Antidepressants in India

camelgirl · Jan 26th, 2008, 22:51

If you are volunteering with an organization, they should have referrals to resources you may need. This sounds like a first trip for you both so keep in mind that even people who have never had psychiatric problems often have a hard time with India at first. Many of us have true stories about people getting off the plane, spending a day in India and going home! Obviously, not us on India Mike!!

And, just a tidbit of info, for those of you who are familiar with the U.S. Peace Corps, which gives it's volunteers tons of training before sending them off around the world, the biggest single problem that requires medical care is for psychiatric problems. They don't advertise it, but I've an acquaintance who was the head of the medical evacuation part of the Peace Corps for many years.

The point being, living in another culture can be difficult for some people, no matter how strong the commitment or desire.

That said, I believe MOST volunteers have a very rewarding experience and often return (to India) again and again.

NeeliAankhen · Jan 26th, 2008, 22:52

I think MachIndia's advice is excellent too - absolutely best to find somebody to help with/manage this while you are abroad.

Instance where I'd say this was least necessary is - if someone has already successfully used the generic of a particular med and really knows very well his response and dosage, then I'd say the risk of disruptive reaction (main reaction or side effects) is very limited, go ahead and get hold of the pills and take them according to your own well-established regiment.

Otherwise yes get a doctor on board, and ideally psychiatrist, since people's responses to things vary so much, so why put yourself through unnecessary weirdness.

Psychiatrist because - that's all they do, they know much more about these pills and what they do than the GP, whose knowledge is often confined to what he's read rather than coming from years of experience will thousands of patients. GP fine for people who have standard response, but if you don't his repertoire is more limited.

safari vala · Jan 27th, 2008, 06:25

I am on an 'ssri' antidepressant for life( it's a long story but I am ok , better than ever , honest ma it's true) and always stock up before I travel with a bulk PREscription and a letter from my quack saying this chap needs these pills so mr. customs man please be nice to him.

Jan 26th, 2008, 22:51	#16
camelgirl 10 year Visa okee dokee Join Date: May 2005 Location: Swannanoa NC usa Posts: 946	If you are volunteering with an organization, they should have referrals to resources you may need. This sounds like a first trip for you both so keep in mind that even people who have never had psychiatric problems often have a hard time with India at first. Many of us have true stories about people getting off the plane, spending a day in India and going home! Obviously, not us on India Mike!! And, just a tidbit of info, for those of you who are familiar with the U.S. Peace Corps, which gives it's volunteers tons of training before sending them off around the world, the biggest single problem that requires medical care is for psychiatric problems. They don't advertise it, but I've an acquaintance who was the head of the medical evacuation part of the Peace Corps for many years. The point being, living in another culture can be difficult for some people, no matter how strong the commitment or desire. That said, I believe MOST volunteers have a very rewarding experience and often return (to India) again and again. __________________ My selected India photos http://www.indiamike.com/photopost/s...r/7030/cat/500

Jan 26th, 2008, 22:52	#17
NeeliAankhen Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: New York, NY USA Posts: 268	I think MachIndia's advice is excellent too - absolutely best to find somebody to help with/manage this while you are abroad. Instance where I'd say this was least necessary is - if someone has already successfully used the generic of a particular med and really knows very well his response and dosage, then I'd say the risk of disruptive reaction (main reaction or side effects) is very limited, go ahead and get hold of the pills and take them according to your own well-established regiment. Otherwise yes get a doctor on board, and ideally psychiatrist, since people's responses to things vary so much, so why put yourself through unnecessary weirdness. Psychiatrist because - that's all they do, they know much more about these pills and what they do than the GP, whose knowledge is often confined to what he's read rather than coming from years of experience will thousands of patients. GP fine for people who have standard response, but if you don't his repertoire is more limited. Last edited by NeeliAankhen : Jan 27th, 2008 at 12:34.

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Jan 27th, 2008, 06:25	#18
safari vala Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 145	I am on an 'ssri' antidepressant for life( it's a long story but I am ok , better than ever , honest ma it's true) and always stock up before I travel with a bulk PREscription and a letter from my quack saying this chap needs these pills so mr. customs man please be nice to him.

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