This isn't really an addiction, but I'm not sure where else to put it.

So last night I took nine tylenol extra strengths (500mg each). I know I shouldn't, and I don't do it often. Just every once in a while something upsets me when I am already overwhelemed/tired, and I just want to do something drastic and potentially dangerous. The only other time I take more than the recommended amount is if my cramps are bad, I may take four.

I used to mess with benadryl due to my developing bad, persistent allegergies when I was 14 or 15. It wasn't with an intent to get high. I stopped after the hallucinations and because it made me feel like crap. So I know I can stop being stupid about tylenol as well.

So my question is, how likely is it I've done any long term damage to my body? And what may I have harmed? Liver? Kidneys? Brain? Should I have myself checked to make sure I'm okay? Or is it enough if I stop? Because I'm still sincerely concerned I hurt myself with the benadryl, and the most I ever took of that was six.

Thanks.

The liver is damage with Tylenol (Acetamenophin). It would be wise to have a liver function test done.

Tylenol (also called acetaminophen) is the number one cause of liver failure in the united states. Liver failure is deadly. The treatment for liver failure is a liver transplant--if you can get a liver. You are playing russian roulette with a drug that is not safe.

You need a safer way to deal both with your stress and your cramps.
So go see an gynecologist and say you've been taking too much acetaminophen; get a liver function test; tell the doctor about your cramps.

Then ask about seeing someone about your difficulty dealing with stress. Do NOT let anyone prescribe an anti-anxiety medication such as valium or Xanax. With your tendencies, you don't want to be anywhere near anything that dangerous or addictive. I'm thinking counseling, exercise, and meditation would be better options.

What kinds of things upset and overwhelm you so much that you reach for the tylenol?

Try and find other more natural things to relieve stress like vitamin B complex, drinking herbal tea such as chamomile, soaking in a tub of warm/hot water, listening to relaxing music, burning lavender or sandalwood candles.

If you feel you really need the Tylenol try taking one every 10 to 20 minutes until you start feeling better because it takes that long for them to kick in.
There is no reason to be taking 9 at once (don't know if that is how you did do it)

I took 9 in about an hour. I took 5, got a shower, then took 4, because I really wasn't sure I wanted to risk that much. I knew I shouldn't and was kind of afraid I might not wake up because I don't know how much is enough to kill you (not my goal), but I was upset. Part of me wanted to punish myself and part of me wanted a break from myself and my thoughts.

Last time I did this was a week ago when I took a cocktail (3 tylenol extra strength, 3 alieve, 2 asprin). That was because I was in cramped living quarters late one night on vacation with family and it set off my germ anxiety. I was also upset because of the lack of privacy and personal space-I'm not a big fan of crowds.

I usually do it when I feel like a horrible person. Either because of something I did, past or present, or because something reminds me I'm not happy with myself.

When I did it two nights ago it was because someone died recently who everyone loved but me due to something that may or may not have happened in the past between us. It made me feel horrible for almost getting him in trouble when everyone else thinks he's an angel, and I still don't know what really happened because I was 12 and confused and lost what I thought happened very quickly. I was upset that I almost hurt someone without all the facts and that I'll never know what really happened because he's dead and he's the only one that would know what happened, if anything.


And my cramps are no longer really an issue as I started birth control a few months ago. It seems to have helped.

You need to find some constructive ways of dealing with things.
Maybe read up on books that have to do with self improvement and improving self image and find hobbies that calm you.

Have you begun to seek counseling for your problems? This might just be the way to go for you rather than to wreak havoc on your liver.

I agree that counseling would be a good idea. BUT I think you should take some care in picking the right counselor--someone you feel comfortable with. I read some of your previous posts and it sounds like you haven't felt well treated by some of the doctors you've seen.

As for the recent death, it sounds like you might be saying you think you may have been subject to some sexual abuse (or other mistreatment) but you are not sure. If that's true, I can see why this person's death and the praise heaped on the person would be really upsetting. I hope that you can find a way to talk about this issue in a way that feel safe to you. I am getting that you can't talk to family about it, at least not now. Is it possible for you to see a psychologist? If not, you can talk here.

