ADHD Medication in Egypt: Controls, Brands and Import Rules

All ADHD stimulants are controlled under Egypt's Anti-Narcotics Law No. 182 of 1960. Amphetamines are banned; methylphenidate requires pre-approval.

Quick reference

Drug class: CNS stimulants (controlled narcotics under Egyptian law) and non-stimulants (atomoxetine, guanfacine, clonidine)
Controlled substance: Stimulants: yes. Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine are narcotics under Egypt's Anti-Narcotics Law No. 182 of 1960, Schedule 1, import is effectively banned. Methylphenidate is also Schedule 1 under Law 182/1960 and requires embassy pre-approval before import. Dexmethylphenidate shares methylphenidate's scheduling. Atomoxetine, guanfacine, and clonidine are not controlled under Law 182/1960.
Prescription required: Yes for all active ingredients. Stimulants additionally require a special Egyptian psychiatrist's prescription to dispense locally; foreign prescriptions are not accepted at Egyptian pharmacies for controlled substances.
Available locally: Methylphenidate: limited availability under special prescription (Concerta). Atomoxetine: available (Strattera; also sold as Attencare locally). Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall): not approved and not available. Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse/Elvanse): not approved and not available. Dexmethylphenidate: not registered. Guanfacine: not clearly registered, verify before travel. Clonidine: available in Egypt for cardiovascular indications; ADHD prescribing is off-label.
Storage: All oral solid ADHD formulations: room temperature, below 25°C, away from humidity. Egypt's summer temperatures regularly exceed 35°C, keep medication in a cool bag or air-conditioned space, never in a hot car or sun-exposed bag.
Max supply to carry: For general prescription medications, Egypt allows a personal supply up to 3 months for the duration of stay. For any controlled substance (methylphenidate and stimulants), embassy-level pre-approval is required before import, bring only the quantity approved.
Key document: For methylphenidate: written pre-approval from the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate in your country of departure, plus a signed doctor's letter on clinic letterhead naming the INN, brand, dose, quantity, and diagnosis. For atomoxetine: a signed doctor's letter is sufficient.
Emergency alternative: If your stimulant is unavailable or confiscated, consult a local Egyptian psychiatrist, atomoxetine (Strattera/Attencare) is the most accessible Egypt-registered alternative, but any switch requires a local doctor's assessment, not a self-directed swap.

ADHD medication options in Egypt

Active ingredient	Available locally?	Local brand(s)	Controlled status	Prescription required?	Max supply
Methylphenidate	Limited	Concerta (verify stock ahead of travel)	Schedule 1, Law 182/1960, embassy pre-approval required to import	Yes, Egyptian psychiatrist only	Embassy-approved quantity only
Amphetamine / Dextroamphetamine	No	Not registered in Egypt (Adderall not sold)	Schedule 1, Law 182/1960, import effectively banned	N/A, not available locally	Do not bring without embassy clearance
Lisdexamfetamine	No	Not registered in Egypt (Vyvanse/Elvanse not sold)	Treated as amphetamine narcotic under Law 182/1960	N/A, not available locally	Do not bring without embassy clearance
Dexmethylphenidate	No	Not registered in Egypt (Focalin not sold)	Shares methylphenidate scheduling under Law 182/1960	N/A, not available locally	Embassy pre-approval required to import
Atomoxetine	Yes	Strattera; Attencare (local brand)	Not controlled under Law 182/1960	Yes, Egyptian prescription required for local refill	Up to 3 months' personal supply with doctor's letter
Guanfacine	Not clearly registered, verify before travel	Intuniv not confirmed registered in Egypt	Not controlled under Law 182/1960	Yes	Bring full trip supply; local refill not reliable
Clonidine	Yes (cardiovascular indication; ADHD use is off-label)	Catapres (available in Egypt)	Not controlled under Law 182/1960	Yes	Bring full trip supply; confirm ADHD dosing with your prescriber

Taking ADHD medication to Egypt: what you need to know

Egypt regulates methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse, Elvanse) as narcotic substances under Anti-Narcotics Law No. 182 of 1960 and its amendments^[1]. Atomoxetine (Strattera, Attencare), guanfacine, and clonidine are not controlled under that law and travel under standard prescription rules. The regulatory gap between stimulants and non-stimulants in Egypt is wider than in almost any other country, so the active ingredient you take determines your entire planning pathway.^[2]

Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine are treated as narcotics under Schedule 1 of Law 182/1960, meaning import is effectively prohibited even with a valid foreign prescription^[2]. Methylphenidate is also Schedule 1 but has limited local availability, Egyptian authorities may grant embassy-level pre-approval for personal medical use. Contact the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate in your country of departure at least two months before travel.

