what would happen if you took 6 or more paracetamol at once?

Question

im not planning on doing it , but i just need to know what would happen if you did

Answer 1

if you are asking this question you are either thinking of doing it or worried someone else has or might do.

DON'T take more than two tablets at once and DON'T take more than 8 in 24 hours. If you are thinking of taking them yourself talk to a doctor now (go to A+E etc) who can either help you if you are feeling low or investigate/advise better pain killers if you are in pain.


if you have good reason to think someone else has then call an ambulance NOW. and if you think they might stop them if you can. You can also call their doctor if you are very worried - they will not be able to discuss the person with you but you can give THEM information about your friend. (ie that you are worried).

I have seen people die (very slowly and painfully) from paracetamol overdoses. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. But there is treatment if you go to the hospital and tell them honestly and quickly what has happened.


ps lancashire - it takes far far far less than 160 to end up on the organ donor list! - there are factors such as weight and metabolism to consider but fatal doses are not as high as people think. People feel ill but do not pass out until a long way into the damage usually. They stay awake and get sicker and sicker and more yellow and more sick.

Answer 2

As others have said it can cause damage, so you shouldn't be doing it. Are you taking them because you are in pain or is there another reason? Why does your profile say you are 21? Are you 13? I see you are into the 'metal' scene which is fairly typical for your age - but you also seem to have issues with depression and your self image and maybe want attention - again a stage many young persons go through. Get help, find someone to talk to - life is there to be lived and there will be people who care deeply about you, don't hurt them and yourself. Should we flag up our concern with your local police?

Answer 3

One of the most unpleasant aspects of such an action, would be your visit to casualty where they would pump out the stomach of anyone foolish to try to end their life in such a selfish way. It causes a lot of work for already overworked nurses and doctors. It costs a lot of money which is needed for people who are really ill, and it causes a lot of grief to the loved ones of the `victim`. If you must use paracetamol use it in accordance with the directions on the packet.

Answer 4

Taking any kind of medication in huge amounts will harm you. Taking 10 paracetamol will cause your liver irreparable damage then you will need a liver transplant. If you get to a hospital pretty quick then they can give a ante dote to counter act the toxicity of the paracetamol.

I hope this answers you question.

Answer 5

nothing would happen to you.. if perhaps you took 160 then you would almost certainly be transferred to the liver specialist unit in leeds where you'd be put on the bottom of the organ transfer list..and most certainly die before a suitable match was found...also on a less dire note you can get an even worse headache from taking more than rec dose say 3 or 4 in one shot..go see your doc, and if your considering suicide then quicker and less painful solutions are out there.

Answer 6

An overdose on paracetamol is a very very unpleasant way to die...

after taking the overdose, you normally pass out...

then you generally wake up in extreme pain as the pills have destroyed your kidney, stomach and liver... then you generally live for another 2 - 4 hours in agony and eventually die.

Not the nicest exit.

Answer 7

"6 or more" There's a vast difference between 6 and 60. It totally depends how many are taken. But as a general rule, you dont need to take very many for serious effects including liver and kidney damage. Not sure why you need to know this, but if you know anyone who has, then get them down to A&E.

Answer 8

firstly your head ache will go...........

you probably wont die.... the problem with over dose (and being drunk) is that the liver cant break down the substance, tablets, alcohol as quick as your taking it in.... that's why you get told how many to take, and at What intervals, and maximum in 24h...... if you've taken too many (but dont want to go to the Doctors.... which YOU SHOULD) then believe it or not... EXERCISE will be your best bet (after fluids) as exercise makes your liver work more efficiently, and therefore will break down the drug / alcohol quicker....

you die of overdose because your LIVER (not kidneys as some think) give up....

Answer 9

It would knock you out for several hours. You might get away with no after effects with six, but a large dose would cause multiple organ failure and a very unpleasant, painful death.

Answer 10

as good as an overdose - you would need to attend casualty where they would give u charcol to make u sick, take a blood test to check the level of paractamol in ur blood and liver test.

next u would be given a parvolex drip to help resusitate your liver!!

safest option - don't do it!!!