Can you over dose on pain killers?

Question

I'm on moderate to severe pain killers for chronic back pain.
On the packet it says take on to two capsules four times a day. My doc told me if i'm in alot of pain i could take 3 which i did 2-2.5 hours ago but they seem to be not working. Would it be wrong of me to take 4 when the times up to take more. I called my doc to ask but recepitist said he doesnt really take calls. But i would need to ask him so i said can i make an appointment to see him they said sorry his booked out today....could i over dose on them if i just risk taking 4?

why cant i drink grapefruit juice?

and the pills are called zydol
tramadol capsules 50 mg

Answer 1

yes you can OD on pain killers BUT the ppl that do take mass amounts at one time and are usually on other drugs when that happens. To answer that question.
As for your pain...NO I am not a Dr but between my hubby and I have been on/off pain killers for various injuries, surgries etc.
No you should not take 4 at once to many! Pain killers will build up in your system or basically catch up to you. I would wait until the time and then take 3 again. You will be fine and you will still be following his orders.
Now for your 3rd prob. Your DR that your under his care will not take calls?? Again and he is too booked to answer a two second question? I would considering taking my health to someone that cares a little bit more. The DR sounds like he has more patients than he even cares to be bothered with...not a good feature in a Doc.
One other thing..Do not drink alchol while your on pain killers...your 3 pills will make you spin.

Answer 2

Yes you can overdose. You can overdose on asprin. You don't say how long you've been taking the medication or what it is. There are tons of different ones out there. Take some ibuprophen- up to 800mg at 6 hour intervels. Don't take acetomeniphen (Tylenol type)- very hard on your liver. Ibuprophen reduces swelling which can lessen your pain.
It is a good idea to talk to your Doc, but pain makes you desparate. I would suggest moist heat and anything else before you increase your dose. I would not recommend taking more than perscribed. Try to make it through tonight and at least talk to his nurse tomorrow- or go to one of those Insta-Care places- they will get through to your doc. Pain meds can be unpredictible in larger than perscribed dosages. Remember: That which does not kill us makes us stronger. I should be an Olympian by now. Pray.

Answer 3

Yes it is possible to overdose on pain pills. Depending on what state you are in you can call the ER and speak to a nurse and he/she will tell you what to take.

I have taken pain pills for pain before and I was told that if the pills are not working to take 4 ibuprofen b/c the ingredient in Ibuprofen will enhance the effects of the pain killers with out causes an over dose , hope this helps

Answer 4

I really don't know but I think that it's possible that it might make you alittle bit sick to your stomach. If you want to be 100% sure call the Poison Control Center, the number should be in the front of your telephone book. They have all the answers to questions like this. Sorry I wasn't able to give you a definate answer. Be careful with the meds and Good luck to you and I hope that you start to feel better soon.

Answer 5

You need to wait 4 hours between pills.
You cannot kill yourself but you're killing your liver and/or your kidneys depending on what kind of meds he gave you.
Put either ice or a hot pad on the site and try some of the rubs they have, your back pain is sometimes amplified because you're cramping up the muscles. The rubs will ease the muscle pain.
If you know a Chinese person, they have a really good oil in the Chinese store, which smells wicked but works like a charm.

Answer 6

You can over dose on any medication. Never over take anything,
always take as prescribe. medication takes at least an hour to
work. Make sure you eat a little something so it work better and
it won't affect your liver or give you ulcers in the future. Medication
needs to kick in before it really works so give it time. Taking to much doesn't rush the numbness it only harms you, so be safe.

Answer 7

Dangerous question alert. You do not even mention the drug, nor the dose. And YES you can overdose on just about any drug, especially pain-killers. Especially of it contains acetominophen. Especially if you take more than your own doctor said to. What would you do if someone came on yahoo and said you could take 20? What does 'doesn't really take calls mean?' If there is an answering service, then someone DOES take call. Call them back and demand to speak to your doctor, or go to the emergency room.

Answer 8

It seems that your body is already not responding to the kind of pain reliever you are taking. You have to take nother kind of pain reliever since your system has developed resistance to your old medicine. You can get over dose on your pain killer, YES! And it is pretty harmful to your LIVER. Try to look for another doctor who is patient to his patients...I know some doctors get annoyed by their own patients. Try to solicit suggestions from your older people around. Good luck and be careful.

Answer 9

the receptionist should have transferred your call to a nurse, first of all. Call them back and complain!

Second.. I take lots of painkillers for my kidneys and back.. once I took five lortabs and it didn't hurt me, just helped me relax a bit. I do have a high tolerance though, been on morphine and such since I was 13. If I'd know the name of the pills you have I could probably answer better LOL I have a pharmacy in my house.

Answer 10

Yes, you can overdose on pain killers or any other medication. If it's not working then talk to your doctor about trying something else, but don't change the dose on your own.