Acetaminophen toxicity has become a huge problem in the country nowadays, with people not understanding how to use painkiller drugs, especially when paired with a serious alcohol use disorder. Now, we look closer at Tylenol and alcohol and how it impacts the body and mind. Join Transcend Recovery Community as we discuss more in further detail by reading the entire article below.
Is It Safe to Take Tylenol with Alcohol?
Similar to mixing dangerous drugs with other substances, Tylenol and alcohol is not advisable to go together. They pose many risks to one's health that could make even a healthy person suffer long-term problems if neglected or abused habitually.
Here are some factors why mixing Tylenol with alcohol is not safe.
- Kidney disease - Continuous use of alcohol and Tylenol not only causes liver damage but also takes a toll on your kidneys. Studies have already proven that painkiller use paired with alcohol use makes things worse. It will double your risk of developing kidney disease and renal failure in the future.
- Drowsiness - Since alcohol is a known depressant, it slows down your movements and may cause nausea and sleepiness. It is very dangerous, especially for people operating heavy machinery or driving automobiles for a living.
- Gastrointestinal issues - Continued abuse of pain relievers may eventually lead to various stomach issues such as gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and stomach perforations.
It's crucial to talk to a health professional before seeking treatment to understand how your body breaks or works when exposed to high doses of Tylenol or alcohol combined.
What is Tylenol (Acetaminophen)?
Tynelol is an over-the-counter medication used as one of the treatment options for mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, menstrual periods, toothaches, osteoarthritis, or muscle pains related to cold and flu. It is also used to relieve fever.
There are several types of Tylenol out on the market. They are:
- Tylenol PM (combination of acetaminophen and diphenhydramine) - this is meant to be used at night.
- Regular Tylenol (325 mg)
- Extra-Strength Tylenol (500 mg)
What Are the Risks of Drinking while on Tylenol?
Similar to the effects you might get if you continue to use Phentermine & alcohol, combining Tylenol and alcohol can bring many risks to an individual. Not only does it develop into various health issues longer-term, but it also has a direct impact on influencing behavioral health conditions with their attitude towards multiple substance misuse.
The following are the risks you may incur when mixing Tylenol and alcohol:
- Liver damage - A huge risk that any pain reliever medicine, including acetaminophen, could bring is continued hepatic damage. People who engage in substance use including pain medications put a strain on their liver health. This may eventually lead to organ problems long-term, ultimately, organ failure.
- Overdose - Alcohol use while on pain medications numbs a person's thinking which may also affect their decision-making. Inebriated people may have limited control of their thinking which may cause them to excessively take acetaminophen than what is prescribed. Experiencing drug overdose may lead to fatal consequences or comatose, if not addressed immediately.
- Risk of addiction - People who frequently use more than two substances on top of their acetaminophen prescription are at a higher risk of resorting to drug and alcohol addiction, as the continued misuse of prescribed medication could hamper their thinking and vastly affect their mental wellness, leading to the development of a mental health disorder.
It's always important to consult with licensed medical professionals before taking any type of medication, especially when seeking treatment. You can also research from the medical web for further information on many of these risks.
Side Effects of Tylenol and alcohol
Apart from developing eventual liver damage, alcohol and Tylenol abuse may also cause numerous side effects. Here are some of its known side effects:
- Stomach pain
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
- Itching
- Dark urine
Should you encounter any of these symptoms, you must call your physician or some other qualified healthcare provider, especially in times of emergency to quickly receive medical support.
Other Acetaminophens and Alcohol
Apart from alcohol and Tylenol, some individuals may also abuse other types of acetaminophen, whether it's for chronic pain or other conditions. Always remember that any of these three drugs paired with alcohol may produce related outcomes that could result in further health conditions, if not addressed right away.
Here are other variants of acetaminophen alongside their usage and differences:
- Actamin - helps reduce fever and relieve minor pain caused by menstrual cramps, arthritis, muscle pain, headache, and flu. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should first seek professional medical advice before considering this medication.
- Feverall - The particular brand is prescribed for children and infants as they have suppository variants to relieve fever and/or pain.
- Panadol - is a stronger variant of acetaminophen for mild to moderate relief of fever and pain. It also relieves dental pain, osteoarthritis, and backaches. It is also taken orally. People with liver disease should first consult a healthcare professional before continuing medication as its active ingredient, acetaminophen, is attributed to liver damage, especially for chronic use.
Is There Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Abuse?
Drug abuse isn't limited to hard drugs or addictive substances alone. Common over-the-counter drugs paired with pre-existing mental health disorders can trigger addiction.
Although Tylenol is not commonly associated with drug addiction compared to other drugs, it is still possible for Tylenol abuse to happen. Certain factors may arise causing an individual to engage in Tylenol or acetaminophen abuse. Here are some likely scenarios:
- Accidental misuse of the medication
- Abusing Acetaminophen for recreational purposes
- Increasing dosage than what is recommended due to drug dependence
When this happens, an individual may benefit from case management services, where individuals are directed with the help of a qualified healthcare provider to the appropriate rehabilitation services or programs. They can work with health professionals in treatment care centers or mental wellness centers that provide supportive services, such as transitional housing.
Can Transcend Recovery Help with Tylenol and Alcohol Abuse?
Although Transcend Recovery Community does not offer direct medical and mental health treatment for patients, what it does is provide supplemental services and support for recovering patients. For people who may opt for an inpatient or outpatient rehab program, sober living is very conducive to helping patients focus on getting better as they have all the essentials they may need for a successful sobriety journey.
People who need a safe space to recover may find that gender-specific residential spaces, such as women's sober living, can help them achieve this while providing safety through this particular setup.
You can know more about what we do by dropping by our offices in Houston, Los Angeles, and New York. Contact us to find out more about our services today.
