Are there any OTC substitutes for vicodin? |

OTC is short for “over the counter,” or medicine that one does not need a prescription from a health care professional to obtain. Common examples of OTC drugs are Tylenol, ibuprofen, and NyQuil.

Vicodin is the brand name for the pharmaceutical tablet combination of hyrdocodone and paracetamol. Vicodin is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is by far one of the most commonly abused prescription medications. Vicodin's common side-effects include: upset stomach, nausea, and altered mental status. Other more rare side-effects include: seizures, clammy skin, paranoia, hallucinations, severe weakness, dizziness, hyperventilation, unconsciousness, jaundice, stomach pain, decreased appetite, muscle twitches, itching and hearing loss.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are those drugs that you can legally buy without a doctor’s prescription. Some over-the-counter medicines relieve aches, pains and skin irritations. Some prevent or cure diseases, like tooth decay and athlete's foot. Other over-the-counter drugs can help manage recurring problems, like migraines.