How do I see a psychiatrist in Cartagena today?

PsychNow Cartagena sends a licensed psychiatrist or psychiatry resident to your hotel, Airbnb, or any location same day. Fill a 60-second form, pay $600 USD (~2,500,000 COP), and a physician arrives at your door. Prescriptions issued on the spot, including controlled substances like benzodiazepines and stimulants.

Can I get a controlled substance prescription in Colombia as a tourist?

Yes, but only from a licensed physician in person. Controlled substances (Xanax, Klonopin, Ritalin, Ambien) require a Recetario Oficial de Control Especial — a special physical prescription form. PsychNow sends a licensed psychiatrist or psychiatry resident to your location who can issue this form on the spot.

How much does a psychiatrist home visit cost in Cartagena?

PsychNow charges a flat fee of $600 USD (~2,500,000 COP) for a same-day psychiatric home visit in Cartagena. This includes the full consultation and any prescriptions issued. No hidden fees.

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Pre-trip medication checklist for Colombia

Most vacation medication crises are preventable. Run through this before you pack — especially if you take benzodiazepines, stimulants, or anything you can't buy abroad.

Check a specific medication Already in Cartagena?

Before you fly

Do this 1–2 weeks before departure:

1Count your pills. Bring enough for the full trip plus 3–5 extra days (flight delays happen).
2Keep meds in original pharmacy-labeled containers — customs and physicians both ask for them.
3Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor (English is fine).
4Use our medication checker for each drug you take — know which tier it falls into.
5Save PsychNow (psychnow.co) and Colombia emergency 123 in your phone.
6Cruise passengers: confirm port hours and build in 2+ hours for a home visit if you might need controlled meds.
7Controlled substances (Xanax, Klonopin, Ritalin, Ambien): assume you CANNOT buy them at a pharmacy without a Colombian doctor.

Know your tiers

Colombia has three enforcement levels for psychiatric medications:

Tier 1 — Over the counter

Ibuprofen, acetaminophen

Buy anywhere. No action needed.

Tier 2 — Regular prescription (often sold without)

Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, Wellbutrin, Seroquel

Try a pharmacy first. You often don't need PsychNow.

Tier 3 — Controlled (strictly enforced)

Xanax, Klonopin, Ritalin, Ambien, Venvanse

Pack enough from home OR budget for a same-day physician visit in Cartagena.

Pharmacy chains in Cartagena

After you have a prescription, these chains are reliable:

Farmatodo
Cruz Verde
La Rebaja

Cruise passenger?

Port days are 6–10 hours. If you forgot a controlled medication, you don't have time for the ER. We prioritize tight windows.

Cruise passenger guide

Medical emergency? Call 123 (Colombia) or go to the nearest ER. PsychNow is for non-emergency consultations.