> I am hesitant to suggest that the common person is sufficiently informed about drugs to take that aspect of their medical care into their own hands without ov

> I am hesitant to suggest that the common person is sufficiently informed about drugs to take that aspect of their medical care into their own hands without oversight. I generally agree that there are cases where prescription medications should be controlled. My argument is that too many medications are prescription. Several OTC medications are inappropriate to mix with other OTC medications, require monitoring with long term use, or have interactions with grapefruit. People make fatal decisions with OTC medications. Some OTC medications have recreational potential. These concerns are not unique to prescription medication. I am not persuaded by the argument that individuals are not capable of making their own medical decisions. A doctor can advise a patient which OTC medications to take, and this type of consultation will still be available. Pharmacists will also answer questions about OTC medications they sell. I think there is an ocean of difference between "Medical advise is available to you if you choose this treatment" and "Medical advise is required to even choose this treatment." We are using the later too frequently, and I suspect many want to keep it this way to drive up healthcare costs.