Is My Medication Available in Japan? The Complete Table
Before you move to Japan, one question deserves a definitive answer: does my medication exist there? Most mainstream psychiatric medications are approved in Japan, but several familiar ones (Prozac, Adderall, and bupropion among them) are not. The table below gives the full picture, drawn from Japan's approved drug list as of mid-2026, covering the psychiatric medications English speakers most often arrive with. Verify your specific drug with a doctor before travel; approvals change, and this is a map, not a prescription.
Antidepressants
| You know it as | Generic | In Japan? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoloft | sertraline | Yes | J Zoloft; lower maximum dose here |
| Lexapro / Cipralex | escitalopram | Yes | Lexapro |
| Paxil / Seroxat | paroxetine | Yes | As Paxil CR and generics |
| Luvox / Faverin | fluvoxamine | Yes | |
| Cymbalta | duloxetine | Yes | |
| Effexor | venlafaxine | Yes | Extended-release only |
| Remeron | mirtazapine | Yes | |
| Trintellix | vortioxetine | Yes | |
| Desyrel / trazodone | trazodone | Yes | Often used low-dose for sleep |
| Prozac | fluoxetine | No | Switch to another SSRI |
| Wellbutrin / Zyban | bupropion | No | No direct relative; individualized plan |
| Celexa | citalopram | No | Escitalopram is its refined half |
| Pristiq | desvenlafaxine | No | Venlafaxine is its parent |
| MAOIs (Nardil, Parnate) | phenelzine etc. | No | No antidepressant MAOIs here |
Details and switching logic: the antidepressant guide.
Sleep medications
| You know it as | Generic | In Japan? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belsomra | suvorexant | Yes | |
| Dayvigo | lemborexant | Yes | |
| Rozerem | ramelteon | Yes | |
| Ambien | zolpidem | Yes | Scheduled; stricter handling |
| Lunesta | eszopiclone | Yes | |
| Restoril | temazepam | No | Other benzo hypnotics exist |
| Melatonin (OTC) | melatonin | Not OTC | Prescription pediatric product only; the melatonin story |
| Trazodone (for sleep) | trazodone | Yes |
Anxiety medications
| You know it as | Generic | In Japan? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xanax | alprazolam | Yes | Solanax / Constan |
| Ativan | lorazepam | Yes | Wypax |
| Valium | diazepam | Yes | Cercine / Horizon |
| Klonopin | clonazepam | Yes | Approved as an antiepileptic here |
| Buspar | buspirone | No | Japan has a relative, tandospirone, instead |
| Vistaril / Atarax | hydroxyzine | Yes |
Context on how anxiety is medicated here: the anti-anxiety guide.
ADHD medications
| You know it as | Generic | In Japan? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adderall / Dexedrine | amphetamine | No, banned | Cannot be imported in any amount |
| Concerta | methylphenidate ER | Yes | Registry system; details |
| Ritalin | methylphenidate IR | Exists, not for ADHD | Narcolepsy only |
| Vyvanse | lisdexamfetamine | Ages 6-18 only | Can't be started in adults |
| Strattera | atomoxetine | Yes | Generics available |
| Intuniv | guanfacine ER | Yes |
Travel rules for this class are unique: read before flying.
Antipsychotics and mood stabilizers
| You know it as | Generic | In Japan? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abilify | aripiprazole | Yes | |
| Seroquel | quetiapine | Yes | Incl. extended-release for bipolar depression |
| Zyprexa | olanzapine | Yes | |
| Risperdal | risperidone | Yes | |
| Latuda | lurasidone | Yes | Incl. bipolar depression |
| Rexulti | brexpiprazole | Yes | |
| Vraylar | cariprazine | No | |
| Geodon | ziprasidone | No | |
| Lithium | lithium carbonate | Yes | Standard monitoring |
| Depakote | valproate | Yes | |
| Lamictal | lamotrigine | Yes | |
| Tegretol | carbamazepine | Yes |
Others people ask about
| You know it as | Generic | In Japan? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spravato | esketamine | No | Ketamine is a narcotic here |
| Naltrexone (for alcohol) | naltrexone | No | Japan uses nalmefene and acamprosate |
| Propranolol (performance anxiety) | propranolol | Yes | As a cardiovascular drug; psychiatric use is off-label |
What should you do next?
- Yes: bring records, carry a legal supply (import rules), and book early; continuation is usually smooth.
- No: plan the switch before you move or immediately after arrival with your records in hand; every gap above has a standard substitution path.
- ADHD: read the dedicated guides first; that class runs on different rails entirely.
Frequently asked questions
This article is general information, not medical advice for your individual situation. Confirm your specific medication with a doctor before making travel or treatment decisions.
Medically reviewed by our psychiatrist (M.D.). Updated August 11, 2026.