The regulations have provided for it: drugs are accessible without a prescription only if they do not cause any drug dependence. However, prolonged use of painkiller headache tablets can itself cause a headache. In addition, cough suppressants containing codeine or ethylmorphine can induce euphoric or calming side effects, sources of abuse (some countries no longer allow them over the counter). And, of course, if you shop on the Internet (anxiolytics, psychostimulants on the eve of examinations), addictive behavior may appear. But self-medication can also lead to more psychological dependence, like those people who can no longer do without their remedy for sleeping, fighting against constipation or anxiety. Or even worse, who can no longer breathe without their vasconstrictive nasal drops. The pharmacist can detect such drifts. However, everyone must keep in mind the basic principle of self-medication reasonable: it must be limited in time!
