From a young age, we’re taught to avoid drugs at all cost: heroine, ecstasy, and all the hallucinogens in between. This is drilled in our brain, and makes sense. Drugs like coke and speed can ruin lives. However, do we ever think twice about taking that handful of painkillers when we get a headache, are feeling sore, or think we’re catching a cold? Probably not. Well after researching the side effects of the popular analgesic (medication that reduces or relieves pain); I’m here to tell you that excessive use of this medication can be detrimental to your health. Acetaminophen is most commonly called by the brand name Tylenol or found in over-the-counter medications like NyQuil and Theraflu. These are easily accessible to us and found in most of our medicine cabinets. You may also be familiar with Vicodin or Percocet which also contain acetaminophen if you ever had a bad injury or wisdom teeth removed. While these prescription drugs are famous for their addictive qualities, the comparison between prescription and over the counter reliance is comparable.

     The main problem with this painkiller is not the painkiller itself – it is the fact that most consumers are uninformed and do not realize that excessive dosages can be detrimental to one’s health. It is safe when taken at the recommended dosages, but because it is one of the most easily obtainable medicines out there, it is also one of the most easily abused.  An article on LAtimes.com  breaks down just how the medicine itself is broken down in the body. In one pathway it is removed easily and safely through bile, and the other is a metabolic process that is extremely toxic to liver cells. While only about 5% of acetaminophen is broken down through the toxic pathway, when consumed in large dosages it is hard for the body to keep up and it must force more toxic byproduct to be produced. Doctors assure us that our bodies are truly capable of handling acetaminophen, so toxicity is quite rare when taking the appropriate amount. One pill here, three pills there: it all adds up. Irresponsible pill consumption can induce significant liver damage over time.

Another issue with this painkiller is that many consumers don’t realize certain medications contain it. Labels are often overlooked, instructions skimmed, and the consumer is left with medical problems down the road or even sooner.

One way to prevent any type of injury is to consult your doctor or local pharmacist, or simply research the facts. It should also be noted that family history or personal health always comes into play. Sometimes a consumer may unknowingly have a family history that will affect their personal behavior. As we’ve learned time and time again from Andrew, correlation does not mean causation. If you find yourself drowsy, sleepy or suffer from severe mental confusion you may be suffering from symptoms of liver failure. This information is probably not as relevant to you as it may be to a middle aged person, but it is good to know. Vomiting and abdominal pain are also symptoms of extreme liver damage. I know, I know you may be reading this blog and think I am crazy for bringing up a topic that probably won’t affect you until many years from now, but having this information sooner rather than when it is actually too late is crucial.

So whenever deciding to take simple painkillers it is important to be aware and knowledgeable. Don’t just pop those Tylenol pills, or you’ll really be sweatin’ at your next doctor’s appointment.

 Sources: Google images, LA Times, NY Times