The feelings you are talking about -- feeling overwhelmed, unheard, anger turned on yourself--I can understand. It sounds like you are a bit depressed. But it also sounds like you may have some good reasons for feeling that way--i.e. you may want to plan how to make your life better for you rather than just taking a pill to make the feelings go away. That's something you can explore here, too, if you want.

I do hope you will stop taking large amounts of Tylenol when you are stressed.

I go to college next week at a major university with a hospital. I can probably do the liver function test, if it is really necessary, or at least get a consult.

I'm not entirely sure my issues warrant therapy, and I wouldn't know what to say. The tylenol and other past problems you may have read, I plan to prevent by cutting myself off. For example, I can't be tempted to overdose on tylenol if I don't have it. There are other remedies for headaches and things; I don't need medicine. It's just so easy here. I think I can fix things myself, I just wanted to know if there's a decent chance I hurt my body being stupid.

But if I do one day decide my problems are bad enough that I need therapy, my university provides it for free. At least initially.


My mom, at least, knows about the issue with that guy. Not that he's dead, but back when it first happened, I told her my concern and she insisted on calling the school. That upset me and I threatened to never tell her anything ever again and made her call them back and tell them I was wrong and I misunderstood. However, they insisted on talking to me anyway. I talked to the assistant principal not even five minutes, didn't even sit down, and the matter was dropped. I'm hoping he never found out about it, because I was 12 and I'm naturally sensitive, so I probably completely overreacted and it was a big misunderstanding. All I know is that he made me uncomfortable and I was terrified of him, but I can't say if what I thought happened happened or if my fears were warranted.

I wasn't there, but you sound perceptive and articulate, and I think a healthy, normal interaction with an adult male should not make any student feel terrified or uncomfortable. My gut feeling is that you had some reason to be uncomfortable and afraid of him. Trust yourself.

Edit: Lots of people with inappropriate tendencies are good at concealing their behavior and becoming very popular with other people.

Glad to hear you have access to good medical care if you want it. There are safer alternatives to acetaminophen, including ibuprofen and aspirin. Of course, large doses of ibuprofen are bad for your kidneys and too much aspirin can lead to ulcers. The key is moderation. All the NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, aleve) work in approximately the same way. Acetaminophen is somewhat different.

Last month the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about acetaminophen overdose and liver damage and also lowered the maximum daily safe dose from 4000 mg to 2600 mg. Acetaminophen is mixed into lots of other medicines, so it's easy to take more than you intend. Since you took 9 X 500 mg. that's 4500 mg, exceeding the old limit as well as the new one. There are cases of people having liver failure even while NOT exceeding the old recommended maximum dosage (that is 4000). So I really think you should get tested, especially if you have done this repeatedly.

Here's a story about this from the Philadelphia Inquirer.
FDA panel backs cut in maximum Tylenol dosage | Philadelphia Inquirer | 07/01/2009

Quote:

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The advisory panel recommended decreasing the maximum daily dose to 2,600 milligrams from 4,000 milligrams. A single pill of a medication such as Extra Strength Tylenol is 500 milligrams.

The FDA cited research showing that acetaminophen overdoses led to 56,000 emergency-room visits, 26,000 hospitalizations, and 458 deaths from 1990 through 1998.

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[QUOTE = artlady]artlady agrees: New studies have made it clear that this is one OTC med that should be taken with more caution.[/QUOTE]

Agreed. But not all the data suggesting that acetaminophen/Tylenol is risky is that new. "32 years"!

Quote:

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The connection between acetaminophen and liver damage has been on the FDA's radar screen for years. The consumer-advocacy group Public Citizen has been pushing the FDA to reduce recommended doses of the drug since at least 2002.

Sidney Wolfe, director of Public Citizen Health Research Group and a member of the FDA panel that voted yesterday, said a similar panel first had recommended adding a warning about the risk of liver damage to labels of drugs containing acetaminophen 32 years ago.

The FDA finally insisted on those warnings in April, a precursor to yesterday's recommendation on dosage.

Wolfe said that he wasn't sure why the action had taken so long, but guessed that industry pressure on the FDA had played a role.

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Well, I don't think I do it that much. Twice in two weeks was probably coincidence, but I can't be sure how much I have done it. I will get checked though, just because it would be nice not to have to worry about it anymore. By law, they can't do anything but give advice and treat me, correct?

