Amphetamine / Dextroamphetamine in Brazil: Banned Status, Legal Risk and Alternatives

Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) is not registered in Brazil and cannot be legally imported. Know the legal risks and alternatives before you fly.

Quick reference

Drug class: CNS stimulant
Controlled substance: Yes, amphetamine is classified under Brazil's Lista A3 (controlled psychoactive substances) by ANVISA
Prescription required: Yes, but Adderall and Adderall XR have no marketing authorisation in Brazil and cannot be dispensed by pharmacies
Available locally: No, Adderall, Adderall XR, and Mydayis are not registered in Brazil. Methylphenidate-based alternatives are available.
Storage: Room temperature, below 30°C, away from moisture and direct light
Max supply to carry: No lawful import pathway exists for amphetamine/dextroamphetamine into Brazil as a personal-use medication
Key document: No document exempts amphetamine/dextroamphetamine from Brazil's import prohibition. Consult your prescriber before travel.
Emergency alternative: Contact your prescriber urgently to discuss switching to a methylphenidate-based alternative registered in Brazil before you depart.

Adderall in Brazil: what you need to know before you travel

Amphetamine / dextroamphetamine, sold internationally as Adderall, Adderall XR, and Mydayis, is not registered for medical use in Brazil. Amphetamine is classified under Lista A3 of ANVISA's controlled psychoactive substances list, which means bringing it into Brazil without authorisation carries serious legal risk.^[4] No personal-use import permit exists for this compound.

This guide explains Brazil's legal position on amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, what documentation you would need if attempting to travel, and the alternatives available locally. It also covers what to do if something goes wrong during your trip.

Medical disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your prescribing doctor before travelling with medication, particularly regarding supply quantities, storage requirements, and import documentation.

Documentation for travelling to Brazil with Adderall

ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária) regulates the import of controlled psychoactive substances into Brazil. Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine have no registered pharmaceutical product in Brazil, so there is no approved import route for personal use. A standard doctor's letter will not override this prohibition.^[1]

What your doctor's letter must include

Full legal name, medication INN (amphetamine / dextroamphetamine) and brand name (Adderall or Adderall XR), dose and frequency, quantity carried, diagnosis (one word or standard clinical term), doctor's signature, registration number, and clinic letterhead. Brazil is a Portuguese-speaking country; having the letter translated into Portuguese by a certified translator strengthens your position at customs, even if it cannot guarantee entry.

A certified Portuguese translation is advisable, though it does not remove the legal barrier on amphetamine import. Apostille is not a standard requirement for personal medical letters, but notarisation may add credibility if you are questioned.

How much Adderall to bring

Because no lawful import pathway exists for amphetamine/dextroamphetamine as a personal-use medication in Brazil, the concept of an authorised quantity limit does not apply. The strong clinical recommendation is to discuss a temporary switch to a locally registered alternative with your prescriber before travel.^[2]

If your prescriber advises you to carry your usual medication regardless, keep the quantity to the minimum needed for your trip. Carrying large quantities of a Lista A3 substance increases legal exposure significantly.

Do not split your supply across bags

Standard advice for controlled medications is to split supply across bags in case of loss. For amphetamine/dextroamphetamine in Brazil, distributing an unregistered substance across multiple bags could be interpreted by customs officers as an attempt to conceal. Keep everything together with your documentation.

Packing and storing Adderall for travel

Amphetamine / dextroamphetamine tablets and capsules should be stored at room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C, away from moisture and direct light.^[3] Brazil's tropical climate, particularly in cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, can see summer temperatures above 35°C. Keep medication in your carry-on bag, away from direct sunlight, and avoid leaving it in a parked vehicle.

Keep tablets in the original manufacturer packaging with the pharmacy dispensing label clearly visible. Do not transfer medication into unlabelled containers, as this complicates identification at customs.

Airport security with Adderall

At your departure airport, security screening focuses on prohibited items and liquids rather than prescription classification. Adderall tablets are solid and do not fall under liquid restrictions. Declare the medication if asked and present your doctor's letter.

Rules for carrying medication in carry-on baggage are set by your departure country's national aviation security authority, not by an international body. Check the specific rules of the country you are departing from before you travel.

Customs and medication import rules for Brazil

Brazilian Customs (Receita Federal) enforces ANVISA's import restrictions at ports of entry. ANVISA classifies amphetamine under Lista A3 of controlled psychoactive substances. Travellers are required to declare controlled medications on arrival. Receita Federal requires written declaration of any controlled substance being carried on arrival customs forms.

If customs officers identify amphetamine / dextroamphetamine in your luggage, the medication may be confiscated and you may face questioning. The absence of a Brazilian ANVISA import authorisation for this compound puts you at risk of seizure and potential criminal referral.

Controlled substance warning: amphetamine in Brazil

Amphetamine / dextroamphetamine is a Lista A2 controlled psychoactive substance in Brazil under ANVISA Resolution RDC 204/2017. No import authorisation exists for personal use. Carrying it into Brazil without ANVISA approval risks confiscation, detention, and referral to Brazilian federal police. This is a serious legal risk, not an administrative formality. Discuss a temporary alternative medication with your prescriber before you travel.

