Are OTC pain medications safer than prescriptions?
Are pain medications that I can buy Over the Counter (OTC) any safer than prescriptions I receive from a doctor to manage pain?
For example, I have migraines. There are several OTC medications advised for migraines:
- Acetaminophen/Paracetamol
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
While my headache specialist has prescribed several other medications for my pain:
- Imitrex (and other triptans)
- Midrin
- Prochlorperazine
- Cambia
- Anaprox
Are the OTC pain medications safer? Why are some pain medications OTC and others only available by a prescription?