What drugs are over-the-counter?

As a pharmacist who has traveled all over Europe I can partly answer your question. Yes, the drugs mentioned are available in Europe. BUT, probably not by that name. You need to have the generic name on the Rx. Most European pharmacies iin touristy and large cities have an international Pharmacopie that lists most drugs world-wide with their multiple names, generic and brand. Most European pharmacists know the genereic names so ask for that first. Show them the Rx. Know what it is used for, NOT what your doctor said but what your pharmacists said it was for.

I belong to Group Health and they give me a 90 day supply of my several prescription drugs whenever I am leaving their service area for an extended time (ie. Europe in the summer).
If you are not a GH member, check with your doctor and see if he will give you a larger supply after explaining how long you will be gone. I prefer to take my medicine from the US if at all possible. I always carry a doctors letter describing what drugs I am taking in case I stay longer or they come up missing. This letter would also be a great help if I had to go to a European pharmacy to get a supply. Good luck and happy travels.

I'm not a member of GH or any other Medical Provider. My insurance won't cover overseas medical or prescriptions ane I will be in Europe longer than three months. I know the generic names of the drugs, but I'm more concerned about being able to buy them over-the-counter. Not having to see aEuropean doctor would be much more convenient, although I admit I've always had great luck when I've had to see a doctor overseas. I know many drugs that require a doctors prescription in the US are available over-the-counter in Europe. I'm wondering about these specific medications. Thanks for the input!!!

If you do a little googling you'll find that both your drugs are prescription only in the UK - "POM" (Prescription Only Medication) in their terminology. Don't know about the countries you listed, though. If I were you I'd assume you're going to have to see a doctor in Europe. I'd suggest bringing a letter from your American doctor on his stationery, briefly explaining your need for these meds and giving the doses you're on. This will help the doctor in Europe. My doctor advises against ever using any online, offshore pharmacy. He says that if you don't get the real drug, you'll have the same withdrawal reactions as if you abruptly stopped taking your medication.

I googled on the German wikipedia site and and the medications you mention require prescriptions - "verschreibungspflichtig" is the German term. Generally, my experience has been that medications are much more likely to require prescriptions in Germany than in Northamerica.

Lamitrogine and duloxetine are both prescription only in Germany and the Netherlands. Not sure about the other countries you mentioned. In general, I'm not aware of any European countries where you can obtain any drugs in those two classes without a prescription. And BTW, you mentioned you will be in Europe for "several months". I assume you know about the Schengen Zone restrictions and you have made the necessary arrangements?

I checked Denmark (simply because it was easy for me to check that country), and both drugs are prescription only here too. You should really try to get this medication from home for your entire trip. Its would be quite a hassle to get a doctor's appointment, persuade the doctor to prescribe the medicine to you when he doesn't know you and your medication history. From Denmark, I know that doctors can be reluctant about prescribing medication to patients, when they don't know the patient's medical history. You can't just pop in and ask for a specific drug, you would need a real medical examination. And frankly, I am quite sure that the reaction of the doctor would be: "Why didn't you take care of this before travelling when you knew you would be abroad for a long time?"I don't say, it's impossible, but it seems a bit risky to me.

Thanks to everyone for responding and giving me so much information! I've spent much time in Europe, but this this is an issue I've never dealt with before. And I certainly agree with Tom. NEVER buy medications from online pharmacies! The chance of counterfiet medication is too high and the results are not worth any money you think you'll save. I usually travel with medical documents and will make sure to get the three months of meds before I go (as usual). I'll assume I'll need to see a doctor along the way. Also I'm aware of the Schengen Zone because of the amount of time I travel within it-and because I usually travel with a service dog. I carry extensive documentation for her as well, although I've never been asked to produce any paperwork except upon returning to the US! I've never even been questioned when entering non EU countries (Croatia for instance) and returning to the EU from them. I find the relaxed EU attitude ironic considering the amount of FDA and veterinarian documentation Schengen regulations ask (on paper). The UK is a different matter, of course. However I would NOT recommend anyone travelling with their pet/service animal to assume they won't need documentaion! Once again-I thank everyone for their suggestions and information. I have alot of advice/suggestions to share with others because of my extensive travels-this is just an issue I am not familiar with. My google results were confusing and not entirely clear. The best way to answer questions like these is to get first-hand information. Happy travelling!
Denny

I took prescriptions for all my meds that I take. I had my celebrex stolen. I went to the pharmacy in Nice and got a months supply for 22 Euro. That is cheaper than my at home co-pay. Go figure!!

If you have Glaucoma you could always go to Amsterdam for their "over the counter" cure!

Funny you should mention that. Last week my eye doctor told me I had developed minor glaucoma in one eye He wants to do a follow-up. Someone in my family suggested the "Amsterdam cure". I must admit I absolutely love Amsterdam and visit as often as I can-but I gave up that particular "cure" about 20 years ago. Thanks for a good chuckle!
Denny