Adderall availability in Brazil

Adderall, Adderall XR, and Mydayis are not registered with ANVISA and are not available in any Brazilian pharmacy. ANVISA's drug registry does not contain an approved entry for amphetamine / dextroamphetamine as a standalone product for the indications covered by these brands.^[1]

Methylphenidate-based alternatives, including Ritalin and Concerta, are registered in Brazil and dispensed through licensed pharmacies with a special controlled-substance prescription (receita de controle especial). These are not equivalent to amphetamine / dextroamphetamine, but they represent the only locally available pathway. Discuss suitability with your prescriber before travel; refer to our ADHD in Brazil guide for an overview of such alternatives.

Finding a doctor who can prescribe alternatives in Brazil

To obtain a methylphenidate prescription in Brazil, you need to see a registered psychiatrist or neurologist. Private clinics in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Brasília have English-speaking specialists available.

A private psychiatry consultation in Brazil typically costs R$300 to R$600 (~$58 to $117 / ~€51 to €102). The prescription must be written on a special controlled-substance prescription pad (receita de controle especial, in duplicate) before any pharmacy will dispense methylphenidate.

Telemedicine consultations with Brazilian-registered doctors are available through platforms operating within Brazil, but the physical duplicate prescription must be issued in person for controlled medications. Confirm this with the telemedicine provider before booking.

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Storing your medication while in Brazil

Brazil's climate is warm and humid, especially in coastal cities and the Amazon basin. Temperatures frequently exceed 30°C between October and March.^[5] Store tablets in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, such as an air-conditioned hotel room rather than a beach bag.

If your accommodation loses power, move medication to the coolest available location. Amphetamine / dextroamphetamine tablets do not require refrigeration, but sustained exposure to temperatures above 30°C can affect stability. Keep medication out of bathrooms, which accumulate humidity.

What to do if something goes wrong with your Adderall in Brazil

If your medication is lost or stolen, file a police report (boletim de ocorrência) immediately. This creates a legal record and may support an insurance claim. Contact your travel insurer's emergency assistance line next.

You cannot replace amphetamine / dextroamphetamine at a Brazilian pharmacy. If you run out or lose your supply, seek a private psychiatry consultation to discuss whether a locally registered methylphenidate-based alternative is appropriate for you.

Your prescriber at home may be able to provide guidance remotely. Contact them as soon as you know there is a problem, so they can advise on clinical safety and help coordinate any documentation you need.

“Preciso do meu medicamento. / Tenho uma condição médica. / Por favor, chame um médico. / Onde fica a farmácia mais próxima?”

I need my medication. / I have a medical condition. / Please call a doctor. / Where is the nearest pharmacy?

In Brazil, call 192 for an ambulance, 190 for police, or 193 for fire services.^[6] For urgent mental health or neurological concerns related to your condition, go to the nearest private hospital emergency department (pronto-socorro) and present your medication documentation.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Adderall legal in Brazil?

Adderall (amphetamine / dextroamphetamine) is not registered for medical use in Brazil. Amphetamine is classified as a Lista A2 controlled psychoactive substance by ANVISA, meaning possession without authorisation carries legal risk. No personal-use import authorisation exists for this compound.

Can I bring Adderall into Brazil?

There is no lawful personal-use import pathway for amphetamine / dextroamphetamine into Brazil. Brazilian Customs enforces ANVISA's classification, and carrying the medication without ANVISA authorisation risks confiscation and referral to federal police. Consult your prescriber about switching to a locally registered alternative before you travel.

Do I need a doctor's letter to fly with Adderall to Brazil?

A doctor's letter is advisable for airport security screening in your departure country, but it will not create a legal import right at the Brazilian border. Because amphetamine / dextroamphetamine has no ANVISA registration, no document substitutes for the missing authorisation. The letter may support your account if questioned, but Brazilian customs officers are not obliged to admit the medication.

Is Adderall available in Brazilian pharmacies?

No. Adderall, Adderall XR, and Mydayis are not registered with ANVISA and are not available at any Brazilian pharmacy. Methylphenidate-based products such as Ritalin and Concerta are available with a valid controlled-substance prescription from a Brazilian doctor.

What if I run out of Adderall in Brazil?

You cannot refill amphetamine / dextroamphetamine in Brazil. If you run out, see a private psychiatrist at a clinic in a major city, who can evaluate whether a locally registered methylphenidate-based alternative is clinically appropriate. Contact your prescriber at home as soon as possible for remote guidance.

Is Adderall XR available in South America as an alternative when Adderall is not?

Neither Adderall XR nor standard Adderall is registered in Brazil, and no amphetamine / dextroamphetamine product is legally available across South America's largest markets including Argentina and Colombia. Methylphenidate-based products remain the accessible alternative in these countries, dispensed only with a local controlled-substance prescription.

How much does a private psychiatry consultation cost in Brazil?

A private psychiatry appointment in Brazil typically costs R$300 to R$600 (~$58 to $117 / ~€51 to €102), depending on the city and clinic. English-speaking psychiatrists are available in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro at the higher end of this range.

Related practical guide

10 Things You Must Do Before Travelling Abroad with ADHD Medication

ADHD stimulants are banned outright in some countries and tightly controlled in many others. Here is the practical checklist every traveller needs before setting off.