Acetaminophen Overdose and Chronic Back Pain Medications
Those with spinal stenosis who use acetaminophen to dull the pain will want to take heed of new research showing that liver failure may result from repeated overuse of the analgesic. Known as Paracetamol in the UK and other parts of Europe, and Tylenol, Atasol, Panadol, or Triaminic in North America, acetaminophen overdoses are often simply associated with attempted suicide as a one-off massive overdose that can cause acute liver failure and death. Smaller, staggered overdoses from repeated overuse of the drug were found to increase the risks of liver and brain problems in patients, resulting in the need for kidney dialysis and respiratory assistance. These staggered overdose patients were at a higher risk of death compared to those using the drug in a suicide attempt. Chronic supratherapeutic use of acetaminophen for conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, and back pain from disc herniation and pinched nerves may occur accidentally as patients’ pain increases and they edge up their Tylenol dosage without noticing, presenting a challenge for physicians who may be unaware of the amount of pain medication their patients are taking to manage symptoms of spinal stenosis. Continue reading “Acetaminophen Overdose and Chronic Back Pain Medications” »