paracetamol??!

x_BabyG_x · Apr 14, 2008 at 07:11 PM

Quick question...

can you be addicted to paracetamol??

babyg xxx

cheetah · Apr 14, 2008 at 07:32 PM

Paracetamol (aka acetaminophen or Tylenol) by itself is not an addictive medication. However, when combined with other medications like codeine (Tylenol #3) or hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab), the medication can become addictive. It is the medication it is combined with, NOT the paracetamol that is giving it the potential for abuse.

In the US medications with abuse potential are called controlled substances. The FDA assigns a number (levels 1-5) to these medications based on how high the potential for abuse is. Level 1 would have the highest potential for abuse and level 5 the lowest. I can't tell you how this works in the UK though.

x_BabyG_x · Apr 14, 2008 at 07:42 PM

I read that it wasnt addictive on the internet somewhere... but it seems like I cant stop taking them. I go through at least a box a day, and if theyre not addictive, why do I do it???

I suppose it's a matter of overdosing though (I dont stick to the reccomended 1 or 2 its more like 3,4, even 5 at a time) could that be a different issue??

RozG · Apr 14, 2008 at 07:47 PM

Hi BabyG

Sorry if this answer is no help to you and i hope it doesn't offend you...

if it's JUST paracetomol you're taking with nothing else added...

maybe it's a psychological addiction?

hope i've not offended you and hope you're well today?

cheetah · Apr 14, 2008 at 07:48 PM

What I can tell you is that this medication can be very dangerous when not taken as directed. It can cause severe liver problems and even lead to death. Please see your doctor about what the proper dose of this medication is if you are not sure.

Just curious, what are you taking the medication for?

x_BabyG_x · Apr 14, 2008 at 07:58 PM

well it just started off with taking it when I felt rough, and now I feel rough all the time. Im completely aware of how dangerous it is and the correct dosage, but then I think to myself 'whats the harm in a few more..?' and it leads off from there. And I went for an assessment for my new therapist and I told him about it and he just said, 'yes, its quite common...'

Im confused. And yeah I agree with you Kalamity Jane about being psycologically addicted, it seems to me like thats the only explaination for it

Jully · Apr 14, 2008 at 08:02 PM

I very often take more than the suggested dose of medications. It seemed almost like a compulsion for a while. I eventually realized that I was subconsciously doing this to harm myself. T also agrees that this falls under my self harm issue.

I'm not saying that is what is going on with you, just my personal experience.

x_BabyG_x · Apr 14, 2008 at 08:09 PM

Thanks Jully, you put a completely different light on it! I suppose it is just another form of self harm if Im misusing them. Which isn't good, because im trying to stop right now...

Ive just realised that since ive been trying to stop self-injuring I have been overdosing more frequently aswell

katheryn · Apr 16, 2008 at 06:10 PM

(((((((((((((((((((x_BabyG_x )))))))))))))))))
i know you are not allowed to buy more than 2 boxes of 16 at a time, the only thing you can do is stop buying it, cut down to one tablet at a time tell your self that it will help better than none, then cut back to 6hrs and so on
wish you luck because liver damage can be bad, especially with od on paracetmol

Gracey · Apr 16, 2008 at 06:43 PM

Death by Tylenol is slow. . .and quite painful. So, if this is what you're aiming for, you're well on your way.

I'm curious what the Tylenol is doing for you? When you say you feel "rough" are you meaning physically or emotionally?

Maybe ya'll have a different brand of Tylenol over in the UK, but the stuff we get here in the states. . .I'm not aware of it serving any beneficial purpose for emotional or anxiety based issues.

It's an analgesic. . .helps pains in the bones, headache, etc. Reduces fever. That's about it.

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RozG Account Suspended Member Since Feb 2008 Location: U.K. Posts: 6,767 16	Apr 14, 2008 at 07:47 PM #4 Hi BabyG Sorry if this answer is no help to you and i hope it doesn't offend you... if it's JUST paracetomol you're taking with nothing else added... maybe it's a psychological addiction? hope i've not offended you and hope you're well today?
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cheetah Account Suspended Member Since Mar 2008 Location: Africa Posts: 162 16	Apr 14, 2008 at 07:48 PM #5 What I can tell you is that this medication can be very dangerous when not taken as directed. It can cause severe liver problems and even lead to death. Please see your doctor about what the proper dose of this medication is if you are not sure. Just curious, what are you taking the medication for?
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Jully Member Member Since Nov 2007 Posts: 85 16	Apr 14, 2008 at 08:02 PM #7 I very often take more than the suggested dose of medications. It seemed almost like a compulsion for a while. I eventually realized that I was subconsciously doing this to harm myself. T also agrees that this falls under my self harm issue. I'm not saying that is what is going on with you, just my personal experience.
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