Atomoxetine in Mexico: Import Rules & Strattera

Quick reference

Drug class: Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
Controlled substance: No: not scheduled under Mexico's Ley General de Salud controlled substances lists
Prescription required: Yes: a valid prescription is required in Mexico
Available locally: Limited: no catalog-confirmed local brand; generic atomoxetine may be available at major pharmacy chains with a Mexican prescription
Storage: Room temperature, 15–30°C, away from moisture and direct light
Max supply to carry: No fixed statutory import cap for non-controlled prescription medications; bring your full trip supply plus a buffer
Key document: Doctor's letter on clinic letterhead stating medication name (INN and brand), dose, quantity, and diagnosis; Spanish translation recommended
Emergency alternative: Visit a private psychiatrist or neurologist in Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Monterrey for a local prescription; carry your IPS record to expedite consultation

Travelling to Mexico with atomoxetine: what changes

Atomoxetine, sold globally as Strattera, is prescription-only in Mexico under COFEPRIS regulations^[1] but is not classified as a controlled substance under the Ley General de Salud. No catalog-confirmed local brand exists in Mexico, so availability at pharmacies is limited and you should bring your full supply from home.

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.

Before you travel

Documentation for travelling to Mexico with atomoxetine

Mexico's customs authority (Aduana México) permits travellers to import personal-use prescription medications accompanied by a doctor's letter^[2]. Because atomoxetine is not a controlled substance in Mexico, no import permit is required, but you must carry documentation that connects your name, your medication, and your prescriber. A Spanish translation of your doctor's letter is strongly recommended to avoid delays at the border.

Pre-travel paperwork timeline

T-30 days
Book an appointment with your prescriber to renew your prescription and request a doctor's letter covering the full duration of your trip plus a two-week buffer.Prescriber letter
T-14 days
Arrange a certified Spanish translation of your doctor's letter. A sworn translator (traductor certificado) is ideal; many online services offer this within 5–7 business days.Translated letter
No official import permit is required for atomoxetine in Mexico. The translation replaces the permit step for this medication.
T-7 days
Confirm your pharmacy can dispense your full supply before departure. If travelling for more than 30 days, ask your prescriber to issue a written justification for the larger quantity.Pharmacy supply record
T-1 day
Print all documents: original letter, translation, and prescription. Pack medication in original packaging with the pharmacy label visible. Do not decant into a pill organiser as your sole container.
T-0 (border)
Keep documents accessible in your carry-on. If customs officers question the medication, present both your original letter and Spanish translation together. Atomoxetine is not subject to mandatory declaration but having documents ready prevents delays.

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What your doctor's letter must include

Your letter should state your full name, the medication's INN (atomoxetine) and brand name (Strattera), the dose and frequency, total quantity carried, your diagnosis (condition name only), your doctor's signature and registration number, and clinic letterhead. A Spanish translation is recommended. No notarisation or apostille is required for personal-use medication in Mexico.

A certified Spanish translation is recommended but not legally required. No notarisation or apostille is needed for personal-use, non-controlled prescription medication entering Mexico.

How much atomoxetine to bring

Mexico imposes no fixed statutory quantity cap for non-controlled prescription medications brought for personal use, but amounts consistent with the duration of your trip are expected^[2]. Because atomoxetine is not reliably available at Mexican pharmacies, bring 100% of what you need for your trip plus at least a 14-day buffer in case of delays. Check whether your travel insurance covers emergency medication replacement abroad before you leave.

Split your supply

Carry your main supply in hand luggage and a backup dose in checked luggage. If one bag is lost or delayed, you still have medication. Keep both portions in original packaging with pharmacy labels visible.

Packing and storing atomoxetine for travel

Atomoxetine capsules should be stored at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C, away from moisture^[3]. Mexico's lowland and coastal regions regularly exceed 30°C, so avoid storing capsules in a car glove box, direct sunlight, or a hotel room without air conditioning. Keep the medication in original sealed packaging throughout your journey.

At the airport and border

Airport security with atomoxetine

Atomoxetine capsules are solid-dose medication and are not subject to the 100 ml liquid restriction that applies to carry-on liquids^[4]. Place the medication in your carry-on bag in original packaging with the pharmacy label visible. You are not required to declare it proactively at security, but presenting your doctor's letter if asked will resolve any queries quickly. Keep documents in the same bag as the medication.

Customs and medication import rules for Mexico

Aduana México allows travellers to bring personal-use medications without a specific import permit^[2] provided the quantity corresponds to the trip duration and is accompanied by a prescription or doctor's letter. Atomoxetine is not listed under Mexico's controlled substance schedules, so no additional customs declaration form is required. If a customs officer questions the medication, present your original letter and Spanish translation together and state the quantity is for personal use.

Keep original packaging at all times

Do not transfer atomoxetine capsules into an unmarked pill organiser as your only container. Original packaging with the pharmacy label connects your name to the medication and prevents delays at customs. You may carry a daily pill organiser alongside the original pack.

