Ran Out of Anxiety or Antidepressant Medication in France? Here Is What You Can Do
Running out of medication for anxiety or depression while travelling is stressful, and for many people can fele unwell when stopping the medicines suddenly. In most cases this can be resolved the same day. I am Dr Simon Gordon, a British GP (MB ChB) registered with both the GMC and the Ordre des Médecins, and based in Valbonne on the Côte d’Azur. I offer discreet, confidential video consultations for English-speaking visitors anywhere in France.
After a consultation I can assess your situation and, where appropriate, email you a French prescription (ordonnance). You can collect your medication from any French pharmacy immediately.
Unlike anonymous telemedicine platforms, you know exactly who you are speaking to: a named, GMC-registered British GP with a verifiable background and a longstanding practice in this region. These consultations are handled with discretion and without judgement
How it Works
You book a video consultation using the link below. I will have a calm, clinical conversation with you, confirm your medication and how long you have been taking it, and where appropriate issue a French prescription by email. You take that to any French pharmacy and your medication is dispensed on the spot.
What I can assess and prescribe
I can assess and prescribe a range of medications for anxiety and depression including SSRIs, SNRIs, and other commonly used treatments, subject to a medical assessment. Some medications in this category have specific prescribing rules in France — for example, certain benzodiazepines ( xanax, diazepam , valium ) require a special ordonnance sécurisée (secure prescription) and I cannot do this online.
The majority of commonly prescribed anxiety and antidepressant medications are available in France. In some cases the brand name differs from the UK or US, but the active ingredient is the same — for example, sertraline is available in France as Zoloft or in generic form. I will advise you if there is any issue with availability and will identify the closest equivalent if needed.
The consultation fee is €100. This covers the video consultation and the emailed prescription. There are no additional charges.
This is an important concern and one of the main reasons to seek help promptly. Missing doses of certain medications — particularly antidepressants — can cause discontinuation symptoms including dizziness, nausea, and low mood. I will assess your situation and advise on the safest approach. Getting back on your medication as soon as possible is generally the priority.
No. The consultation is focused on getting you the medication you need safely. I will confirm what you take, your dosage, and how long you have been on it. You do not need to discuss the background in any more detail than you are comfortable with.
Many travel insurance policies cover urgent medical consultations abroad. I can provide a receipt and a clinical summary for your insurer. I would recommend checking your policy before the consultation if you are unsure.
About the Author
This page was written by Dr Simon Gordon MB ChB, a British-trained GP registered with the General Medical Council (UK) and the Ordre des Médecins (France). Dr Gordon trained at the University of Glasgow and has over 20 years of experience in general practice across the UK, Israel, and the French Riviera, including time at the London Clinic on Harley Street. He is based in Valbonne on the Côte d’Azur, where Cabinet Medical Gordon has been providing English-speaking medical services for over 30 years.
LinkedIn | Google Business Profile | gordonmedical.fr | +33 4 93 12 95 66
This page is for informational purposes only. Dr Simon Gordon (MB ChB) is registered with the Ordre des Médecins in France and the General Medical Council in the UK. All consultations are conducted in accordance with French medical regulations and the deontological rules of the Ordre des Médecins. This service does not replace emergency medical care — if you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 15 (SAMU) or 112 immediately.
