Dr. Sunil - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Sunil

Is Tylenol Bad For You?

Also Known As: acetaminophen


Grade

D


Short answer

The occasional use of Tylenol may not be harmful to your health, but if you take Tylenol on a daily basis, many unwanted effects can arise.

Grade

D


Long answer

When most people think of Tylenol (acetaminophen) they consider it to be a gentle, safe pain reliever. There are many side effects, though, that completely contradict that thought.

One of the more serious effects of the use of Tylenol is liver damage, which can sometimes be serious enough to require a liver transplant. Tylenol reduces the supply of glutathione, an antioxidant and detoxifying aid found in the liver, making the liver prone to damage. When the ingredients of Tylenol are combined with alcoholic beverages and some medications, it substantially increases the risk of serious liver damage.

Some more common side effects of Tylenol, mostly seen after long-term use, include dark urine / stools, lower back pain, skin rash, sores on the lips / in the mouth, bruising, fatigue, and the yellowing of the skin and eyes. It is also important to note that rebound headaches are very prevalent when taking excessive Tylenol. These rebound headaches can be relieved by taking more Tylenol, resulting in an almost addiction-like cycle.

Lastly, chewable Tylenol tablets, including children's Tylenol, contain aspartame. Aspartame is an artificial, non-saccharide sweetener, which is linked to a wide range of neurological symptoms.

Although Tylenol is an over-the-counter medication, it is still a good idea to talk to a doctor before taking it. If you experience any of the mentioned side effects, stop taking Tylenol immediately and contact your physician. It is also recommended healthy adults don't consume more than 3000mg of Tylenol a day.


Possible short-term side effects

  • upper stomach pain
  • itching
  • loss of appetite

Possible long-term side effects

  • dark urine / stools
  • lower back pain
  • red dots on skin
  • sores on lips / in mouth
  • unusual bleeding / bruising
  • unusual tiredness / weakness
  • yellowing of skin / eyes
  • liver damage

Possible withdrawal symptoms

  • rebound headaches
  • nausea
  • vomiting

Ingredients to be aware of



Benefits

  • convenient
  • fast acting
  • pain relief
  • no prescription required

Healthier alternatives




Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Rachel Adams
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Rachel Adams
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016




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