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. Drug laws change; verify all rules with the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate and the Egyptian Ministry of Health before you travel.

Before you travel

Documentation for travelling to Egypt with ADHD medication

If you take methylphenidate, the most-restrictive pathway applies: written pre-approval from the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate in your country of departure^[3] is required before you pack. This is separate from a doctor's letter. Start this process at least two months before your departure date.

If you take amphetamine/dextroamphetamine or lisdexamfetamine, a doctor's letter does not create an exception at Egyptian customs^[1] for these Schedule 1 narcotics; embassy-level clearance is the only pathway.

What your doctor's letter must include

Full legal name. Medication name (INN and brand). Dose and frequency. Quantity carried. Diagnosis (one word: ADHD). Doctor's signature and professional registration number. Clinic letterhead with contact details. If you take multiple ADHD medications, each must be listed separately. The letter should be dated within 3 months of your travel date and, for any controlled substance, accompanied by a notarised Arabic translation where the Egyptian Embassy requests one.

If you take only atomoxetine, guanfacine, or clonidine, no embassy pre-approval is required. A signed doctor's letter with the details above is sufficient. Medicine imports into Egypt are inspected by Ministry of Health officers at the port of entry^[4], so carry your letter in your hand luggage, not in checked bags.

Questions to ask your prescriber before you travel

Bring this list to your appointment at least 6 weeks before departure.

If methylphenidate or my current stimulant is confiscated at the Egyptian border, what non-stimulant medication legally available in Egypt could I transition to under your supervision, and can you write a backup letter for it?
Given that amphetamine-based medications are not permitted in Egypt, should we plan a supervised temporary switch to atomoxetine or another non-stimulant before I travel, and how long would that transition take?
Can you write my letter with both the INN and brand name, your full professional registration number, and clinic letterhead, and would you be able to provide a notarised Arabic translation if the Egyptian Embassy requests one?
If my trip exceeds one month, can you provide documentation covering the full duration, and is there a maximum quantity you can certify for a single trip?
If I am unable to reach you from Egypt, which colleague at your practice should I contact, and is there an emergency contact pathway that works across international time zones?

How much ADHD medication to bring

For non-controlled ADHD medications (atomoxetine, guanfacine, clonidine), Egyptian customs allows a personal supply up to 3 months^[4] with a doctor's letter. For methylphenidate, bring only the quantity explicitly covered in your embassy pre-approval letter. Do not bring any amphetamine or lisdexamfetamine regardless of quantity. Add a 10% buffer for non-controlled medications to account for travel delays or damaged doses.

Split your supply

Carry your main supply in hand luggage and a backup in checked luggage for non-controlled medications only. Keep both in original packaging with pharmacy labels intact. For any controlled substance (methylphenidate), keep the entire approved supply in hand luggage so you can present it with your embassy clearance letter at the Ministry of Health inspection point.

Packing and storing ADHD medication for travel

All oral solid ADHD medications in this class should be stored below 25°C, away from direct light and humidity. Egypt's summer temperatures regularly exceed 35°C in Cairo and 40°C inland, so a small insulated cool bag is worth packing for day trips. Keep medications in an air-conditioned environment overnight. Never store them in a car glove compartment or in luggage left in direct sunlight.

At the airport and border

Airport security with ADHD medication

All ADHD medications in this class are oral solids (capsules or tablets) and raise no airport liquid restrictions at security screening. Keep them in original blister packs or bottles with the pharmacy label visible. Place them in a clear bag at the security tray if you are asked. At Cairo International Airport, Ministry of Health officers conduct a separate medication inspection at the port of entry, independent of the standard security screening you pass before boarding your outbound flight.

Customs and import rules for ADHD medication in Egypt

Egypt's Pharmacy Law No. 127 of 1955 and Anti-Narcotics Law No. 182 of 1960^[1] jointly govern all medication imports. Amphetamine and its salts (Adderall, Mydayis), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse, Elvanse), methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), and dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) are all listed as narcotic substances in Schedule 1 of that law.

