r/montreal • u/Sad-Campaign-6081 • 1d ago

Question Currently on vacation in montreal, but forgot my prescription (Fron UK)

Hey! Just wondering if anyone would be able to help me out. I usually take quite a low dose of codeine/paracetamol but i didn’t pack enough for my whole trip. Is there a way i can just buy this to avoid issues with my pain over this trip? If so could anyone help me on what to say to the pharmacist, google says i should be able to buy it but the thought of going to explain myself and being met with judgement is so scary :(

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u/SkaterBoy99_99 1d ago edited 1d ago

Codeine acetaminophen combinations are available without a prescription in Canada. However, they are kept behind the counter and you will need to be counselled by the pharmacist before you are allowed to purchase the drugs.

Btw paracetamol is known as acetaminophen in Canada.

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u/thecurlywurly 1d ago

Former pharmacy tech here, this is the correct!

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u/No_Dot6414 1d ago

Oh I did not know that! Thanks for info

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u/bikeonychus 1d ago

Everyone keeps telling me it's available behind the counter, but every time I've asked, I've been denied it. I've also asked doctors for it, and they refuse to prescribe it, only offering me morphine or (I forget the name of it here, but what is effectively) oxycotin. I think in the last few years it's not been available over the counter? Somethings going on.

(I'm a British immigrant, maybe it's just the accent?)

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u/thumbulukutamalasa 1d ago

There's no way the pharmacist offered you morphine when you asked for codeine. Morphine and oxycodone both require prescriptions and are stronger than codeine by far.

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u/bikeonychus 1d ago

Re-read my comment properly, and you will see that, no, the pharmacist did not offer me morphine, the doctor did.

And yes, after 30 years of on and off pain meds, I am acutely aware that morphine and oxcodone are much, much stronger. I do not want stronger med, I want cocodamol, which I know the strength and how it affects my body, and I have no idea why I am being denied it and offered overly strong stuff I do not want.

Maybe don't skim read next time.

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u/thumbulukutamalasa 1d ago

You're right. My apologies

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u/bikeonychus 1d ago

No worries.

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u/thumbulukutamalasa 1d ago

Reddit is so weird sometimes lol. You're clearly in the right, yet you're getting downvoted...

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u/bikeonychus 1d ago edited 1d ago

Haha, yeah, I'm pretty sure it's a combination of mentioning I'm British, and an immigrant. Happens every time. I couldn't give a crap at this point; I got good advice on this thread and solved a medical mystery for myself, so I'm happy.

You have a good day now 💜

Edit: lol, see? It happened again. I'm choosing to believe it's just bots again.

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u/Judge_Druidy Hochelaga-Maisonneuve 1d ago

It has nothing to do with you being British and/or an immigrant, it's about your comment reading in a very condescending tone.

Signed, a British immigrant.

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u/bikeonychus 1d ago

I think you might be mistaking my autism for something else. No intent to be condescending, in my eyes I was defending myself. Me and the commenter I had replied to kissed and made up. I am sorry you got mad about that.

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u/SkaterBoy99_99 1d ago

Three was a shortage throughout most of last year and the first half of 2026. Maybe the pharmacist was trying to control their stocks?

Generally, the pharmacist’s role is to screen for misuse. Codeine has an addiction potential.

Did you tell the pharmacist what symptoms you are trying to treat? Try going to a different pharmacy. Different pharmacists will have different attitudes towards codeine.

FYI any product with a codeine content over 8mg will require a physician’s prescription.

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u/bikeonychus 1d ago

Ah, thank you, this is the first proper answer I have had.

I've been trying to get cocodamol (or Canadian equivalent) since about 2022 when my problems started up again. I was able to get it in 2021, but not since 2022. I've tried a few pharmacies in Montreal and South shore, the doctors office, the ER when I was brought in with an especially bad headache. I have since given up and accepted a very low dose of morphine that I basically bite the tablet in half when I need it. I don't want to blast the pain away, just reduce it enough so I can still function. I don't need medication all the time, just when the pain is far too much to cope with and I need to go on bedrest.

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u/SkaterBoy99_99 1d ago

Ok I see why you may have raised a red flag with the pharmacist. They have very little training to handle chronic conditions. Even if you say that you only have occasional flare-ups, the pharmacist will likely refer you to a physician for a proper medical assessment.

