I'm not an addict or anything, but for the past few weeks maybe once or twice a weekl, I take about 4 or 5 non-aspirin tylenol pm to help me sleep (I work very early, and my schedule gets really messed up so I have difficulty going to bed at the normal hour). I never get "high" on them...just get extremely tired and pass out after about 2 hours of taking them. So, question is...I know obviously taking that amount is not good for you in any way, (and I actually have stopped it altogether) but what are the risks involved? Thanks for any input!
2007-10-07 19:20:54 · 10 answers · asked by tinkerbell_pixy24 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
The acute toxicity of Tylenol is 7.5g-10g in a 24hr period. The chronic toxicity is 5-6.5g daily. Since you are taking max 2.5 approx 2x a week then no you should not have any problems.
FYI, it takes a 24hr period for it to leave the body via urination. Again you should not be having any problems. Unless you have a sensitivity to it which would have come up at the very least 30min after ingestion.
2007-10-07 20:00:29 · answer #1 · answered by Colour3 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a clinical study of healthy adults, Extra Strength Tylenol taken at its highest recommended dose sharply increased liver enzymes, an early sign of possible organ damage.
Although overdoses of Tylenol can harm the liver, the study published in today's edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association is the first to note signs of trouble among healthy people taking the pain reliever as directed.
Rethink Maximum Dosage?
"This study shows that even taking the amount on the package can be a problem for some people," said Dr. William M. Lee of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Lee was not involved in the research.
Tylenol is the No.1 brand of acetaminophen, the main ingredient in more than 200 types of pain relievers and cold remedies. As many as 100 million Americans take acetaminophen safely each year, according to estimates.
Still, the over-the-counter drug is the leading cause of acute liver failure in the US,
There are also studies linking prolonged use of non- aspirin Tylenol to heart and kidney problems.
Taking it once or twice a week in your case is fine. However, i would question the amt. it seems that 4-5 tablets are excessive. for you. By requiring this high dosage might indicate a bad habit or drug dependence..
2007-10-08 00:01:49 · answer #2 · answered by rosieC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tylenol PM is just tylenol with benadryl added. The maximum dose of tylenol is 4,000mg per day. Taking over this amount can harm your liver. I do not advise taking 4-5 Tylenol PMs at once. You should stop drinking caffeine, go to bed at the same time every night, even on days you're not working, do not watch tv or have a tv in your bedroom, take a lavender bubblebath before bed, read before bed, do not take more than 20 minute naps during the day, do not exercise 2 hours before bed. If none of these work, you may need to see a doctor. Good luck.
2007-10-07 19:30:02 · answer #3 · answered by lbmk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The amount you're taking may be problematic. Next time you see your doctor ask him, or call and his nurse soon and she will give you the information. If they need to run a test, they will have you come in. Tylenol tends to accumulate in the major organs like kidneys and has to be monitored for toxicity, the shutting down of an organ
is a consequence. You aren't there yet,
but it wouldn't hurt to be safe, OK? I have the problem from Tylenol, cannot take aspirin. I have arthritis, and no knee, so I'm in a lot of pain.
No, you are not an addict. I wish you well. Benedril is a no-toxic help for sleeping. Ask your pharmacist, most sleep aids are addicting. I don't believe Benedril is.
2007-10-07 19:48:53 · answer #4 · answered by wpepper 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Overdosing on tylenol is I think the second most common cause of liver failure in North America (I knew a lady who almost died of liver failure because she got a flu and took too many Tylenols).
Painkillers should not be used as sedatives, the way that you're using them. Consult your doctor about any damage that you may have caused your body and any safe alternatives.
As for non-medical sedatives, drinking some chamomile tea before bed can help you sleep. However, I think that ultimately you really should make some changes to your schedule so it's not so hard on your body.
2007-10-07 19:31:41 · answer #5 · answered by Victoria 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tylenol, in any form, goes to your LIVER (just as alcohol and many prescription meds do). You only have ONE liver, so you NEVER want to take a Tylenol product on an empty stomach!!! Try to take as little of it as possible.
For sleep, try MELATONIN (over-the-counter supplement, found in vitamin aisles of most stores). This has helped people with jet lag, and people who work rotating shifts to sleep.
2007-10-07 19:31:00 · answer #6 · answered by Holiday Magic 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That particular type of Tylenol shouldn' t harm you .
It' s actually produced for people who are allergic to aspirin .
2007-10-07 19:25:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tylenol is bad for your liver.
Why don't you try Tylenol Simply Sleep?
2007-10-07 19:45:31 · answer #8 · answered by savoryjawbox 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Acetaminophen is hepatotoxic with long term overuse. If you are using this daily to fall asleep, you should see your doctor about a non-addictive sleep aid.
2007-10-07 19:42:31 · answer #9 · answered by MHnurseC 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My advice: rotate your pain killers: Never allow a high level of one type of pain killer in your bloodstream....
Use the same strategy with sleep aids.
Rotating work shifts are never a good idea, it screws up your biorhythms something fierce......
But you have compensated....
2007-10-07 19:32:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