And I'm on my parents insurance, so would they find out about it?

Thank you, everyone.

I took 14 last night.

Tylenol causes liver damage.

Please follow this thread...

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/bereav...en-387412.html

Have you planned your funeral?

She killed herself? Accidental overdose? Liver disease?

I don't know what I was trying to do exactly. I just know that I'm a little scared right now. I keep raising the bar.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by give2me1lemons

She killed herself? Accidental overdose? Liver disease?

I don't know what I was trying to do exactly. I just know that I'm a little scared right now. I keep raising the bar.

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You need to seek psychological help. What you are doing is akin to cutting yourself or other means of self harm.

Tylonol is not a drug of abuse... its not an addiction. Its something probably more severe.

Please get professional help.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stevetcg

You need to seek psychological help. What you are doing is akin to cutting yourself or other means of self harm.

Tylonol is not a drug of abuse... its not an addiction. Its something probably more severe.

Please get professional help.

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I have a history of cutting/burning.

The idea of actually sitting down next to someone with the power to do something and with no idea of the possible consequences of subjecting to myself to such a person; is very intimidating.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by give2me1lemons

I have a history of cutting/burning.

The idea of actually sitting down next to someone with the power to do something and with no idea of the possible consequences of subjecting to myself to such a person; is very intimidating.

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Unless you pose a clear threat to yourself or others, they have no power. Seeking help shows you are interested in health, not death.

I wouldn't be considered a threat to myself if I occasionally cut or od on tylenol?

I need to change, but I wouldn't even know where to begin.

A dozen Tylenol isn't going to kill you - at least not quickly. It will slowly though. But it appears as though time is making this worse for you.

The place to begin is speaking to a professional. Either medical or school counselor that can get you the help you need. It might not be possible to help yourself right now.

There is a center here that offers free counseling, but I wouldn't even begin to know where to find it. I'd feel so weird asking about it and going into it. Then I have a hard time saying these things in person. All I could offer them are facts, not feelings.

The more time that passes after I do something stupid, the less I see the need for help. I keep saying I won't do it again, but I always do. I probably should, but I'm afraid to.





I think part of it is going alone of my own accord.

Don't worry about feelings. Just start with facts. A professional is trained to deal with people in all sorts of stages of crisis. They will be able to get out of you what they need. Its part of the process.

Try Google to find it. Or the local bulletin boards.

If you live in the U.S. and they think you are a danger to yourself, that you are actually trying to kill yourself, they will certainly at least consider putting you under observation for a day or two.

For example, in California:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5150_(I...ychiatric_hold)

Are you trying to kill yourself? This is unclear to me.

So what happens when you take 14 Tylenol? How did you feel?

I wasn't trying to kill myself, but I didn't rule it out as a possible consequence either. I think I was more hoping that if I got sick or passed out or something, someone might help me do what I'm unable, afraid, to do myself. I think I've made it as obvious as I can without flat out asking someone for help that I could use some support. The problem is, no one seems to understand or realize how much I'm struggling. Sometimes I seem perfectly fine. Even I question if I really need help or just need to get over myself. My life hasn't been as bad as a lot of people, and they're fine. I feel like I just annoy or scare people when I try to say what's going on with me or why I am the way I am. I feel like my problems aren't valid, and I shouldn't be this way.

It's hard to explain how I felt after fourteen. Last night, just kind of tired. My pulse seemed slow, and I think I was shaking a little. This morning I felt tired and it seemed like my pulse quickened whenn it wouldn't normally. I had a hard time focusing in class. When I woke up, I was a little nautious and just wanted to lay there. I felt a bit better when I ate something. Cold too.

I don't know how much of that was actually from the tylenol and how much was just me freaking out about what I did.

Is there someone that you can trust to get you the help you need if they were told?

Is it possible to get them an anonymous message? Is that something you could do?

A friend, kind of, knows what I did last night. He's 26 and currently in another state. I texted him, and when he found out I took 14 tylenol he said "...Quit doing stupid sh*t". He claims he doesn't mind me venting to him at all, but I don't think he'd help either. Then my closest friends are in another state as well (I'm in college), and I don't think I can expect them to know how to help me. They don't know how bad I get, really.

