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did you try asking the embassy your questions? dont give your name, obviously.

people at the airport dont know anything about perscription drugs, they don't generally open your suitcase but your baggage does go through xray.  however, the xray guy is generally asleep.

as for medicine, i dont think you HAVE to have a perscription.

I wouldn't worry about bringing it in, but I seriously doubt you'll be able to buy it here, even with a prescription (Saudi's don't believe in mental disorders).

^^ have to agree with allie cat..
gettign meds like that here might be a bit difficult.

Any doctors it he forum who can help this chap out?

Thanks for the help so far. Much appreciated.

Alliecat wrote:

(Saudi's don't believe in mental disorders).

I'm sorry Allie, this is a bit confusing to me what kind of saudies are you dealing with exactly?

The kind who don't believe in mental health disorders, the kind who believe that what you need to do is pray more and all will be well. 

I think this is the common attitude?

Not the common attitude. Its the fact that they just dont understand these various disorders.

RedGoblin wrote:

Not the common attitude. Its the fact that they just dont understand these various disorders.

It's because they don't understand these disorders that it is the common attitude.  Comprende?

Hmm..
Yes Ma'am..

aah well..
best of luck bipolar mate..

Thanks much for the input folks.

I'm in the same boat now as you were lawboy. I've got a few offers on the table. I'm thinking about not mentioning bipolar on the visa paperwork. Wondering how I could get Lithium. How'd it go for you in Saudi I wonder.

Hi mudkip - please note that this thread is a bit old

The post is from four years ago and there was no response, but I'm writing in hopes someone has an answer since I would also like to know if possible to get Lamictal here.

I've been told by 3 pharmacists that it's only available at a hospital, but I don't want to associate myself with bi-polar.  (I'm not bi-polar;  a lot of off-label use for depression -- but also don't want to be associated with that even thought my use would be as a preventative.) 

It's not possible for me to get a year's supply (What country...Do tell!) or order online.

Happy to take similar med, so if you have advice about this, please share.

Thanks.

Yes but let me clarify that a bit.

As per the rules, you cannot have infectious diseases (HIV etc.) or mental disorders if you want a work visa.  However, if you have mental disorders which are under control e.g. bipolar with medicines, the only way someone will know is if you self disclose it.   

HIV can be picked up via blood test.  Even if you didn't have it at the time of the visa and got it later; you test for it in the Kingdom and get a positive - that is reported to MOH (as it is a reportable disease).  However, mental health disorders can't be tested like that and are not reportable even if you get diagnosed in the Kingdom.

So to put it simply, if you make a point of going out of your way to disclose it, you will have issues.  Otherwise no one will care.

And yes Lamictal is available.  Even online from Nahdi website.  Just in case people are stil looking.

@XTang how will they get their medication of they dont disclose….better to disclose

You are confusing different things. Don't disclose it voluntarily in the visa medical as they can't find out about it otherwise. Disclose to your doctor in the kingdom for treatment as it is not a reportable disease.

@XTang

Hi ..was wondering if you could answer a few questions relating to people coming on a visit visa and potentially needed treatment at a medical facility?

What if the bipolar person has a manic episode and has to be admitted?

My concern is mostly procedures and admission to a medical facility in this case. Medical coverage, facilities for admission in Khobar /Dammam for example?

Saudi is very limited in the area of psychiatric inpatient and emergencies.  Usually it is government hospitals that deal with it and they are usually full.   New private facilities are coming up but they are mostly in Riyadh.  Your best bet in this case is Bahrain which HAS the facilities and experience in dealing with this - many private facilities.

Also, why would they have a manic episode if they are on medication?    There will be signs first like lack of sleep, restlesness etc..............if you see those, immediately take them across the border to Bahrain vs. waiting for the episode to manifest.

I have also been offered a job in Dhahran in Saudi Arabia. My bipolar is well controlled with Olanzapine/ Fluoxetine. Will I be able to get treatment when there. I don’t wanna disclose because of stigma and discrimination. I am a mental health nurse by profession. I am in South Africa.

Both these medicines are easily available in Saudi under the brand names of Zyprexa & Prozac as well as generics.   You need a prescription to get them or order online (via online consultation with Nahdi pharmacy doctor who will issue a prescription).   They should even issue it on your south african prescription (if in English and dated within 2 months) - not sure, but I have gotten prozac for friends in Bahrain on Bahrain prescriptions.

Don't disclose it.  However, the stigma is reducing as we speak.   However, mental health facilities face a supply vs. demand imbalance currently (more demand, less beds).   I am speaking of inpatient or emergency psychiatric care, should, god forbid, you have a manic episode.  OPD you can easily find.

But being in Dhahran, you can always go across the causeway to Bahrain which has a very well developed mental heath set up.   I can recommend Dr. Eyad Jamsheer (google him) - Canadian trained Bahraini psych and has a lot of patients from Saudi.

@XTang thank you so much for your valuable contribution and insight. This is so helpful for me. I’ve been able to control my bipolar for more than years with Olanzapine and fluoxetine. It is really reassuring to know that medication is readily available