Buying Nootropics and Smartdrugs in Latin America

For those that are planning to travel to a Spanish speaking latin american country here are some suggestions that can help find what you need.

I will give you same names in Spanish and the brand names we use in Argentina (most labs export, so names can be similar). To look for brand names and other drugs you can use an online vademecum like

http://www.prvademecum.com/

At the top it reads: "cambiar de país", select and then chose the country of your interest.

Some name equivalents for most commons nootropics:

English         Spanish         (brand names in Argentina)

ALC             l acetil carnitina (Neuroactil)
aniracetam      aniracetam      (Pergamid)
CDP choline     citidincolina   (Reagin)
centrophenoxine centrofenoxina (not available)
co Q10  coenzima Co Q10
deprenyl        deprenyl, selegilina    (Jumex, Kinabide)
desmopressin    desmopresina
hydergine       hydergina       (Hydergina)
Idebenone       idebenona       (Idesole,Esanic, Geniceral, Nemocebral, Lucebanol, Sicoplus)
lipoic acid     ácido lipoico/ácido tióctico?   (Biletan)
phosphatidylserine fosfatidilserina (Bros)
piracetam       piracetam       (not available)
pyritinol       piritinol               (Epocan)
soy lecithin    lecitina de soja        (at health shops, dietéticas)
vinpocetine     vinpocetina     (Kavinton)

Most of this products you will not find in a supplement/vitamin stores here (except lecithin, CoQ10, Ginkgo Biloba) but you can buy them over the counter although they are prescription in some countries.

Ask for the products at a Farmacia (drugstore). If they do not have the brand names or generic ask if they make "recetas magistrales" (compounds) or if they know of any farmacia that make them. Most farmacias that make compounds have sign. Sometimes some products that are not available as brand names are available for compounding pharmacies (e.g. there is not a lab that commercialize centrophenoxine here but I have seen the product listed in a compounding pharmacy, same with piracetam).

Here some compounding pharmacies will ask you for a prescription. Sometimes it depends on the dose of the product. High doses can cause more problem to obtain, chose lower doses and more capsules as an alternative. If they ask you for a prescription explain that in your country it is OTC and you forgot it at home (having the brochure could help or print from a website) . Most probably the first time they will make it to you and if you want a refill they will ask for a prescription, but it depends on the product. I am not promoting the irresponsible use of pharmaceuticals and I assume you have already consulted with your doctor and you are not taking any medicine just to experiment.

There are some idiosyncrasies that will surprise you here. DMAE and piracetam, when they were available required special prescriptions like for psychotropic (maybe because they can potentiate other drugs). So avoid problems, get informed and explain to the pharmacist.

Storing medicine safely

Storing medicine safely: "Storing medicine safely
Alternative Names:
Medicine storage

Information:

Many people store their medications in the bathroom. But this popular spot is actually one of the worst places to keep medicine. Bathroom cabinets tend to be warm and humid, an environment that accelerates a drug's decomposition. Instead, keep medicines in a cool, dry place away from the bathroom and out of a child's reach.

This is especially true for tablets and capsules. Unnecessary exposure to heat and moisture can cause them to lose their potency prior to their labeled expiration date. For example, a warm, muggy environment can cause aspirin tablets to break down into acetic acid (vinegar) and salicyclic acid, both of which are potential stomach irritants.

If you must keep them in the bathroom, always keep the containers tightly closed. Never repackage them.

If medicines are to be stored in a kitchen, store them away from the stove, sink, and any heat-releasing appliances.

In rare cases, an improperly stored medication can actually become toxic. To prevent danger, follow these tips:
Store drugs out of harm's way. Always keep them out of the reach of children.
Don't leave the cotton plug in a medication vial. Doing so can draw moisture into the container.
Check the expiration date each time you take a drug. Discard and replace any medications that are out of date.
Never use a medication that has changed color, consistency, or odor, regardless of the expiration date. Throw away capsules or tablets that stick together, are harder or softer than normal, or cracked or chipped.
Ask your pharmacist about any specific storage instructions.

TRAVEL TIPS

Travelers need to follow additional tips for safe storage of their medications:
Before leaving home, list all your medications, as well as the name and number of your pharmacist and physician.
To prevent your medicine from making a detour while on vacation, keep your medicine in a carry-on bag rather than a checked suitcase.
Bring an extra supply with you in case your return is delayed.
Never leave medicines in an automobile, where heat can rapidly destroy the drug.
Watch time changes. Set a separate watch to your usual time so you can remember when to take any medication.

More information on travel tips and safe storage of medicines is available through the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists at www.safemedication.com."