Benzodiazepines in Philippines: Permits, Brands and PDEA Rules

All benzodiazepines are Schedule IV controlled substances under RA 9165 in the Philippines. A PDEA permit and doctor's prescription are required for import.

Quick reference

Drug class: Schedule IV controlled psychotropics under the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances and RA 9165
Controlled substance: Yes, all eight active ingredients are Schedule IV dangerous drugs under RA 9165, administered by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Prescription required: Yes, a Philippine S2-licensed physician must issue a triplicate (yellow) prescription for local dispensing. Foreign prescriptions alone are not accepted at Philippine pharmacies.
Available locally: Diazepam: yes (Valium, generics at Mercury Drug). Clonazepam: yes (Rivotril, generics). Alprazolam: yes (Xanax, generics). Lorazepam: yes (Ativan, generics). Midazolam: limited (hospital use). Temazepam: limited availability, verify with Philippine FDA. Oxazepam: limited availability, verify with Philippine FDA. Triazolam: limited availability, verify with Philippine FDA.
Storage: Room temperature, 15–30°C, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Philippines heat and humidity require airtight, moisture-resistant packaging.
Max supply to carry: Up to 30 days, PDEA caps personal-import permits for scheduled psychotropics at the duration of stay, not to exceed 30 days.
Key document: PDEA Personal Import Permit (apply to PDEA Compliance Service at least 15 working days before travel) plus a doctor's letter on clinic letterhead and the original prescription.
Emergency alternative: If your specific benzodiazepine is unavailable locally, consult a Philippine psychiatrist or neurologist who can assess your clinical needs and issue a local S2 prescription for an available equivalent, do not attempt self-substitution.

Benzodiazepine options in Philippines

Active ingredient	Available locally?	Local brand(s)	Controlled status	Prescription required?	Max supply
Alprazolam	Yes	Xanax, generics	Schedule IV, RA 9165	Yes, S2 triplicate	Up to 30 days
Diazepam	Yes	Valium, generics	Schedule IV, RA 9165	Yes, S2 triplicate	Up to 30 days
Clonazepam	Yes	Rivotril, generics	Schedule IV, RA 9165	Yes, S2 triplicate	Up to 30 days
Lorazepam	Yes	Ativan, generics	Schedule IV, RA 9165	Yes, S2 triplicate	Up to 30 days
Temazepam	Limited	Verify with Philippine FDA	Schedule IV, RA 9165	Yes, S2 triplicate	Up to 30 days
Midazolam	Limited (hospital)	Dormicum, generics (hospital)	Schedule IV, RA 9165	Yes, S2 triplicate	Up to 30 days
Oxazepam	Limited	Verify with Philippine FDA	Schedule IV, RA 9165	Yes, S2 triplicate	Up to 30 days
Triazolam	Limited	Halcion (verify with Philippine FDA)	Schedule IV, RA 9165	Yes, S2 triplicate	Up to 30 days

Taking benzodiazepines to the Philippines: what changes

The Philippines classifies all eight benzodiazepines covered here, alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Rivotril), lorazepam (Ativan), temazepam, midazolam, oxazepam, and triazolam, as Schedule IV dangerous drugs under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, Republic Act No. 9165, administered by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). Every member of this class carries the same import requirement: a PDEA personal-import permit obtained before you fly.^[1]

Local dispensing requires a Philippine-licensed physician holding a valid S2 licence to issue a triplicate prescription on a yellow pad. A foreign prescription alone is not sufficient at any Philippine pharmacy. Diazepam, clonazepam, and alprazolam are the most consistently stocked across pharmacy chains; temazepam, oxazepam, and triazolam have limited retail presence and may require verification with the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before you travel.^[2]

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 Philippines with benzodiazepines

Because every benzodiazepine is a Schedule IV dangerous drug under RA 9165, you must apply for a PDEA personal-import permit before you travel to the Philippines. Submit your application to the PDEA Compliance Service (Quezon City office or via official PDEA channels) at least 15 working days before departure; the permit is free for personal use. Carry the permit alongside your original prescription and a doctor's letter at all times during your trip.^[3]

What your doctor's letter must include

Full legal name matching your passport. Medication name (INN and brand, e.g. 'alprazolam / Xanax'). Dose and frequency. Total quantity carried. Diagnosis (condition name only). Doctor's full name, registration number, and clinic letterhead with signature. Travel dates. If you take more than one benzodiazepine, each must be listed separately on the letter.

