I spend about 1 month every year in the UK (for leisure) and stock up on OTC PARACODOL. This contains 8mgs of codeine and 500mgs of acetaminophen (called Paracetamol in Europe and Australia) and comes in an Alka-Seltzer-like or capsule formula. They can be purchased at any "chemist" (pharmacy) over there and you don't have to sign any forms. You just ask for it and they give you a brief "this is a narcotic analgesic..." blah, blah, blah. Even so, it IS still illegal to bring into the US, so I always am at risk when I bring it back. If I got caught, I'd play dumb and just say, "Jeez, I had NO IDEA it was a problem to bring home..." I don't really think Customs would do more than confiscate it and issue a verbal warning.

Think how many ER/doctors visits would be avoided if this was available OTC in the USA. And I honestly believe MOST people would buy it for genuine pain issues and not abuse it. Besides, no addict is going to waste their time with 8mgs of codeine!!! You'd OD on the tylenol in the medication before you ever got high on the codeine!

This medication is perfect for children, too. It's just nice to have some options when ibuprofen or acetaminophen fails.

night_shade