Forgot your ADHD medication in Cartagena? Here's what to do.

ADHD does not take vacations. If you flew into Cartagena expecting to enjoy two weeks on the Caribbean and realized on day two that your Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, or Vyvanse is in a medicine cabinet 3,000 miles away, here is exactly how to handle it.

This guide is specific to Colombian law and practice — what's possible here is not the same as in the US, the UK, or most of Europe.

The legal status of stimulants in Colombia

Colombia classifies stimulant ADHD medications as medicamentos de control especial — the same controlled-substance category as benzodiazepines and opioids. The regulatory framework is Resolución 1478 de 2006.

Two ADHD medications are commercially available in Colombian pharmacies:

• Methylphenidate — available as Ritalin (immediate release) and Concerta (extended release). This is the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication in Colombia.
• Lisdexamfetamine — the molecule in Vyvanse, sold as Venvanse in Colombia. Available but more expensive.

Two ADHD medications are not available commercially:

• Amphetamine salts (Adderall, Mydayis) — not sold in Colombian pharmacies. Your closest equivalent is Venvanse.
• Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) — not sold in Colombia.

Non-stimulant ADHD medications — Strattera (atomoxetine), Intuniv (guanfacine), and Wellbutrin (bupropion) — are available and not controlled. These need a regular prescription, not the green Recetario form.

So if I take Adderall, what are my options?

You have three realistic paths:

1. Switch to Vyvanse (Venvanse) for the trip. A psychiatrist can bridge you onto lisdexamfetamine at an equivalent dose. Most pharmacies in Cartagena stock 30mg, 50mg, and 70mg.
2. Switch to Concerta or Ritalin. Methylphenidate is a different molecule than amphetamine salts but works well for many people. A psychiatrist will help you find an equivalent dose.
3. Bridge with a non-stimulant. If your trip is short and you are willing to tolerate suboptimal focus, Strattera or Wellbutrin can be prescribed without the controlled-substance form, making the process simpler.

You need a Colombian psychiatrist, not a GP

Unlike the US, where family doctors routinely prescribe ADHD medications, Colombian general practitioners almost never prescribe stimulants to an adult they have not managed long-term. This is not the psychiatrist's guild being protective — it is a reasonable liability posture when asked by a tourist they've never met.

A psychiatrist is the correct specialist. They can issue:

• The Recetario Oficial de Control Especial (green form) required for methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
• A regular prescription for non-stimulant alternatives if appropriate.

What documentation to bring

A psychiatrist assessing an ADHD tourist at short notice relies on evidence of a prior, established diagnosis. Anything you can show helps:

• A photo of your medication bottle showing the pharmacy label and your name.
• Your US/UK pharmacy app with refill history (CVS, Walgreens, Boots, etc.).
• An email or prescription PDF from your regular prescriber.
• A screenshot of a telehealth appointment where ADHD is in your problem list.

None of these are strictly required — a good psychiatrist can also assess acutely — but they meaningfully reduce friction.

Realistic timelines in Cartagena

• Traditional consultorio route: 1–3 business days to an appointment, then travel to the clinic, then to a pharmacy that stocks the medication.
• Home-visit route: A licensed psychiatrist can see you the same day at your hotel or Airbnb. You receive the green Recetario on the spot.
• Pharmacy pickup: Farmatodo and Cruz Verde generally stock Ritalin and Concerta. For Venvanse, call ahead — smaller pharmacies may not carry it.

Costs

Methylphenidate runs about 40,000–90,000 COP per month (~$10–22 USD). Venvanse is more expensive, around 180,000–350,000 COP per month (~$42–82 USD) depending on dose. Compared to US retail prices without insurance these are bargains — the bottleneck is the consultation.

One thing to know if you use modafinil

Modafinil (Provigil) — used off-label for ADHD by some — is not commercially sold in Colombian pharmacies and cannot realistically be prescribed on short notice. If it is critical for your trip, plan a switch to methylphenidate with your home physician before you fly.