Philippine authorities may also request your passport and a medical certificate detailing the clinical necessity. Quantities must correspond to the actual duration of your stay and must not exceed 30 days. There is no requirement for notarisation or apostille on your doctor's letter for personal-use quantities, but if authorities have questions, a Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your country can provide pre-travel guidance.^[4]

Questions to ask your prescriber before you travel

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

If my specific benzodiazepine (e.g. temazepam or oxazepam) is unavailable in the Philippines, which locally available alternative within the class, such as diazepam or lorazepam, might be clinically appropriate for me, and can you document this on my letter?
Should I adjust my dose or timing to account for the time zone difference between my home country and the Philippines, and if so, what is the adjusted schedule?
Can you include both the INN (international non-proprietary name) and the brand name on my doctor's letter, and add your Philippine Medical Association registration number if you have one, to reduce the chance of queries at customs?
If my trip extends beyond 30 days, can you write a separate medical certificate to submit to PDEA for an extended permit, or should I arrange a local physician consultation in the Philippines before my supply runs out?
What is the best way to contact you from the Philippines in an emergency, and is there a written record in my notes confirming my current prescription that a Philippine doctor can access if needed?

How much benzodiazepine to bring

PDEA caps personal-import quantities at the duration of stay, with a practical maximum of 30 days for Schedule IV psychotropics. Carrying more than a 30-day supply risks customs treating the excess as commercial importation, which carries severe criminal penalties. If your trip exceeds 30 days, contact PDEA before travel to discuss your options. Build in a five-to-seven day buffer against travel disruption within the 30-day cap.^[3]

Split your supply

Carry your main supply in hand luggage and a small backup dose in checked luggage. Keep both portions in original pharmacy-labelled packaging that matches your name and prescription. Never transfer tablets into unlabelled containers.

Packing and storing benzodiazepines for travel

All benzodiazepines in this class are oral tablets or capsules stored at room temperature (15 to 30°C). The Philippines has a tropical climate with high humidity year-round, which can degrade tablets faster than dry climates. Keep your medication in the original blister packaging or a sealed moisture-resistant container, away from direct sunlight. Hotel rooms with air conditioning are usually adequate; avoid leaving medication in a car or sun-exposed bag.

At the airport and border

Airport security with benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines in tablet form pass through X-ray screening without issue. Keep them in carry-on luggage so your documentation and medication are together for inspection. Security officers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and Mactan-Cebu International Airport may ask to see your prescription; having it accessible avoids delays.

Liquid formulations of midazolam used by some patients in clinical settings are subject to cabin liquid rules set by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). Carry a doctor's letter confirming medical necessity and declare them at the security checkpoint.

Customs and import rules for benzodiazepines in Philippines

Declare your benzodiazepines on the Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) arrival declaration card. Prescription drugs falling under the schedules of RA 9165 are subject to heightened scrutiny at all ports of entry. Present your PDEA personal-import permit, original prescription, doctor's letter, and passport when approached by a BOC or PDEA officer. Quantities must match exactly what is stated in your permit. Do not courier or mail benzodiazepines to the Philippines without separate PDEA authority, this is prohibited and may result in seizure.^[5]

Serious criminal penalties apply

All benzodiazepines are Schedule IV dangerous drugs under RA 9165. Unauthorised importation (meaning without a valid PDEA permit) carries criminal liability including 12 years to life imprisonment and fines up to PHP 10,000,000 (~$160,000 / ~€138,000). This applies regardless of the quantity. Carry your PDEA permit, prescription, and doctor's letter at all times and declare your medication without exception.