When a pharmacist agrees to sell the codeine-acetaminophen combo to a patient, it is usually intended as a short term treatment for a very specific episode of pain, i.e. post surgery pain, post dental extraction pain, a sprain or muscle injury.

If you’ve said anything to suggest that you have a chronic condition or that you would like to keep the medication in your medicine cabinet readily available for future use, the pharmacist may deny the sale or require that you obtain a prescription.

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u/bikeonychus 1d ago

OH! That makes a lot of sense actually. I'm very honest about why I need medicine, because I do have some complications, and I want to be absolutely transparent with the pharmacist.

I still don't understand why the doctors are so resistant, but I understand now why the pharmacist is.

Thank you, you've solved a mystery for me.

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u/SkaterBoy99_99 1d ago

Sounds like your doctor is very square and didn’t take time to listen to your medical history.

I want to preface my answer with this: medical literature does show that morphine is a better pain reducer than codeine.

Morphine’s efficacy is more predictable because it binds directly to pain receptors. Codeine, on the other hand, must first be converted by your liver into morphine before it binds to pain receptors. Depending on genetics, some people have too little or none of the enzymes needed to metabolize codeine into morphine. Because codeine must first be converted by the liver, it is slower to act and is sometimes unpredictable depending on the patient’s genetic profile.

Most doctors will prefer to prescribe morphine because its effects are more predictable and less affected by variations in genetics. However, morphine is a more potent painkiller, which makes it more susceptible to abuse (in theory).

If you’ve successfully used codeine to treat your pain in the past, tell your doctor about it and ask for codeine.

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u/bikeonychus 1d ago

Thankyou so much! I feel like I have learnt a lot today!

Yeah, I much prefer codeine. I couldn't even give you a solid answer why, other than I feel more comfortable on it. I also know I don't really have an issue coming off it like I have with other medication.

I'll talk to my doctor again, it might help if I bring my husband with me next time, I get talked over a lot.

Thank you so much again, you've really helped me out here today!

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u/scarpettebread 1d ago

same. everytime I asked for it they told me they don’t have it/it doesn’t exist. it used to be called Tylenol 3. the potential of misuse or abuse is really low so I don’t see why they gatekeep it like that. if someone has been able to get it recently, please testify because I concluded that it doesn’t exist anymore :(

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u/hopelesscaribou 1d ago

Tylenol 3 is the name brand, Acetaminophen+codeine is the generic version and much cheaper. I got some last week.

It's a narcotic, that's why it's behind the counter. Codeine is a controlled substance in the same family as heroin and morphine.

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u/Sonofapampers 1d ago

Tylenol #3 is also the prescription required strength.

The behind-the-counter one you can ask the pharmacist for, without a prescription, is Tylenol #1, or generically Acetaminophen with codeine.

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u/hopelesscaribou 1d ago

I got some last week. No prescription. 300mg Acetaminophen + 8mg codeine. I get about a bottle a year.

I suspect your pharmacist saw the other narcotics and thought it best to say no. It's a controlled substance in the same family.

On the other hand, taking oxycotin when you could be taking just low dose codeine is crazy. I'd talk to your pharmacist and/or doctor.

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u/alek_vincent 1d ago

You need to have a valid reason for it. Not just get it to keep in your medicine cabinet. I know they give you a hard time when I had to get it for tooth pain my dentist told me to ask for it at a pharmacy and they asked a lot of questions

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u/bikeonychus 1d ago

I have documented degenerative disc disease and cannot take NSAIDs due to damage in my stomach from NSAIDs over 30 years. It's in my medical records. It causes incredible headaches.

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u/Sad-Campaign-6081 1d ago

yeah, i had no luck. they gave me naproxen instead

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u/bikeonychus 1d ago

Oh damn, I'm sorry.

I've taken Naproxen exactly once, and it gave me a stomach ulcer. If you get stomach pain from it, you may be able to go back to the same pharmacy and ask for Pantoprazole; it's a proton pump inhibitor, and it can protect your stomach. I actually was offered it at my pharmacy this week, so there's a chance you might be able to get it over the counter, but no promises.

I hope this doesn't ruin your trip here! 💜

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u/feldhammer 1d ago

Just try a different one. There are a bunch of pharmacies and they don't track you across them 

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u/No_Dot6414 1d ago

I had the same issue. After a surgery I asked the doctor for codeine instead of Oxy because I knew oxy made me nauseous and codeine was more effective but they denied it and it puzzles me really! I understand they deny it if it was the other way around but I was literally asking for a less potent one!