It would feel wrong if I asked someone straight to help me. I can't put that pressure on someone.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by give2me1lemons

A friend, kind of, knows what I did last night. He's 26 and currently in another state. I texted him, and when he found out I took 14 tylenol he said "...Quit doing stupid sh*t". He claims he doesn't mind me venting to him at all, but I don't think he'd help either. Then my closest friends are in another state as well (I'm in college), and I don't think I can expect them to know how to help me. They don't know how bad I get, really.

It would feel wrong if I asked someone straight to help me. I can't put that pressure on someone.

---

Then ask someone who's job it is to take that pressure off you. Do you have a professor you trust? RA? Someone from the school...

Just say "Listen... I have this problem and I dont know where to turn... can you please help me figure it out?"

I don't know ANYONE that wouldn't try to help... and I know some pretty bad people.

It's only the second day of classes and I'm from out of state. I don't know anyone really yet. My one RA seems cool, but he's still only a sophomore. I don't think I should put this on a peer.


I think I'm probably eventually either going to mess up enough that someone has to help me or just force myself to go find a counsellor. I don't think I'm quite strong enough or desperate enough for the latter yet though..

I still want to believe I can do this alone, but I keep slipping up..

How about forcing yourself now, before you really slip up and do something that cannot be recovered from... how about a stroke? Would you rather live the rest of your life as a stroke victim? How about needing a liver transplant? Amputee?

You need help now... not when it gets 'really bad'. Its already really bad.

BE strong enough. Or tell your parents. Or call a hotline. Or the local hospital.

Suffering in silence will not get you the help you need.

You think I'm really that bad off? It's not all the time. My last overdose of nine was when I started this thread like twenty days ago. I haven't cut/burned in a couple months. I just tend to relapse when I feel particularly awful the way I did last night. If I keep distracted, it's better. I just don't have any distractions here yet. When I think too much, I get hopeless.


I will never tell my parents.

Amputee from a tylenol overdose?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by give2me1lemons

You think I'm really that bad off? It's not all the time. My last overdose of nine was when I started this thread like twenty days ago. I haven't cut/burned in a couple months. I just tend to relapse when I feel particularly awful the way I did last night. If I keep distracted, it's better. I just don't have any distractions here yet. When I think too much, I get hopeless.


I will never tell my parents.

Amputee from a tylenol overdose?

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Amputee from cutting... infection, gangrene, amputation...

And yes, I think you are bad enough off to seek help. Today its 14 Tylenol... what is tomorrow... 14 vicoden? See what I am getting at?

Getting the help you need will prevent you from getting like you were last night or worse. That's the idea.

I guess I see what you mean, considering that I'm tempted again. I doubt I'd ever get my hands on vicodin though, and I always sterylized what I used.

I just wish I had one person I could count on.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by give2me1lemons

I guess I see what you mean, considering that I'm tempted again. I doubt I'd ever get my hands on vicodin though, and I always sterylized what I used.

I just wish I had one person I could count on.

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You have one person... you.

What if I'm not enough?


...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by give2me1lemons

I always sterylized what I used.

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Unless you have an autoclave, whatever you are using is NOT sterilized.

Cutting can end up bleeding to death in a very fast amount of time.

The person I mentioned before (the thread I gave) did not commit suicide quickly, but over time she deteriorated her liver by alcohol abuse. The liver does not regenerate, and you may not be eligible for a liver transplant if you have these suicidal ideations.

You need to seek help now, not later, not tomorrow, TODAY!

I think that all I want is just one person to care and listen and be there for me. I feel like I'm there for my friends, with advice or even tough love (when my friend was getting drunk and going off with random guys and almost raped). It's just like, all my friends can say is "I'm sorry" or "cheer up" or "I wish I could help you". I know it's not their job to give me the support or advice I need, but I usually end up apologising for leaning on them. Then the only people I have who would care and help are my parents, which is a definite no, or this 21 year old I met online who thinks he's in love with me and wants to "have me", basically. I think if I had even one close friend who'd be half as committed as I would be if one of my friends felt this way, or one normal guy who thought I was amazing; then I wouldn't hate myself so much and feel like such a disease.