While in country

Benzodiazepine availability in Philippines

Diazepam (Valium and generics), clonazepam (Rivotril and generics), alprazolam (Xanax and generics), and lorazepam (Ativan and generics) are the most consistently stocked benzodiazepines at major Philippine pharmacy chains including Mercury Drug, Watsons, and Rose Pharmacy. Dispensing requires a valid S2 triplicate prescription from a Philippine-licensed physician; your foreign prescription cannot be used directly at the pharmacy counter.^[6]

Midazolam is available in Philippine hospitals but is rarely dispensed through retail pharmacies; if you use midazolam outside a clinical setting, confirm its retail availability with the Philippine FDA before you travel. Temazepam, oxazepam, and triazolam have limited retail presence in the Philippines. Check the Philippine FDA's online drug product database or contact the FDA directly (fdapharma@fda.gov.ph) to confirm whether these are currently registered for retail sale before departing.

Generic diazepam and alprazolam are available at competitive prices. A 30-tablet strip of generic diazepam 5 mg typically costs ₱100 to ₱250 (~$1.60 to $4.00 / ~€1.40 to €3.45) at Mercury Drug. Branded Rivotril clonazepam 2 mg costs approximately ₱20 to ₱40 per tablet (~$0.32 to $0.64 / ~€0.28 to €0.55). You will still need a local S2 prescription to purchase any of these, the price alone does not grant access.

Pharmacy phrases in Filipino

Use these phrases at the pharmacy counter when asking about your specific benzodiazepine or its local equivalent. English is widely spoken in Philippine pharmacies, but having the Filipino phrasing ready can help in smaller branches.

“Umiinom ako ng gamot na benzodiazepine. Mayroon ba kayong [alprazolam / diazepam / clonazepam / lorazepam]?”

I take benzodiazepine medication. Do you carry [alprazolam / diazepam / clonazepam / lorazepam]?

“Mayroon ba kayong generic na katumbas ng aking gamot?”

Do you have a generic equivalent for my medication?

“Kailangan ko ng reseta mula sa doktor na may S2 lisensya para makakuha ng gamot na ito. Makakatulong ba kayo na makakita ng doktor sa malapit?”

I need a prescription from a doctor with an S2 licence to obtain this medication. Can you help me find a nearby doctor?

Get these phrases in 23 languages — offline

Nomedic Translate works at the pharmacy counter even without signal.

Try Nomedic Translate

Finding a doctor who can prescribe benzodiazepines in Philippines

Benzodiazepines are controlled substances that can only be prescribed in the Philippines by a physician holding a valid S2 licence from the PDEA. Psychiatrists and neurologists routinely hold S2 licences; general practitioners may or may not. In Metro Manila, private hospitals such as Makati Medical Center, St. Luke's Medical Center, and The Medical City have psychiatry departments with S2-licensed physicians. Outside Metro Manila, consult the Philippine Medical Association directory to locate an S2-licensed practitioner.

Teleconsultation platforms operating in the Philippines can facilitate an initial assessment, but the triplicate prescription must still be issued in person for a controlled substance. A private consultation fee ranges from ₱1,500 to ₱3,500 (~$24 to $56 / ~€21 to €48). For broader context on healthcare access in the country, read our Philippines travel guide.

Search for providers near your destination

Use Nomedic's provider search to find doctors and pharmacies in the Philippines.

Find a provider

Storing benzodiazepines while in Philippines

The Philippines has high average temperatures (27 to 35°C) and year-round humidity above 70%. Store your benzodiazepines in an air-conditioned room, ideally inside a sealed moisture-resistant pouch or pill organiser. Do not leave tablets in a bag exposed to direct sunlight or inside a car. Hotel in-room safes are suitable storage locations; Airbnb and guesthouse accommodation may not have air conditioning in some budget options, so confirm this before booking if medication storage matters.

Emergencies

What to do if something goes wrong with your benzodiazepines in Philippines

If your benzodiazepines are lost or stolen, file a police report immediately at the nearest Philippine National Police (PNP) station. Under RA 9165, replacing a controlled substance supply requires a new local prescription from an S2-licensed physician. Bring your police report, a copy of your PDEA import permit, and your doctor's letter to the consultation, this documentation supports a legitimate replacement request. Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Manila for additional support if documents have also been lost.^[7]

If your specific benzodiazepine is not available at a Philippine pharmacy, consult a local psychiatrist or neurologist with a valid S2 licence. That clinician must assess your clinical situation and decide whether an available alternative (such as diazepam or clonazepam) is appropriate. Never substitute one benzodiazepine for another without professional medical supervision; withdrawal and re-titration carry clinical risk.