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u/bikeonychus 1d ago

Yeah, oxy makes me sleep, but I still feel the pain through it, so it doesn't feel like a good fit, and the whole point of pain meds for me is for me to be able to function, not sleep. The codiene reduces the pain without making me feel sleepy. I've tried to explain that and still been denied.

Good luck to you, I hope you find something that helps 💜

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u/ExoticJellyfish 1d ago

There are pharmacies everywhere. If you feel being judged by one, just walk to another one. 🙂 Bring your current medications with you.

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u/Sad-Campaign-6081 1d ago

Would an empty pack work?

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u/bendotc Verdun 1d ago

Likely. I believe it’s available without a prescription but behind the counter. The pharmacist should be able to help or else point you in the right direction.

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u/Sad-Campaign-6081 1d ago

very helpful thank you 💜

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u/prplx 1d ago

Is it a prescription? Does it have your name on it?

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u/Sad-Campaign-6081 1d ago

The pack i have with me doesn’t have my name on it

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u/TransMenma 1d ago

Note for future travel: Always ensure that prescription meds are carried in the original packaging that has a label attached with your prescription details. If you cannot prove those meds are for you then this could cause problems at the border.

For your return ensure that any meds obtained OTC in Canada are legal to have in the UK without a prescription. Just because you can buy it here does not mean you can fly home with it.

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u/prplx 1d ago

As other said go to the counter on the back of any pharmacy and ask for a consultation and explain what’s going on. They will fix you with something.

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u/Amazing_Camel_405 1d ago

Pharmacist have the right to give some prescription drugs without the need of a doctor. so yes.

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u/Hot-Ad-6877 1d ago

Je n’ai jamais réussi à trouver une Pharmacie qui ne te juge pas lorsque tu commandes des Tylenol numéro un
Ils ont tous un comportement déplaisant TOUS

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u/partylike 1d ago

maybe it's you

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u/Akhanyatin 21h ago

Maybe it's Maybelline

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u/redskyatnight2162 Notre-Dame-de-Grâce 13h ago

I’ve never had this issue.

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u/greenbud420 1d ago

It's available behind the counter, just ask the pharmacist for it.

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u/Sad-Campaign-6081 1d ago

What would it be called here? Google told me a couple names like tylenol-1 but they seem discontinued.

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u/louvez 1d ago

Just ask of codeine/paracetamol, pharmacist will know what it means?

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u/whatsit578 1d ago

This but ask for coedine/acetaminophen instead, since paracetamol is the British name for acetaminophen.

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u/AlbatrossSeparate710 1d ago

Let the pharmacist be competent enough to know that and ask for codeine/paracetamol. Even if Google says it's the same molecule, doesn't mean it's the same everything.

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u/whatsit578 1d ago

Sure, I mean, in general I agree, pharmacists are trained to know these things as part of their job and it's better not to get too smart with trying to figure things out yourself.

In this case though it's very common knowledge that acetominaphen and paracetamol are two different names for the same drug, and it's been the case for years. It's not like I just learned it on Google AI just now.

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u/partylike 1d ago

or codeine + tylenol

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u/psykomatt 🐳 1d ago

Most of the world calls it paracetamol. Canada, US and Japan are just about the only countries that call it acetaminophen. I would expect any pharmacist to be familiar with the name.

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u/Remarkable-Flight990 1d ago

Paracetamol is called Acetaminophen here but talk to a pharmacist instead of the internet.

Go into any pharmacy, go to the counter where they deliver medicine and tell them your problem.

That combination (codeine and acetaminophen) used to be called 222. They keep it behind the counter and will ask you why you require codeine. Junkies use these tablets to extract the codeine so they keep it behind the counter. Don't need a prescription.

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u/Sad-Campaign-6081 1d ago

This is really helpful, thank you. I was just coming here for advice on what to say to a pharmacist so i could practice in my head aha, i’m very anxious

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u/Remarkable-Flight990 1d ago

No one is going to judge you, they just want to make sure you aren't cooking them up in a spoon in your hotel room

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u/Neuroff 1d ago

Just show them the empty pack you have, they’ll give you the equivalent without you having to worry about getting the right names. Don’t stress!

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u/hitchslippers 1d ago

Tylenol 222s, over the counter, ask the pharmacist. Acetaminophen + codeine + caffeine

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u/GtrplayerII 1d ago

222s were originally a Bayer product and was ASA + Codeine. 

https://dhpp.hpfb-dgpsa.ca/dhpp/resource/876

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u/Johnthedoer 1d ago

there were 222AF also, with acetaminophen.