While in country

Atomoxetine availability in Mexico

Brands of atomoxetine sold in Mexico

Brand name	Indication	Formulation	Supply note
Generic atomoxetine (verify locally)	ADHD	Capsule	Limited availability; no catalog-confirmed brand registered in Mexico as of 2025. Verify at Farmacias del Ahorro or Farmacia Guadalajara before relying on local supply.

No catalog-confirmed local brand of atomoxetine is registered in Mexico by COFEPRIS as of 2025. Generic capsules may be stocked at larger pharmacy chains such as Farmacias del Ahorro or Farmacia Guadalajara, but availability is not guaranteed and a valid Mexican prescription is required^[1].

Where available, a 30-capsule pack of generic atomoxetine costs approximately MXN 900–1,800 (~$45–$90 / ~€41–€82) depending on strength and pharmacy. Do not rely on local supply; bring your full course from home.

Finding a doctor who can prescribe atomoxetine in Mexico

A psychiatrist or neurologist can prescribe atomoxetine in Mexico. English-speaking specialists are available at private clinics in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey; see Mexico's healthcare guide for hospital and clinic listings.

A private outpatient consultation costs approximately MXN 800–1,500 (~$40–$75 / ~€37–€68). Telemedicine platforms operating in Mexico such as Doctoralia can connect you with a local psychiatrist within 24–48 hours.

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Storing atomoxetine while in Mexico

The EMA-approved product label specifies storage at controlled room temperature, not exceeding 25°C in some formulations^[3]. Coastal and low-altitude regions of Mexico (Cancún, Acapulco, Veracruz) regularly exceed 35°C. Store capsules in an air-conditioned room, a hotel safe away from windows, or an insulated travel pouch. Mexico City's altitude of approximately 2,240 m above sea level does not affect storage stability but may compound dehydration; stay well-hydrated.

Emergencies

What to do if something goes wrong with your atomoxetine in Mexico

If your medication is lost or stolen, file a report with local police (obtain a reference number for your insurer), then contact your travel insurer's emergency assistance line. Present your doctor's letter and IPS record at a private clinic to request an emergency local prescription.

If you run out unexpectedly, visit a private psychiatrist or neurologist in the nearest city. Because atomoxetine is not a controlled substance in Mexico, a local prescriber can issue a standard prescription without special permits. Ask the pharmacy to contact their warehouse if stock is unavailable at the counter, as generic capsules may be available on request at larger chains.

“Necesito atomoxetina. / Tengo una receta médica. / Por favor, llame a un médico. / ¿Dónde está la farmacia más cercana?”

I need atomoxetine. / I have a medical prescription. / Please call a doctor. / Where is the nearest pharmacy?

Mexico's national emergency number is 911 for police, fire, and ambulance services^[5]. For non-emergency medical assistance, private hospitals such as Hospital Ángeles or Hospital Médica Sur have 24-hour outpatient services and English-speaking staff in major cities.

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Frequently asked questions

Is atomoxetine legal in Mexico?

Yes, atomoxetine is legal in Mexico and is not scheduled as a controlled substance under Mexico's Ley General de Salud. A valid prescription is required, and travellers are advised to carry a doctor's letter on clinic letterhead stating the medication name, dose, quantity, and diagnosis, with a Spanish translation recommended.

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

A doctor's letter is not legally required for a non-controlled prescription medication, but it is strongly recommended. It connects your name, diagnosis, and medication at customs and will resolve any queries quickly if a border officer or security agent questions the capsules.

Can I bring atomoxetine into Mexico without an import permit?

Yes. Atomoxetine is not classified as a controlled substance in Mexico, so no import permit is required by Aduana México^[2]. Carry a doctor's letter in English and Spanish, keep the medication in original packaging, and bring a quantity consistent with your trip duration.

Is Strattera available at pharmacies in Mexico?

Strattera (the brand name used in the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Japan, and Australia) is not confirmed as a registered product in Mexico as of 2025. Generic atomoxetine capsules may be stocked at larger chains such as Farmacias del Ahorro or Farmacia Guadalajara, but supply is unreliable. Bring your full supply from home.

What happens if I run out of atomoxetine while in Mexico?

Visit a private psychiatrist or neurologist at a private clinic in Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Monterrey. They can issue a local prescription without a special permit. A consultation costs approximately MXN 800–1,500 (~$40–$75 / ~€37–€68). Carry your IPS record to share your current dose and history quickly.

Is atomoxetine the same as Strattera. Will pharmacists in Mexico recognise the brand name?

Yes, atomoxetine is the generic (INN) name and Strattera is the global brand name used in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Japan. In Mexico, Strattera is not confirmed as a locally registered brand, so asking for the generic name 'atomoxetina' at the counter is more likely to be understood than the brand name.

How should I store atomoxetine in Mexico's heat and humidity?

The approved label specifies storage at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C^[3]. In coastal or low-altitude destinations where temperatures regularly exceed 30°C, store capsules in an air-conditioned room and avoid leaving them in a car or in direct sunlight. An insulated travel pouch adds protection during day trips.

Related practical guide

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Atomoxetine in Mexico: COFEPRIS Rules, Strattera Supply