Kampo (Japanese herbal medicine)

Yokukansan (Kampo for irritability, dementia agitation)

Yokukansan (Kampo extract)

Yokukansan is used in Japan for irritability, restlessness and insomnia, and is notable internationally for its use in the behavioral symptoms of dementia, supported by Japanese clinical trials. It is a common alternative to antipsychotics in older patients; long-term use needs potassium monitoring because of licorice.

At a glance
Prescription status
Prescription and OTC
Over the counter
Class 2
Bringing it into Japan
✓ 1 month Rx / 2 months OTC
Names abroad
억간산 · 抑肝散

Over the counter

OTC Class 2; Alopanol is marketed for irritability and nervousness.

Finding it in a Japanese drugstore
Look for this on the package
抑肝散(よくかんさん)
Yokukansan (Kampo extract)
Common product names
ツムラ漢方抑肝散エキス顆粒アロパノール
Category printed on the package
Class 2
Sold at any drugstore or pharmacy, and online.

Show this page to the pharmacist or staff. Prices and packaging vary by store, so look for the Japanese ingredient name.

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Prescription products in Japan

5 products

Products on Japan's national drug price list. Prescription only: a clinic visit is needed, and pharmacies may substitute a generic with the same ingredient.

Dosage formsOral
Official price (per tablet or unit)¥9.3 – ¥16.7
Official NHI drug price. Patients with Japanese insurance pay 10–30%; visitors without it pay the full price plus consultation fees.

Product names are shown in Japanese, exactly as printed on the package and the prescription. Show this page at the pharmacy.

All listed products (5) · Drug price list as of 2026-08-12
オースギ抑肝散料エキスTGOral · ¥12/g
クラシエ抑肝散加陳皮半夏エキス細粒Oral · ¥16.7/g
コタロー抑肝散加陳皮半夏エキス細粒Oral · ¥9.3/g
ツムラ抑肝散エキス顆粒(医療用)Oral · ¥16.1/g
ツムラ抑肝散加陳皮半夏エキス顆粒(医療用)Oral · ¥14.4/g

Bringing it into Japan

Up to a 1-month supply of prescription medicine, or 2 months of OTC medicine, without any paperwork. For more, apply for a Yakkan Shoumei (import confirmation) before travel.

How to apply for a Yakkan Shoumei (article)

Getting it prescribed in Japan

Any clinic can prescribe it after a consultation. Bring the original packaging or a medication list. Use the hospital finder to find clinics with English-speaking staff or an international patient office.

Find a clinic by language

Names abroad

Korea억간산
China抑肝散
Taiwan抑肝散

Sources

  1. Health Insurance Claims Review & Reimbursement Services — Drug master (NHI drug price list) shinryohoshu.mhlw.go.jp — 2026-08-12
  2. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare — Bringing medicines for personal use into Japan mhlw.go.jp

This page describes how a medicine is regulated and sold in Japan. It is not medical advice and does not cover dosing for your situation; follow your doctor's and pharmacist's instructions.