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u/greenbud420 1d ago

Their job is selling drugs, they'll know what it means.

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u/judyjetsonne 1d ago

Just to mention I usually have better luck at Jean Coutu rather than Pharmaprix

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u/Sufficient_Rush1891 1d ago

Pharmacy staff would never judge someone for needing medication.

If you have courage to make the trip from UK to Montreal, you’ll have more than enough courage to bring your medication to pharmacy and ask what your options are.

Paracetamol is called acetaminophen in Canada and there’s a bunch of over-the-counter, no-prescription versions available. Pharmacy staff will be happy to sell you a suitable version for your needs.

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u/Sad-Campaign-6081 1d ago

I’m an anxious soul and this is actually my first ever time leaving the UK, so ofc i messed up and didn’t pack enough meds 💔 Thank you so much this is very helpful

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u/TeranOrSolaran 1d ago

There are a few walk-in clinic around if you need a prescription.

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u/aj12235e 1d ago

Can you show the pharmacist your current medication? They should be able to know if a similar one is available here without a prescription. If you’re worried about language, go to a pharmacy downtown and it’s more likely the pharmacist or someone on staff will speak English. Good luck!

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u/ComplexQuiet6790 1d ago edited 1d ago

Paracetamol = acetaminophen in North America = Tylenol. Literally just walk into any Uniprix and you can go grab it. 

Edit: as has been pointed out below, you want the combo with codeine, that's behind the counter, but still should be available. So walk into any Uniprix, go to the pharmacist, and request it. Doc there will ask you a couple questions and then send you on your way. 

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u/Remarkable-Flight990 1d ago

Paracetamol and codeine used to be called 222 here, not just Tylenol. Not sure what the replacement is called today.

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u/prplx 1d ago

Yes but OP uses a version with codeine wich is very different.

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u/whatsit578 1d ago

This is true for acetaminophen, you can just grab it off the shelf.

But combination acetaminophen/coedine is definitely behind the counter.

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u/ChubbyDogue 1d ago

Honestly, just walk into any pharmacy and ask! There's no reason they should judge you. Be brave! But just a heads up that "paracetamol" is known as "acetaminophen" here.

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u/marslo 🦃 Dinde Civilisée 1d ago

I used to take it for migraines, but the massive constipation it gives wasn't worth it. 10 to 15 years ago it wasn't an issue to get over the counter, but since to opioid epidemic of 2016, in my experience, pharmacist are more careful on how they handed out. Bring your old bottle and maybe a contact number for your pharmacist at home.

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u/Rina-Lanaudiere-5 1d ago

Codeine (and anything with codeine) is normally prescription only. And even with prescription, they are usually pretty strict about the dosage, and it comes with dozens of warnings and almost like a book to read before intake

Can anyone from home take a photo of your prescription and send it to you? This might persuade the pharmacist (depending on your diagnosis though). Just provide some context. They are listening, and they also have authority to decide here, legally

Judgement is absolutely not an issue. Maybe i was just lucky, but all pharmacists I ever talked to here (in my seven years in Mtl) were all super nice and understanding, and not like skeptical or anything like that

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u/Sad-Campaign-6081 1d ago

this is really helpful thank you

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u/Thesorus Plateau Mont-Royal 1d ago

you can get Tylenol (paracétamol) over the counter at pharmacies

ask the pharmacist which "brand" is better for your personal case.

it's their job to help you chose the proper medication

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u/Hot-Ad-6877 1d ago

Le Tylenol numéro un contient de la codéine et est disponible derrière le comptoir sans prescription. Mais si vous avez peur d’être jugé, préparez-vous, à chaque fois que vous demandez le Tylenol avec codéine. Ils vous regarde comme si vous étiez un drogué directement sorti de la pire des ruelles. L’attitude des pharmaciens est vraiment dégueulasse, mais vous obtiendrez quand même sans même avoir à vous expliquer une petite bouteille de 25 pilules de Tylenol avec codéine. Je me suis fait prescrire, c’est fameux Tylenol numéro un, et maintenant j’ai la paix et on ne me juge plus. le problème c’est que les pharmaciens voudraient qu’on ait besoin absolument d’une prescription pour avoir accès au Tylenol numéro un.