Should laxatives have the same restrictions as paracetamol?

Siena

Basically I a going to write a petition on how there needs to be some restriction on when buying laxatives in supermarkets. I just need honest answers and  reassurance not the only who thinks this before I write it cause I dont wanna look stupid. 

Atm anyone can buy them and how many they want without being questioned. Long term use can be really dangers and can kill people and give complications. And people use as method to lose weight or could easily get dependant on it either way. Personally if I was asked for my ID everytime i went into sainsburys self checkout I just wouldn't get it as would feel too embarrassed and if there was a limit on how many can buy I would of realise how dangers they was years ago before got dependant on them and wouldn't buy as much. 

This is the lastest news of where they are saying they should do it but been says it for years and nothing changes
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/health-45624471

Former Member

I agree

Dunno what others think but I agree with you :-) I do think it'd be better for them to have restrictions. Some people could really hurt themselves. Not to mention it doesn't make a lot of sense to me that there'd be restrictions on paracetamol but not laxatives.

Former Member

I agree

I do agree but think maybe we should restrict people from buying more than one? 

Being ID'ed worries me a little because then some people can't get them and will have to go to their GP when they might be too embarrassed, or have to pay for prescriptions(£8) and wind up paying more than a shop) 

I don't know if that makes sense just my rambling

independent_

I agree

I definitely agree, I don't think people should be allowed to buy more than one or 2 packs at a time. This would enable people who need them medically to buy enough, but would prevent people from buying an extremely dangerous amount. Given that most laxatives are not recommended for young children, I think there should be a minimum age to buy them as well, perhaps 12 or 16. Paracetamol is not age restricted in every shop though so this may end up being the same. 

Siena

I agree

Thank you all for sharing your opinions

Jellyelephant

I agree

I think they shouldn't be as easily accessable as they are - not sure whether a limit would work. I did wonder if it may help if they were only kept behind the counter at a chemist? That way the people who really need them would be able to explain and access them, but it would limit people who perhaps would use them in a harmful way? Not sure if that would work but just a thought.