For amphetamine and lisdexamfetamine, import is prohibited even with documentation that would be valid elsewhere^[2]. For methylphenidate, written embassy pre-approval is the only legal import pathway. Declare all medications on your customs form; Ministry of Health inspectors examine passenger medication at the point of entry.

Amphetamines and lisdexamfetamine: do not attempt to import

Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine are Schedule 1 narcotics under Egypt's Anti-Narcotics Law No. 182 of 1960. Travellers found carrying Adderall, Mydayis, Vyvanse, or Elvanse risk confiscation, detention, and prosecution, regardless of the quantity or whether they hold a valid foreign prescription. If these are your current medications, contact the Egyptian Embassy in your country at least two months before travel to ask about a clearance pathway, or speak with your prescriber about a supervised transition to an Egypt-registered alternative before departure.

While in country

ADHD medication availability in Egypt

Atomoxetine is the most reliably accessible ADHD medication in Egypt. It is sold as Strattera and under the local brand Attencare^[5]; a local Egyptian prescription is required to purchase it at a pharmacy. Methylphenidate is listed in Egypt's market as Concerta, but availability is tightly restricted, stock is not reliable at most community pharmacies^[6] and a special prescription from an Egyptian psychiatrist is required to dispense it.

Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse/Elvanse) are not registered in Egypt and cannot be purchased at any pharmacy. Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) is likewise not registered. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is not clearly registered, do not assume it will be available and bring your full supply. Clonidine (Catapres) is available in Egypt for cardiovascular indications and can sometimes be obtained with a prescription, though ADHD dosing is off-label and requires an Egyptian doctor's assessment.

Medication costs in Egypt are low by international standards. A box of Concerta has been reported at approximately EGP 1,500 (~$30 / ~€27)^[7] for a limited supply, though prices change with currency fluctuations. Atomoxetine (Strattera/Attencare) is typically less expensive than Concerta. In all cases, a local prescription from an Egyptian psychiatrist is required before any ADHD medication is dispensed.

Pharmacy phrases in Arabic

Use these phrases at the pharmacy counter when asking about ADHD medication options in Egypt.

“أنا آخذ دواءً لاضطراب نقص الانتباه, ما هي الخيارات المتوفرة لديكم؟”

I take medication for ADHD, what options do you have available?

“هل يتوفر لديكم أتوموكسيتين أو ستراتيرا أو أتينكير؟”

Do you carry atomoxetine, Strattera, or Attencare?

“هل يتوفر بديل جنيس لهذا الدواء؟”

Is there a generic equivalent for this medication?

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Finding a doctor who can prescribe ADHD medication in Egypt

ADHD is diagnosed and managed by psychiatrists in Egypt, not by GPs. A GP cannot issue the special prescription required for methylphenidate, and a psychiatrist is the safest route to atomoxetine as well. Private psychiatrists in Cairo and Alexandria charge approximately EGP 500 to EGP 1,500 (~$10 to ~$30 / ~€9 to ~€27) per consultation.

English-speaking psychiatrists are available at private hospitals in Cairo, see Nomedic's Cairo healthcare guide for hospital and clinic contacts. Telemedicine platforms operating in Egypt can sometimes facilitate consultations, though prescriptions for controlled substances must be issued in person.

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Storing ADHD medication while in Egypt

Store all oral ADHD medications in a cool, dry location below 25°C. Most Cairo hotels and Nile cruise vessels have air-conditioned cabins where this is achievable, but temperatures in rooms without air conditioning can exceed 35°C from May through September. If you are moving between locations, keep your medication in an insulated pouch.

Avoid placing tablets or capsules in a checked bag that spends time in an unventilated baggage hold in peak summer heat. Power cuts in some areas of Egypt can briefly interrupt air conditioning; if your room loses power for more than 2 to 3 hours in high summer, move your medication to a cool-boxed bag.

Emergencies

What to do if something goes wrong with your ADHD medication in Egypt

If your methylphenidate is lost or confiscated, file a police report immediately and contact your country's embassy in Egypt. Your embassy can assist with documentation and may facilitate contact with the Egyptian Ministry of Health. Contact the Egyptian Embassy in your country of departure at least two months before travel^[3], if you have done this, you already have a named contact to call in this scenario.

