Interestingly a few states do offer a Codeine cough syrup without a prescription[0].

From the article: “Codeine regulation varies widely across countries and states. In some states, including North Carolina, Florida, Oklahoma, and Iowa,1,2 pharmacists can dispense a small quantity of cough syrup containing codeine OTC. Based on individual state law, this information may not be logged into the prescription drug monitoring program, which may contribute to providers being unaware of their patients’ use of codeine.”

This is an exceedingly rare practice in the US however.

[0]https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/behind-the-counter-codein...

Interesting. As far as I know only the combinations with a higher strength codeine are prescription only in Ireland. It’s the same in the UK, as far as I know (presumably because it would be nigh impossible to prevent small amounts of cross-border smuggling with the North)z

Most opiates on the other hand, would be rarely prescribed by doctors

My experience is women hoard Tylenol 3 to use for period pain.