Many people assume that over-the-counter medications are safe when taken as directed. The assumptions associated with the consumption of over-the-counter medications like Tylenol, just because they do not have a prescription label on them, are safety and security from side-effects. Although the immediate side effects are not felt, and feelings of euphoria are not experienced, Tylenol and other supplemental drugs are still dangerous for the human body if overused.
Gastroenteritis is one of the long-term side effects of the drug, along with liver failure and blood thinning. Tylenol is just like any other pain pill but just does not include the immediate dosage strength to alert short-term side-effects similar to the same side-effects of long-term Tylenol use.
Here are a few signs to watch for if you are overdosing on Tylenol without warning.
4 Things You Didn’t Know About Tylenol Overdose
Do Not Consume With Alcohol – Tylenol, also known as acetaminophen, is often more deadly than codeine or hydrocodone when mixed with alcohol or used improperly. The drug has long-term affects to the human body but does not provide a feeling of relaxation or euphoria has some of its counterparts. Studies have shown that taking just a little more than recommended over the course of several days or weeks is far riskier than taking one massive overdose and may result in liver damage or other long-term effects. Many painkillers, such as Vicodin, contain acetaminophen and should not be mixed. Alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of kidney dysfunction or potential failure, even if your consumption is small.
Liver Damage is a Possibility – Even manufacturers of acetaminophen have come out to say that it is dangerous in over-consumption. The FDA stated that more than half of manufacturers voluntarily pleaded to reduce the amount of acetaminophen per dose in each bottle, claiming that the side-effects could be irreversible if abused. Due to the nature of the drug component, Tylenol becomes difficult for the liver to process in large consumptions, ultimately leading to a potential risk of failure in the future.
Are You Addicted? – As with any drug, addiction and dependency becomes an issue when consumption increases above recommended levels. As you increase the dosage to numb pain, you are indirectly causing another pain in the body – the pain of addiction. Addiction to painkillers is well documented and understood by the general populous, but what many fail to understand is that many of the active ingredients found in painkillers are also found in Tylenol, including acetaminophen. Therefore, safety when using the drug should be consistent with that of prescription painkillers.
Skin Reactions – There are many skin reactions that have occurred from the consumption of Tylenol. Although they are considered rare, if you are experiencing any blisters, headaches, or fevers after the consumption of Tylenol, you may be one of the few. Especially apparent when overdosing occurs, Tylenol creates a reaction in a few individuals that may become deadly if not treated. The FDA is currently working on a warning requirement about potential skin reaction for the bottle.
Acetaminophen is Common – Be careful when mixing medications, including flu, cough and cold, headache, and fever remedies. Many people mix these medications because they want to satisfy all of their symptoms at once, but, unfortunately, what they are doing is loading the body with acetaminophen. This is toxic to the body and difficult to treat (unexpected overdoses) in many cases before it is too late. During a critical time of diagnosis, many patients' blood levels of acetaminophen are deceptively low. Make sure to be careful about the mixing of over-the-counter medications, especially during a single sitting – always check the bottle ingredients and strength of each component.
Matthew Hall is an Orlando resident who has worked in pharmaceuticals and keeps himself up-to-date on current health issues. Another men's health issue that has been rising lately is low testosterone, and for that he highly recommends visiting www.rejuvehealthclinics.com to explore options. You can learn more about Matthew by visiting Google+.
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