It's hard for me to talk to my friends though even because I lost a lot when my problems began. I talk to people online more, but I'm afraid of losing even them.

I'm okay alone until it gets late and I'm sitting in my room. Or when it's time to eat and it's just me. Or when I have to listen to all the things my friends and roommate did with their other friends. I can't be social either. I feel like I'm annoying and ugly, so I don't force my presence on others. I'd rather be known as a loner than a creep.

I used rubbing alcohol to clean when cutting and assumed burning the metal would suffice when burning. Then I always cared for my wounds. I never really bled, just scarred.
I was tempted to use the tylenol again, but I didn't.


In the end, I don't feel like I can make new friends or have a boyfriend until I fix myself. It's an endless cycle..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by give2me1lemons

I think that all I want is just one person to care and listen and be there for me. I feel like I'm there for my friends, with advice or even tough love (when my friend was getting drunk and going off with random guys and almost raped). It's just like, all my friends can say is "I'm sorry" or "cheer up" or "I wish I could help you". I know it's not their job to give me the support or advice I need, but I usually end up apologising for leaning on them. Then the only people I have who would care and help are my parents, which is a definite no, or this 21 year old I met online who thinks he's in love with me and wants to "have me", basically. I think if I had even one close friend who'd be half as committed as I would be if one of my friends felt this way, or one normal guy who thought I was amazing; then I wouldn't hate myself so much and feel like such a disease.

It's hard for me to talk to my friends though even because I lost a lot when my problems began. I talk to people online more, but I'm afraid of losing even them.

I'm okay alone until it gets late and I'm sitting in my room. Or when it's time to eat and it's just me. Or when I have to listen to all the things my friends and roommate did with their other friends. I can't be social either. I feel like I'm annoying and ugly, so I don't force my presence on others. I'd rather be known as a loner than a creep.

I used rubbing alcohol to clean when cutting and assumed burning the metal would suffice when burning. Then I always cared for my wounds. I never really bled, just scarred.
I was tempted to use the tylenol again, but I didn't.


In the end, I don't feel like I can make new friends or have a boyfriend until I fix myself. It's an endless cycle..

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Cleaning the blade does not make cutting yourself any better.

If you want to fix yourself, you need to stop sitting around hoping someone will do it for you. Ever heard the expression "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink"? You have been lead to the help... its up to you to get it.

You have to be strong to admit that you are that messed up that you need a professional to sort you out and shove you in the right direction. Even so, it feels weak to me if I can't do it by myself. I don't know. It's so hard for me to do that-I'm still not willing to accept I'm that bad. Plus you have to trust some stranger to keep your secrets and help you and not lock you up. I think I could do it alone if I had support, but I don't. Do you get what I'm saying, or am I just dumb?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by give2me1lemons

You have to be strong to admit that you are that messed up that you need a professional to sort you out and shove you in the right direction. Even so, it feels weak to me if I can't do it by myself. I don't know. It's so hard for me to do that-I'm still not willing to accept I'm that bad. Plus you have to trust some stranger to keep your secrets and help you and not lock you up. I think I could do it alone if I had support, but I don't. Do you get what I'm saying, or am I just dumb?

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Call it what you want - its just making excuses. You cannot make excuses when it comes to your life. You can't fool yourself.

What you are looking for IS the support that a therapist brings.

You are obviously not dumb and I get what you are saying. But I wonder why you feel that getting help is weak. And also why your parents are not there for you. Do they think people shouldn't need help? It seems to me that when people really get into trouble, like I feel you are, it's because they don't have family or friends to fall back on. So it's a vicious circle. So how did that start for you? How did you start to feel so isolated?

Anyway, you are where you are. So regardless of how you got there, it's time to start digging yourself out. I really think you should find a counselor who understands your issues. Hold out for someone you like and who knows at least a little about self harm. The counselor is legally required to keep your words confidential. If you can afford to pay yourself (instead of insurance) and you tell them not to take notes, that increases your safety in terms of confidentiality.

I would make sure that you are clear that you are not trying to kill yourself. Let there be no doubt about that. And please, please stop taking the overdoses of tylenol. Cutting yourself is disfiguring, but you know you can heal from it. Your liver is not as resilient as your skin, so please don't do that. (And I'm not advocating cutting. :))