I’m in a blind panic over bloody paracetomal

[panickingcantfindmeds]

I feel so stupid .

I have OCD and struggling very very much with a flare up at the moment (ie not really functioning beyond the very basics , not sleeping or eating or dressing most days) .

I take cocodamol very regularly for chronic pelvic pain and I am often frightened I’m going to overdose and develop liver failure .

In the Several years I’ve been taking it I’ve two or three times taken a dose 2 hours early or so . GP suggested writing every dose down and counting tablets so all is correct .

Seemed a good idea in theory . Usually I do that. Sometimes if half asleep I forget .

I’ve got myself in a panic because the app on my phone with writing and number of tablets I’ve taken don’t match , by two tablets .

I remember I gave two to my mum the other night as she was sore with back pain , but she gave them back said he didn’t need them (Saturday night) . I haven’t seen them since then and can’t find them - which would suggest to me that I took them , last night .

Except if that’s the case I’ve had 12 500mg tablets between 2340 last night and now . 2 at 2340 , two at 3.40 (I think), two early morning (between 7.30 and 8am as I remember waking up) and two later on at 2pm . Another two at 9pm.

The 3.40 dose I am very doubtful I took but I can’t find the two tablets I offered to my mum . I’ve literally turned my room upside down searching to no avail . I remember putting them in my dressing gown pocket and then not seeing them since , at all .

If I have taken 2 extra , am I likely to end up very ill with liver failure ?

Prior to last night I hadn’t taken any since Thurs morning (surgery gave me dihydorcodeine instead for 3 nights for breakthrough pain).

I’m in an absolute panic and considering emptying the bins to see if they’re in there to settle my mind - although I’d just find something new I know .

If you have taken 12x 500mg go paracetamol in 24 hours, you need to go to ER. You need to be given N-acetylcysteine. Go now

At minimum you need to call NHS Direct who will no doubt direct you to the emergency department. If you have overdosed on paracetamol (acetaminophen for our US friends) you need acetylcysteine within the first 24 hours. This is not a wait and see job for 6g in a day.

I’ve got that 12 tablets wrong - it was maximum of 10 so 1000mg? I remember I did this before about a year ago and NHSs 24 said then they wouldn’t routinely treat for 2 extra tablets - unless I was very slim . Apparently it’s based on 75mg per kilo . I weigh 22 stone (that’s another problem for another day) so that’s what 138kg ... god knows I will ring 111 see what they say . A&E is 40 miles away and no way of getting there this time of night - can’t afford a taxi and this isn’t a 999 job . Will do 111 see what they say .

2 @ 23.00
2 @ 03.40 (?)
2 @ 08.00
2 @ 14.00
2 @ 21.00

= 10 not 12. The advice on the NHS website says as a one off and extra 2 won't do harm. If you have taken 12 you need to call 111 for advice.

If you think there's any real possibility that you have taken 6 doses of paracetamol within 24h you must seek medical attention tonight

Once you've dealt with this particular incident it would be a good idea to discuss with your Gp a plan to help you manage your medication. It may be that they can refer you to a pain clinic.

Ok you are meant to have a maximum of 8 in a 24 hour period with a 4-6 hour space.
I know a four hour gap would allow 12 but they presume you will sleep at some point and would not take at least two doses.

As a one off of two extra i wouldn't expect it to be a problem but I would avoid it becoming a regular thing. Some of those doses are a bit close together for my liking also, if you are getting mixed up (probably because your zonked on Codine!) ask the pharmacy to blister pack them or Pound Stores often have medicine pots with morning/afternoon and days on.
You can ring NHS Direct for advice but just two more won't be a massive problem in my opinion as a one off.
If you have taken 12 then definitely get checked!

I’ve spoken to NhS 24 , they’re getting a nurse to ring me back within 3 hours or so . I remember being told before 10 in 24h isn’t a major panic unless doing it 3/4 times a week or suffering pre existing liver disease which I’m definitely not , but still glad they’re going to get a nurse to call me .

It’s definitely not 12 - We’d night I wrote down that there were 42 tablets - took two more thurs morning to make that 40 - I have thirty now . Only query is where the hell the two that I offered my mum have gone - if I swallowed them or if they went in bin or just lost somewhere ... i think probably not get the answer tbh .

All absolutely fine, can take more paracetomal at 10.30am or so just to give system a chance to calm down a bit . Off to bed now zzz 😴!!

Glad you are reassured.