If your non-controlled medication (atomoxetine, clonidine) is damaged or lost, proceed to a private pharmacy in a major city and present your doctor's letter; you may be able to obtain a local brand with an Egyptian prescription from a private psychiatrist.

If your stimulant is unavailable and you need an alternative, do not attempt a self-directed switch between active ingredients. See a local Egyptian psychiatrist who can assess your situation and, if appropriate, prescribe atomoxetine (Strattera or Attencare) as the most accessible Egypt-registered ADHD option. Bring a printed copy of your current medication details from your Nomedic medical record to share with any treating clinician.

Key phrases in Arabic for emergencies

I take medication for ADHD: أنا آخذ دواءً لاضطراب نقص الانتباه (Ana aakhudhu dawa'an li-idtirab naqs al-intibah). I need to see a doctor: أحتاج إلى طبيب (Ahtaju ila tabib). Where is the nearest pharmacy?: أين أقرب صيدلية؟ (Ayna aqrab saydaliyyah?). Please call a doctor: من فضلك اتصل بطبيب (Min fadlak ittasil bi-tabib).

Egypt's emergency ambulance number is 123. The police emergency line is 122. For urgent psychiatric care in Cairo, private hospitals such as Dar Al Fouad and As-Salam International have English-speaking staff and psychiatry departments.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I bring ADHD medication into Egypt?

It depends entirely on which active ingredient you take. Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) are prohibited for import under Egypt's Anti-Narcotics Law No. 182 of 1960^[1] even with a valid foreign prescription. Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) is also Schedule 1 but embassy-level pre-approval may be sought at least two months before travel. Atomoxetine, guanfacine, and clonidine are not controlled and can travel with a doctor's letter.

Do I need a doctor's letter to fly with ADHD medication to Egypt?

Yes, for all ADHD medications. For atomoxetine, guanfacine, and clonidine, a signed doctor's letter specifying the INN, brand, dose, quantity, and diagnosis^[4] is sufficient. For methylphenidate, a doctor's letter alone is not enough, written pre-approval from the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate in your country is also required. For amphetamine-based medications, neither document creates a legal exception at Egyptian customs.

Is Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) allowed in Egypt?

No. Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse, Elvanse) is not registered in Egypt and is treated as an amphetamine narcotic under Egyptian customs law^[2] because it converts to dextroamphetamine in the body. Do not pack it in hand luggage or checked bags without embassy-level clearance. The only safe options are written pre-approval from the Egyptian Embassy before departure or a physician-supervised switch to a permitted medication.

Is Adderall available in Egypt?

No. Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) is not registered for sale in Egypt and amphetamine is classified as a Schedule 1 narcotic under Egyptian law^[2]. Import is prohibited even with a valid prescription. There is no locally registered equivalent with the same active ingredient. If you take Adderall, speak with your prescriber about a supervised transition to an Egypt-registered medication well before your departure date.

Which ADHD medications are available in Egypt?

Atomoxetine is the most accessible option, sold as Strattera and under the local brand Attencare^[5]; a local Egyptian prescription is required. Methylphenidate is available in limited supply as Concerta with a special psychiatrist's prescription. Adderall, Vyvanse, Elvanse, and Focalin are not registered in Egypt and cannot be purchased locally. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is not clearly registered; clonidine (Catapres) is available but used off-label for ADHD.

What if I run out of ADHD medication in Egypt?

If you run out of atomoxetine, visit a private psychiatrist in Cairo or Alexandria; they can assess you and write a local prescription for Strattera or Attencare. If you run out of methylphenidate, contact your country's embassy in Egypt and your prescriber simultaneously, local refill requires a special Egyptian psychiatrist's prescription and stock is not guaranteed. If you run out of an amphetamine-based medication, there is no local equivalent; see a psychiatrist for an assessment of available alternatives.

What if my specific ADHD medication brand isn't available in Egypt?

Do not attempt to switch between active ingredients without medical supervision. See a local Egyptian psychiatrist, who can assess your current treatment and prescribe an appropriate locally available alternative if needed. Atomoxetine (Strattera or Attencare) is the most likely option an Egyptian psychiatrist would consider for someone whose stimulant is unavailable, but that decision belongs to the clinician, not to you.

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.

Read the practical guide →

Sources

More guides in Egypt

CityCairo Health Guide

Country guide

CountryHealthcare in Egypt