Question about Excedrin Migrain Medicine, If you take too many can you get a heart attack?

Question

Ive taken about 6 in the past 3 days. It said not to take two in a 24 four hour period.

But, unless my math is off, Ive taken over the amount suggested. I think.

I took one not long ago for an intense migrain, may I take another? the Migrains back. plus it keeps me awake, and Ive got some stuff I gotta do...

Answer 1

No, you won't get a heart attack.

Six in the past two days is not excessive....18 would be.

You can take another one....but you really need to take prescription medication, not over the counter OTC drugs. There are much more effective drugs available.

Initial treatment depends on how severe your migraine attacks are and how often they occur, but usually includes drugs to stop a headache (abortive) or drugs to prevent a headache (preventive), along with treatments that may reduce stress.

The most commonly used abortive drugs are:

    * Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, some of which you can buy without a prescription.

    * Triptans (serotonin receptor agonists). These are usually the first type of prescription medicines tried to quickly stop a migraine attack.

    * Ergotamine derivatives, such as Cafergot, although these medications may not be as effective as triptans for treating migraines.

    * Midrin, which is a combination of the drugs isometheptene, acetaminophen, and dichloralphenazone.

The most commonly used preventive drugs—used to avoid or reduce the frequency of migraine attacks—include:

    * Beta-blockers, which relax blood vessels.

    * Calcium channel blockers, which reduce the amount of narrowing (constriction) of the blood vessels.

    * Antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, which has been shown to be effective in preventing migraines.

    * Anticonvulsants, such as topiramate, which is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for preventing migraines.

Answer 2

Excedrin Migraine contains (per 2 caplets) 500 mg acetaminophen (Tylenol), 500 mg aspirin, and 130 mg caffeine.  That's about as much caffeine as in a cup of coffee.  It's not recomended to take more than 2 caplets in 24 hours; taking 6 in a 3 day period is not over the amount recommended.

I'm not sure why they say don't exceed 2 in 24 hours, unless the caffeine bothers you.  You shouldn't take it with other products containing acetaminophen, either, as too much can cause liver damage (like over 4000 mg in a day)