I think I've taken a paracetomol overdose... how much is too much??

Question

I've been suffering from horrible stress and depression recently, so last night I took 14 paracetomols. I'm 5'6, very slim, quite a small and light person... have I overdosed or should I be safe? Can anyone tell me what certain amounts of paracetomol can do to you? (I.e, 8 tablets maximum recommended dose, 10 tablets can..... 15 tablets can.....)

Please help I don't know what I've done to myself!

Answer 1

To be overly specific about dose-dependent toxicity:

14 tablets or more (500mg/tablet) - Most serious consequence: Acute Fulminant Liver failure and if untreated, Death.

Get to HOSPITAL ASAP ! GET TREATMENT NOW !

Is reversible if treated in time and then you'll be fine.

Paracetamol is neither for depression nor stress. You need to talk to someone with whom you can share your challenges and who can provide you social support.

Answer 2

yeah....how about you call an ambulance first?

Answer 3

You're awake today, that's a good sign.

Although it depends upon dosage, there is a possibility of toxic effects, particularly upon the liver. This is heightened if you're a frequent drinker or have been using high doses of paracetemol often.

If, however, you only have an occasional beer once a week, and you otherwise don't take analgesics (paracetemol but also aspirin or tylenol or other NSAIDs like naproxen or ibuprofen), you're probably fine.

Symptoms of overdose include headache, dizziness, upset stomach (more than that due to the stress you're under, you poor thing), nausea, vomiting. If you notice jaundice in the eyes or skin, or blood in your vomit or stool, go to the urgent care facility.

Otherwise, drink a lot of water to help mete out the potency, take a day off work to mete out the stress. Try exercise instead of pills to help with the stressors in your life, and try a nice dinner with lovely people to help with the depression.

Answer 4

how many mg per tablet?

Answer 5

More than 4g a day can cause severe liver damage, so it depends on how many milligrams the tabs were.  That's really not a drug you want to s***w around with...go to the doctor.

Answer 6

Don't panic! but this is a lot of paracetamol and you should seek medical attention immediately. 14 tablets, could cause some toxicity over a 24 hour period so you best be safe and get it looked at.

There's no way to gauge the effects of different amounts. It varies from person to person and depends of course on the tablet size you took.

Good luck and best wishes

Answer 7

get to the hospital now

Answer 8

Well first, if you took 14 because you were stressed and depressed I really think you need to get immediate help.  I do not mean that in a mean way, I think you really should seek professional help to get your through the slump your in.  You will be really surprised at how quickly you can come out of a depression when getting the proper help.  

I think your best bet is to contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) There really is no set amount considered an "overdose" but you potentially have done significant damage to your liver if you have taken too many.  You may want to also contact your Primary doctor to let them know whats going on.  You are better safe than sorry.  But again if you took 14 pills because you are depressed please go seek help, it will be the best decision.