Key phrases in Filipino

I take medication for a medical condition ('Umiinom ako ng gamot para sa aking karamdaman.' I need to see a doctor urgently) 'Kailangan ko ng doktor agad.' Please call an ambulance ('Tawagan ang ambulansya.' Where is the nearest pharmacy?) 'Nasaan ang pinakamalapit na parmasya?'

Philippine emergency numbers: ambulance and fire (dial 911; police) dial 117. For urgent medical care in Metro Manila, private hospital emergency departments at St. Luke's Medical Center (Quezon City and BGC) and Makati Medical Center operate 24 hours and have English-speaking staff.

Your medication details, ready to share

Nomedic stores your medication name, INN, dosage, and frequency in your IPS, readable by any clinician worldwide.

Go to my record

Frequently asked questions

Are benzodiazepines legal in the Philippines?

Benzodiazepines are legal in the Philippines for legitimate medical use, but they are classified as Schedule IV dangerous drugs under RA 9165. Possessing them without a valid prescription and the required PDEA documentation is a criminal offence. Carrying a current PDEA personal-import permit and a doctor's letter makes travel with a personal supply legal.^[1]

Can I bring benzodiazepines into the Philippines?

Yes, but only with a PDEA personal-import permit applied for at least 15 working days before travel, plus an original prescription and a doctor's letter. Quantity must match the duration of stay and must not exceed 30 days. Declare your medication on the Bureau of Customs arrival card; failure to declare is a separate offence.^[3]

Do I need a doctor's letter to fly with benzodiazepines to the Philippines?

Yes. A doctor's letter is required in addition to a PDEA personal-import permit and your original prescription. The letter must be on clinic letterhead, signed by your prescribing physician, and include your name, the medication's INN and brand, dose, quantity, and travel dates. Carry it with your permit and passport at all times during transit and throughout your stay.

Is Xanax (alprazolam) available in the Philippines?

Xanax (alprazolam) and its generic equivalents are available at major Philippine pharmacy chains including Mercury Drug. However, dispensing requires a valid S2 triplicate prescription from a Philippine-licensed physician; your prescription from outside the Philippines will not be accepted at the pharmacy counter. Bring your full supply from home and ensure your PDEA permit specifically names alprazolam.

Which benzodiazepines are available at Philippine pharmacies?

Diazepam (Valium and generics), clonazepam (Rivotril and generics), alprazolam (Xanax and generics), and lorazepam (Ativan and generics) are regularly stocked at Mercury Drug, Watsons, and Rose Pharmacy branches. Midazolam is available through hospitals. Temazepam, oxazepam, and triazolam have limited retail availability, confirm registration status with the Philippine FDA before travel. All require a local S2 triplicate prescription for dispensing; a foreign prescription is not accepted.

What if my specific benzodiazepine brand isn't available in the Philippines?

See a Philippine psychiatrist or neurologist with a valid S2 licence, who can evaluate your situation and determine whether a locally available benzodiazepine is appropriate. Never substitute one benzodiazepine for another without medical supervision. Diazepam and clonazepam are the most broadly available locally and are the most likely candidates a clinician may consider, but the decision rests entirely with the treating physician.

What happens if I run out of benzodiazepines while in the Philippines?

Consult a Philippine psychiatrist or neurologist with a valid S2 licence as soon as possible. That physician can assess your needs and issue a local triplicate prescription for an available equivalent if clinically appropriate. Do not attempt to purchase benzodiazepines without a local prescription, doing so is an offence under RA 9165. Private psychiatry consultations in Metro Manila typically cost ₱1,500 to ₱3,500 (~$24 to $56 / ~€21 to €48).

Related practical guide

Benzodiazepines Abroad: Why Customs Can Seize Your Prescription

A valid prescription does not protect your benzodiazepines at every border. Here is what customs officers actually check, and what happens when supply runs out abroad.