documentation and a Japanese medication import certificate known as Yunyu Kakunin-sho. See our article Japan Import Certificate Tips for more information on how to navigate the Japanese import process.
Tricyclics
Tricyclics also affect norepinephrine and dopamine pathways. They are older medications that can help with ADHD symptoms but are used less often today due to potential side effects.The three most common medications within this class to treat ADHD are:
Desipramine hydrochloride (Norpramin ©)
Imipramine hydrochloride (Tofranil ©)
Notriptyline hydrochloride (Pamelor ©)
These medications are not considered controlled substances in Japan, and up to a one-month supply may be brought into the country without an import certificate. However, if you are traveling with larger quantities than a 30-day supply, you are required to fill out an application for the Yunyu Kakunin-sho Japanese medication import certificate. See our article Japan Import Certificate Tips for more information on how to navigate the Japanese import process. Proper documentation from your doctor is also important, regardless of whether or not you go through the Yunyu Kakunin-sho process.