Bringing Antidepressants to Japan: Prozac, Cymbalta, Wellbutrin and More
Bringing antidepressants to Japan is usually straightforward: common SSRIs and SNRIs such as Prozac (fluoxetine), sertraline or Cymbalta (duloxetine) are not controlled drugs, so the ordinary prescription-medicine limits apply. However, “antidepressants” are not one regulatory category. Local approval, product availability and ingredient-specific rules differ, so check each medicine by its active ingredient.
Quick answer
For an ordinary prescription antidepressant, MHLW allows you to bring up to one month’s supply for your own use without Import Confirmation. Common SSRIs and SNRIs such as sertraline, escitalopram and duloxetine are marketed in Japan. Fluoxetine (Prozac), bupropion (Wellbutrin) and tianeptine are not marketed in Japan, and tianeptine has extra rules if it is posted or shipped to you. Check every other product individually.
Travelling with more than one psychiatric medicine? Check each active ingredient separately.
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Bringing antidepressants to Japan: the general rule
Under MHLW’s personal-import rules, a prescription medicine that is not separately restricted can be brought into Japan for your own use up to one month’s supply, based on the prescribed dosage, without Import Confirmation.
If you need to bring more than one month’s supply, apply for Import Confirmation (formerly yakkan shoumei) before you travel. Our guide to the Import Confirmation certificate explains the process.
None of the common antidepressants appears on MHLW’s list of medicines that need confirmation regardless of quantity. That list covers ingredients such as isotretinoin and thalidomide.
If you also take a sleeping tablet or anti-anxiety medicine such as a benzodiazepine, check it separately. Many are psychotropics under Japanese law and follow different rules. See our guide to controlled medicines in Japan.
Antidepressants marketed in Japan
PMDA’s January 2024 safety revision for antidepressants covers escitalopram, sertraline, duloxetine, milnacipran and vortioxetine, all of which have Japanese prescription products. Other antidepressants are also used in Japan; however, brand names, strengths and approved indications can differ from those in your home country.
A medicine being legal to carry for personal treatment does not mean the same product is marketed or routinely prescribed in Japan.
Bringing antidepressants to Japan that need an individual check
Fluoxetine フルオキセチン
Common overseas brand: Prozac
Fluoxetine is not a controlled drug, so the one-month limit applies to what you carry. However, there is no Japanese fluoxetine product in PMDA’s prescription database, so a refill in Japan means a clinician choosing a locally available alternative.
Bupropion ブプロピオン
Common overseas brands: Wellbutrin, Zyban
PMDA’s prescription medicine database has no package insert for bupropion, so there is no Japanese product to switch to. Therefore, plan your supply before you travel and discuss local alternatives with a Japanese clinician if you are staying longer.
Tianeptine チアネプチン
Not marketed in Japan
Tianeptine is on an MHLW list of ingredients that need Import Confirmation regardless of quantity when imported by post or courier. The list does not apply when you carry it yourself for your own treatment during your stay, so the one-month rule applies in your luggage.
Continuing antidepressant treatment in Japan
Bringing antidepressants to Japan covers only the first month or so. For a longer stay, bring a treatment summary from your prescriber showing the diagnosis, active ingredient, dose, how long you have taken it and how you have responded.
A Japanese psychiatrist can then assess whether to continue the same ingredient or consider an alternative if your exact product is not marketed. Our guide to finding an English-speaking doctor in Japan can help you find a clinic.
Never stop or switch an antidepressant abruptly because of import or supply issues. Instead, discuss the plan with your prescriber.
Need several medicines reviewed together?
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Frequently asked questions
Are all antidepressants treated the same way in Japan?
No. Many common SSRIs and SNRIs are ordinary prescription medicines in Japan, but individual ingredients can differ in local approval and import rules. Check the exact active ingredient.
Can I bring more than one month of an antidepressant to Japan?
For an ordinary prescription antidepressant, MHLW allows up to one month’s supply without Import Confirmation. For a longer supply, apply for Import Confirmation before you travel.
Are sertraline and escitalopram available in Japan?
Yes. Sertraline and escitalopram have Japanese prescription products, as do duloxetine, milnacipran and vortioxetine. Brand names and strengths may differ from your home country, so ask by active ingredient.
Can I bring Prozac (fluoxetine) to Japan?
Yes, within the usual limit. Fluoxetine is not a controlled drug in Japan, so up to one month of your prescribed supply can be carried without Import Confirmation. It is not marketed in Japan, so plan your supply and talk to a Japanese clinician before it runs out.
Is bupropion available in Japan?
No. PMDA’s prescription medicine database has no bupropion product, so Wellbutrin or Zyban cannot be refilled in Japan. Plan your supply before travel and discuss local alternatives with a Japanese clinician for a longer stay.
Is tianeptine treated like other antidepressants?
Not entirely. MHLW lists tianeptine among ingredients that need Import Confirmation regardless of quantity when imported by post or courier. This does not apply when you carry it yourself for your own treatment during your stay, where the usual one-month limit applies.
Should I stop an antidepressant if the paperwork is difficult?
No. Do not stop or switch an antidepressant because of travel logistics. Discuss supply and any treatment change with your prescribing clinician.
This article provides general information reviewed on 30 September 2026. It is not medical, pharmaceutical or legal advice. Antidepressant approval and import status are ingredient- and product-specific and can change. Confirm current requirements with MHLW or the Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare before you travel, and discuss any treatment change with your clinician. MedicTranslate provides translation and coordination services.