Can You Bring Amitriptyline to Japan?
MHLW's rules generally allow up to one month's supply of a prescription drug for your own use. Based on the sources we checked, this applies to single-ingredient amitriptyline tablets. This is general information, not a decision on your case. This guide covers single-ingredient tablets, what to do if you need more and what to carry.
Quick answer
Amitriptyline is approved in Japan. It is a prescription drug there, and it is not on the narcotics, psychotropics or stimulants schedules we checked, so we found no narcotics permit requirement for it. MHLW allows up to one month's supply of a prescription drug for personal use without Import Confirmation. For a longer supply, apply for Import Confirmation before you travel. If you are unsure, ask the Regional Bureau for your arrival airport before you fly.
Checked against official Japanese sources. Not reviewed by a doctor or pharmacist.
It compares your medicines with published MHLW rules. It is not an approval.
Travelling with several prescriptions? Each active ingredient needs its own check.
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Amitriptyline's status in Japan
Amitriptyline is on MHLW's list of prescription-designated medicines. In Japan it is sold as Tryptanol (トリプタノール) tablets in 10 mg and 25 mg strengths, and PMDA's product information lists it as a prescription-only medicine (処方箋医薬品).
It is not on the narcotics, psychotropics or stimulants schedules we checked. Your medicine may have a different brand name at home, so check the active ingredient on the label rather than the brand.
How much amitriptyline can you bring to Japan?
MHLW's personal-import rules allow up to one month's supply of a prescription drug without Import Confirmation. MHLW counts this from your prescribed dosing directions, so the number of tablets depends on your dose and on your tablet strength. MHLW's own illustration is a medicine taken as one tablet a day, which works out to up to 30 tablets. Treat that as an illustration only; a different dose or strength gives a different count. If your dose varies, ask the Regional Bureau how to count it.
If you need more than one month's supply, apply for Import Confirmation (formerly yakkan shoumei) and receive it before you leave home. Apply early. If you fly soon, contact the Regional Bureau straight away. You complete and submit any government application yourself. The application needs a valid prescription or doctor’s note showing the patient, the medicine and the doctor’s name. MHLW's Q&A (Q5) also lists travel evidence issued by the airline or cruise company that shows the passenger's name, arrival date, port of arrival and flight or cruise number. MHLW says to show your Import Confirmation to the customs officer when you enter Japan.
These limits are for your own use. MHLW does not allow personally imported medicine to be sold or given to others.
What to carry when you travel with amitriptyline
- Your medicine, with a label showing the active ingredient and strength.
- A copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter showing your dose. This also helps show how long your supply will last.
- Your Import Confirmation, if you are bringing more than one month's supply.
Carrying these documents is practical advice rather than a guarantee of entry. Customs officers make the decision at the border.
Continuing amitriptyline treatment in Japan
Amitriptyline is prescription-only in Japan, so pharmacies cannot normally sell it without a prescription. If your stay will outlast your supply, speak to a doctor in Japan before you run out. Bring your treatment details in Japanese if you can, and do not change or stop your medicine without talking to your doctor. See continuing an overseas prescription in Japan.
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MedicTranslate is not a healthcare provider or customs authority. We do not give medical advice or guarantee customs approval.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring amitriptyline to Japan?
MHLW's rules generally allow up to one month's supply of a prescription drug for your own use. Based on the sources we checked, this applies to single-ingredient amitriptyline tablets. This is general information, not a decision on your case. These tablets are not on the narcotics, psychotropics or stimulants schedules we checked, so we found no narcotics permit requirement for them. The usual personal-import quantity limit for prescription drugs applies.
How much amitriptyline can I bring to Japan?
Up to one month's supply for personal use without Import Confirmation. The tablet count depends on your prescribed directions and your tablet strength. MHLW illustrates this with one tablet a day, which is up to 30 tablets.
What if I need more than one month's supply?
Apply for Import Confirmation and receive it before you leave home. Apply early. If you fly soon, contact the Regional Bureau straight away. You complete and submit any government application yourself. The application needs a valid prescription or doctor’s note showing the patient, the medicine and the doctor’s name. MHLW's Q&A (Q5) also lists travel evidence issued by the airline or cruise company that shows the passenger's name, arrival date, port of arrival and flight or cruise number. MHLW says to show your Import Confirmation to the customs officer when you enter Japan. Do not wait until you arrive.
Is amitriptyline sold in Japan?
Yes. It is sold in Japan as Tryptanol (トリプタノール) tablets in 10 mg and 25 mg strengths. It is a prescription-only medicine there, so pharmacies cannot normally sell it without a prescription.
Is amitriptyline a controlled substance in Japan?
It does not appear on the narcotics, psychotropics or stimulants schedules we checked. This covers amitriptyline as a single ingredient. Japan’s controlled-drug laws also cover products containing a listed ingredient, so a combination product needs a separate check of every active ingredient.
Can I use this guide for a combination product or a non-tablet form?
No. This guide covers single-ingredient amitriptyline tablets only. Check each active ingredient in a combination product, and check other forms before you travel. For other forms or combination products, ask the Regional Bureau.
This article provides general information checked on 5 November 2026. It is not medical, pharmaceutical or legal advice. It was checked against official Japanese sources and has not been reviewed by a doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop, taper or change an antidepressant without clinical guidance. Import limits, classifications and product availability change, so confirm requirements with MHLW or the Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare before you travel. MedicTranslate provides translation, written assessment and coordination services.
- MHLW: Personal import quantity limits
- PMDA: Tryptanol tablets product information (revised September 2026)
- MHLW: Prescription-designated medicines (Notice 24)
- MHLW: Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act schedule
- MHLW: Q&A for those importing medicines into Japan
- MHLW: Import procedures Q&A, 30 June 2025 (Japanese)
- Stimulants Control Act (Japanese)
- Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act, Article 49 (Japanese)