What happens when you take too much excedrin?

Question

I have a sinus pain headache that just won't go away. I've had it for at least the last 5 days.

Problem is, the only thing that makes it feel better is excedrin. I think I've taken at least 20 pills in the last 3 or 4 days. My question: what is too much? I know what the bottle says, but I'm curious if I've already taken too much and if I should stop?

What might happen to me if I continue to take it?

Answer 1

I'm not a doctor so I won't answer your question about the drug (you could call a pharmacist).

But I get nasty headaches, too. Try this:

Drink two full glasses of room temperature water. Go into a completely quiet, dark room. Lie on back. Cold damp wash clothe over eyes, bridge of nose, and forehead. Hot damp towel across back of neck and shoulders. Massage your temples. Next, place each of your middle fingers just under the underside of midline eyebrows. Quickly flick the fingers upward, slightly stretching the skin. (10 times) Next, place each middle finger on each inner cheek bone near the nose, quickly slide the fingers slightly down and to the sides.(15 times) Relax. Imagine the pain, stress, anxiety dripping off your body, onto the mattress. Sleep, if you can. Oftentimes, this will rid you of your headache.

Note: you may have a sinus infection. Do you have a fever (even low grade?) Bloody snot? Sore throat? If so, call your doctor.

Good luck. I feel for you. Five day headaches suck.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What happens when you take too much excedrin?
I have a sinus pain headache that just won't go away. I've had it for at least the last 5 days.

Problem is, the only thing that makes it feel better is excedrin. I think I've taken at least 20 pills in the last 3 or 4 days. My question: what is too much? I know what the bottle...

Answer 3

Too Much Excedrin

Answer 4

By taking that much excedrin, you might be unwittingly making your headache worse. You could be getting a "rebound" headache, or the caffeine in the excedrin could be worsening the pain. Also, that much excedrin is hell on your stomach.

A headache that lasts five days needs to be checked out -- stop self-medicating right away and see your doc. You may have a sinus infection that needs to be treated with an antibiotic.

Good luck, and I hope you feel better soon.

Answer 5

Excedrin has tylenol, aspirin and caffeine. One problem with this combination is that the caffeine can cause rebound migraines. The use is only good for an as needed basis. If you are having a sinus headache, you may want to take a decongestant like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine to relieve some sinus pressure. And the effects of taking too may: max tylenol dose per day is 4000mg so don't exceed that. If taken too long could cause some liver toxicity, but only in long term use. I'd see a doctor if this persists to get some prescription meds.

Answer 6

Excedrin and other OTC pain killers can cause damage to your stomach and esophagus, which is why they should be taken sparingly. These don't cure sinus pain. There are products on the market like Afrin which are nasal sprays and don't have to go into your digestive system. Talk to your doctor. It's possible you have a sinus infection. Anyway, after 5 days what you are doing isn't working and you need to ask your doctor for something else.

Answer 7

Too much Excedrin may cause an ulcer and internal bleeding when taken in excess to the recommended dosis. Always follows your Doctor's instruction. Take care.

Answer 8

You need to direct this to a professional! I can , however, give you my personal opinion. If you have any other medical problems requiring other medications, be sure that the 2 are compatable over an extended time. It sounds as if your sinus problems are severe in nature. Check with your physicial as to what is best to take in your situation. If the Excedrin contains aspirin it acts as a blood thinner. if you have a history of cerebral hemorrage, this could become a serious problem... Again, please check with your doctor... good luck and may God bless you.....

Answer 9

Liver damage and or bleeding ulcers. Neither of which are fun and both can be deadly. Talk to your doctor about your headache and see what they would recommend. Maybe it's a sinus infection. Maybe you need some kind of decongestant. But please do not take any more Excedrin until you talk to your doctor!

Answer 10

You probably have a sinus infection and the Excedrin is only a temporary fix...need to see a doctor...too much of that stuff is hard on the liver.