not really sure how best to phrase this question, but I'm curious to know some of the over the counter drugs available in Rio that might not be so easily accessible in the states. I unfortunately can no longer drink alcohol because of an allergy of sorts, so the vicodin, percocet, xanax school of "phun pharmaceuticals" is more my speed when vacationing...I know ambien is available as "stillnox" over the counter in rio I believe, and I think codeine is also available (but hell on my stomach...) just curious if anyone else has any insight...thanks in advance...and oh yeah, i know you can buy viagra over the counter, i assume cialis is available too?

Rexxx,

You can buy over the counter most prescription medicines, including anti biotics, beta blockers, and ED type drugs (including cialis), etc. The only exception are the drugs in the 'addictive' category, such as vicodin, and also stillnox, etc. Most pharmacies will NOT sell those over the counter. That said, there are a handful of pharmacies that will. Although I have not tried to buy percocet and that family of drugs, I have purchased stillnox, and also wellbutrin (zyban) to quit smoking.

I would just like to follow up the "I quit drinking" and "I quit smoking" posts to proclaim that I sill smoke and drink.

the handful of medicines that are NOT available over the counter need a medical prescription. Like Valium

There is a friendly nursing assistant at my next door pharmacy who gladly gets you a prescription for a small fee and a short wait.

I leave it to your own wisdom to use these medicines wisely

thanks for the insight BS, and notice Mitch, I didn't say I quit, I said I can no longer drink...quitting is for quitters, lol...believe me, it wasn't by choice...it's gonna' be hard as hell to not have a chopp or 10 when in Rio, but this stomach of mine is completely uncooperative and the docs said no more drinkee or I'll wind up eating thru a tube again...as for the smoking, that's kind of an on-again-off-again sitch...I was on-again, but wound up catching a gnarly cold after a smoking binge this weekend, so I may have to go off-again while in Rio...no promises though, as that city brings out the worst/ best in me...

Brazilian cigars are pretty good, if you can avoid the temptation (or need) to inhale--or even if you can't. They were my downfall a few times (I'm smoke-free now, and no longer tempted. Health is improved.)

BrazilSpecialist, this nursing assistant can get any prescription? I might take you up on this.

I know a guy who loads up on Valium and Xanax. Guess if you don't need anything heavier then that .......

valium, xanax, oxy, klonopin, percocet, darvocet, vicodin...those would be the ones iŽd be lookin for...