myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

Hello, could anybody tell me please if I need documented permission to take my prescribed meds into Tobago (antidepressants) or will an official list of my prescriptions be sufficient? I tried contacting the T&T embassy/consulate (?) and the T&T tourism website last week but have not received a reply from either. Thanks.

Hi Julie

No, I don't believe so. Being in advanced years, both Jill and I take an awful lot of prescribed meds and we've never had any issues. However, I would strongly recommend that you take an original copy of your NHS prescription and the standard information leaflet that comes in every packet because most drugs over there come from the U.S. so if you happen to lose any meds, the paperwork will help the pharmacist locate the US/local equivalent.

Definitely no problem bringing your own but always carry at least a copy of your script, just in case, and split your meds - some in hold baggage, some in your carry on.

The formulary in TnT is quite restricted. Tri-cyclics are still the most prescribed anti-deps in TnT, MAOIs are also still in pretty widespread use. Fluoxetine is still the most common (only?) SSRI in out-patient practice. SNRIs and new generation SSRIs arepretty much unheard of.

i seem to recall it was quicker for someone to get some missing meds fed-ex'd down rather than procuring locally

The local ‘nhs’ medical centres carry a lot of prescription drugs which are dispensed free Yes you have to pay for them if you take your ‘script’ to a pharmacy. We have always found and so have our guests, that the pharmacists are very knowledgeable. I recently had to visit the health centre in Castara. My weight, height, temp and bp as well as blood sugar levels are always taken and kept on file there. Waiting times can be long…..no different than at home? But very dedicated staff we have found. A friend had travelled without sufficient ‘heart’ tablets causing him to panic , “I’ll have to fly home”!
The nurse in the dispensary said what these?
Panic over, holiday continued!