Daily paracetamol in teens

[contrelamontre]

I've been trying to do some google research on this but wondering if there are people with knowledge and experience who could give some thoughts...

My 16yo DN takes paracetamol a lot. I think she probably takes 2 x 500g a day. Maybe there are the odd days with none but then there are definitely days with more. Never over the max daily limit but... it's not really supposed to be taken every day is it?

She does have stress/anxiety issues and so frequently gets stress headaches and stomach aches and takes it then. I think she's probably getting into a vicious circle there. But I'm also concerned that she has (genuinely) been unwell with sore throat, temperature, runny nose etc. 3-4 times in the last 3-4 months, all with negative covid tests.

She does not smoke or take drugs (drinks at parties maybe once or twice a month). She is generally pretty active and has a balanced and healthy diet. Is it possible/likely that the paracetamol use is contributing/causing a weakened immune system? I know that stress will weaken her immune system but I've got no medical knowledge and don't want to create a fuss over the paracetamol if it's unlikely to be a key factor.

She should see a gp. Daily paracetamol or other otc medications like ibuprofen across a long period can do damage but there are other things that can be prescribed to help reduce those effects. If someone is experiencing chronic pain that needs daily medication then they need to be monitored carefully to make sure they are on the right regime, not just choosing for themselves without guidance.

Have a look at rebound headaches. Linked with medication overuse. Massive vicious cycle.

Paracetamol can’t weaken an immune system. It’s just a painkiller.

Taking it daily long term at those doses won’t do any harm.

I say that as someone who has lupus and other chronic issues and takes daily long term paracetamol and other stronger painkillers (Tramadol) and have done since a teenager.

However, I think she needs some medical investigations- the reason they say not to take paracetamol for more than a few days without speaking to a doctor is to try and find out what’s actually causing the pain. Sounds like she needs some blood tests etc done.

No advice but no DS is exactly the same. I have asked the doctor for blood tests and want him seen. He doesn’t seem like he is stressed so not sure what’s causing him to be ill. I would bring your daughter to the doctor.

Thank you - I will address it but am glad to hear that it's not an urgent, dangerous matter.

I do remember being ill a lot when I was mid-late teens and stressed but to be honest my lifestyle was not great (smoking, boozing etc.) so I guess I put the repeated tonsillitis/colds down to that. She is absolutely not in that position but I do notice how often she takes paracetamol.

Thank you again for the responses.

Also depends on her weight as if she’s very slim and petite a gram of paracetamol could be too much for her, we have kids who could have 1g but are very light so it’s prescribed on weight which does sometimes mean a tablet and a half or some suspension & tablet but better than taking too much, I’d look at other ways of helping with pain before stepping to paracetamol. Def see your gp to chat about things