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Original poster

Accidentally took too many, please advise!

34 replies

Freakingout93 · 04/10/2023 00:12

I took x2 200mg ibuprofen around 8.30pm tonight when I was out. I haven’t been feeling great so when I got home, I took another 2 without thinking. This was around 10.30pm, so only 2 hours later. It clicked with me around 30 seconds later and I panicked and ran to the bathroom straight away to try and make myself vomit to bring them back up. TMI but I have an almost non existent gag reflex so this was difficult and I now have a really sore throat, however they didn’t come back up. All I was bringing up was the squash I had been drinking. I kept trying for around 30-40 mins but just mucus and squash.

I’m now really scared about the possible side effects. My DH thinks I’m overreacting and that I’ll be fine because when he’s googling it says you can take higher doses. Most things I’m reading about higher doses or accidentally taking too many are regarding slow release tablets. These were just standard over the counter ones.

I already suffer from anxiety and this is making me terrified with overthinking. Has anyone any experience of this? Thanks in advance

OP posts:
Pottomous2 · 04/10/2023 00:13

You’ll be fine. Ring 111 if you are worried to get advice.

larlypops · 04/10/2023 00:13

Ring 111 for advice if you’re worried but not long ago in a and e they overdosed me on codeine and I vomited it all back up with the hour

Littlemissprosecco · 04/10/2023 00:14

800 mg is my standard dose for a migraine.

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BATIRA · 04/10/2023 00:14

You’ll be fine

AThickLayerOfLard · 04/10/2023 00:15

It’s not ideal but you can actually take more, so as a one off I’m sure you’ll be fine. DS was once given a double dose of nurofen, he was a toddler. 111 weren’t concerned at all.

The usual dose for adults is one or two 200mg tablets or capsules 3 times a day. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a higher dose of up to 600mg to take 4 times a day if needed. This should only happen under supervision of a doctor.

icantchangetime · 04/10/2023 00:15

It's now nearly midnight so you're fine for those doses in that timeframe

Beamur · 04/10/2023 00:16

You will be absolutely fine.
Stick to the no more than 4 doses in 24 hours rules though so, no more than another 4 tablets by 8.30 tomorrow night.
I think you can take paracetamol in-between ibuprofen if you're feeling unwell. Check for doses and frequency though.

AlltheFs · 04/10/2023 00:25

This is literally a non event and you are being ridiculous.

You can take many more ibuprofen than that safely. Paracetamol is dangerous for overdose, ibuprofen has a much higher threshold. Just leave it longer before your next dose.

I was prescribed 600mg ibuprofen plus codeine (can’t remember what the codeine dose was - might’ve been 60mg) for an injury. Took that 4 times a day for ages with no issues.

One additional dose too close together will only possibly give you a slightly irritated stomach if you are sensitive to it (I’m not, DH is). It won’t do you any harm whatsover.

Obviously don’t make a habit of it, but next time take paracetamol in between ibuprofen doses instead. That’s also perfectly safe to
do.

ODFOx · 04/10/2023 00:32

Have s glass of milk. The main possible side effect is on your stomach. Though by now there's not much you can do.

Don't take any more for a few days and eat little, often and low fibre. No alcohol or spinach Ct food for a few days. Sounds crazy but might help.

ODFOx · 04/10/2023 00:32

Spicy food, not spinach (stupid spellchecker).

TravellingT · 04/10/2023 00:35

You'll be fine, the worst that happens is you'll get an upset tummy. Have some milk and something to eat, try not to worry- you will be ok. Any odd symptoms, call 111.

SophiaElise · 04/10/2023 00:46

800mg in one go is what I had to take for period pain. Do you not have the information leaflet? The recommended dosing is written there.

You'll do more damage trying to induce vomiting. Just eat something or drink milk to prevent GI side effects.

WhichEllie · 04/10/2023 00:48

What you took is a normal dose. I regularly take 4 (800mg) at once, without two hours in between, and have taken more than that.

CallieQ · 04/10/2023 00:57

You'll be fine... GPs often suggest more than recommended does for severe pain

Etam · 04/10/2023 01:00

You'll be fine! I take 600mg for a migraine and occasionally have to follow up with another 200mg to get completely rid. I also do this on an empty stomach because I can't stomach food with a migraine. Been doing it 1-2x a month for 15 years and I've never felt ill or had an issue

Autumnunmasks · 04/10/2023 01:02

Crikey that's a massive over reaction. Do you suffer from anxiety generally?

Original poster
Freakingout93 · 04/10/2023 01:02

I know a lot of people take higher doses, but is this usually with prescribed ibuprofen? I thought that higher doses were ok in prescribed slow release capsules, but not standard OTC ones.

@WhichEllie Do you just take 4 of the regular ones you buy OTC?

@AlltheFs I know I’m being over the top but I did say I have anxiety so overthink everything.

@SophiaElise Yeah, the leaflet says no more than 6 tablets within 24 hours and don’t take them more often than every 4 hours, that’s why I’ve been feeling worried.

Thank you to everyone, I’ve eaten something and have been drinking plenty. I’m now drinking a glass of milk like some recommended. My stomach is a bit sore but that could be from all the retching. I’m not going to take any more for at least a couple of days and if I end up with any unusual symptoms/pain I’ll probably contact 111.

OP posts:
Autumnunmasks · 04/10/2023 01:03

Sorry you do suffer from.anxiety, another saying you'll be absolutely fine!

Original poster
Freakingout93 · 04/10/2023 01:04

@Autumnunmasks Yeah, I said in my original post that I suffer from anxiety. It can be quite bad so this has just triggered it.

OP posts:
Original poster
Freakingout93 · 04/10/2023 01:05

@Autumnunmasks Sorry, cross post 😂 Just noticed you’d seen it and posted again.

OP posts:
SD1978 · 04/10/2023 01:06

Yes you're over reacting. There won't be any side effects from a once off accidental double dose- and in fact some people are prescribed 800mg as a once only dose for migraines.

xxchinese · 04/10/2023 01:13

Aww I'm the same have health anxiety so much I will even only take paracetamol if I really really have to and I'm literally dying otherwise I'll just suffer and let me body fight whatever off but I would only panic if you start to feel any different then that's when you know somethings not right and the tablets have taken effect but like past person has said just ring 111 if your worried the tablets probably already dissolved and that's why it's not coming up you'll be alright

WhichEllie · 04/10/2023 01:17

Yep, usually I take 4 of the OTC 200mg ones. Or 5-6 of them if I’m really feeling it. I buy the liqui-gels because they release faster and take effect quicker.

babysharkdoodoodedoodedoo · 04/10/2023 01:26

This wouldn’t bother me at all! You’ll be fine!

HelpMeGetThrough · 04/10/2023 05:08

Nothing will happen. I suffer from chronic pain and have taken 4 at a time when I've had nothing stronger available, nothing happens, it's crap for the pain too.