Is my dp some kind of hypochondriac, or is it possible to be addicted to paracetamol??

[fedup1981]

He seems to take 2-6 500mg paracetamol a day for headaches. I've asked him to see the doctor but he doesn't. He will also take anything else I buy in like lemsips, rennies, decongestant tablets etc. Inevitably I get to the box within a week or two of buying them and they're all gone.

I'm most worried about the paracetamol though, we seem to go through a box of about 16 a week. Is it addictive, physically or psychologically? Or is he just being a big hypochondriac?

I think it is addictive - or at least, if you take too much, it ceases to have the desired effect, except in bigger and bigger doses, to the point where it is probably causing half of his symptoms, rather than curing them. He should definitely see a doctor - it puts a strain on the liver, I think, to take too much paracetamol.

Although, ps, it doesn't sound like he's taking colossally dangerous amounts, just more than he should need unless there's something wrong with him that needs investigating in the first place.

Thanks, I think the headaches are stress or tension caused, and because he's always on the computer, watching telly or playing on the xbox. I think more fresh air, less screen time and less caffeine would help! But yes I am worried about his liver. I don't think he realises just how many he takes.

I have a chronic daily headache (stupid term) and I take six paracetemol per day. The doctor says this is fine and is all they can do for me.

you are right in thinking exercise helps, it does with my condition.

he should get his eyes tested too

(other thing that causes headaches without people realising - clenching your jaw/grinding teeth at night (so many people do this) and carrying heavy bags on his shoulders for work - you don't realise you are pulling your neck muscles and it can trigger a hideous headache)

rebound headaches are a very real problem - paracetamol can cause it especially if taken every day.

Rebound headache can cause chronic daily headache which can end up quite debilatating. He needs treating - possibly at a headache clinic, probably not too serious right now but it can impare your quality of life massivly.

Don't want to doom-monger but it is important - oh and it's a physical addiction.

Agree that he definitely needs to see a doctor - paracetamol is very dangerous if you go over the recommended limit.

Check for sinuses, caffiene withdrawal, get eyes tested, and also tension headaches can be caused by grinding teeth/clenching teeth. Do you have alot of scented (artificial) things? Candles/insense, air freshners, clothes softner, strong soap powder, shower gels etc. Try going natural on these for a bit to see if that helps too. Adn finally, is he drinking enough fluids - I get terrible headaches if I dont' drink loads (at least 2 litres a day - clear liquids, caffiene free that is)

Personally, I think he should not be taking that amount consistently. It could be a habit, or an additction - either way, he needs to get off the paracetamol and investigate why he is getting the headaches.

Paracetamol is not addictive in the way that codeine can be, but it can indeed cause the rebound headaches. You do not build up a resistance to it though. It doesn't work that way.

Could he try another painkiller like ibuprofen?

He shouldn't be in constant pain like that. Agree he should have his eyes tested, definitely.

It will not harm him to take the paracetamol if he stays within the recommended dosage, but anything that requires continual self-medication needs looking at.

What do you think the taking all the other otc remedies is about? Is it just that you buy lemsip because you have a cold, he gets the cold and needs them? I take it he is careful not to use meds with paracetamol in them while also taking the paracetamol?

ps I get headaches sitting at the computer because my chair and desk are totally the wrong height, making me sit in a hunched up position, with shoulders by my ears! Your dp should be making sure he's sitting comfortably, drinking plenty, giving his eyes a rest from time to time, wearing the correct glasses if he needs them, and not letting his eyes dry out from staring at the screen too much. And stop taking the paracetamol. If he takes the maximum dose permitted every day, what on earth is he going to do when he's really ill?!! (And doesn't the box recommend that if you need to take paracetamol for more than a few days at a time, you ought to go to your GP to find out what's really wrong with you?).

DH is the same. Every night as he gets into bed he takes 2 500mg paracetamol, then the same as he gets up in the morning. I've no idea what he takes at work, more of the same I'd imagine.

Like your DH, mine spends hours in front of the computer - all day at work then till midnight either working or playing games. He also gets caffiene withdrawal headaches so swigs Coke and coffee like it's going out of fashion.

I've told him to go to the doctors if he needs paracetamol constantly but I think half of it is because he wants to make a point about feeling ill (eg if DS wakes during the night, rather than getting up to him DH will poke me and ask if I have any paracetamol in my bedside drawer).

I meant physically addictive in terms of the rebound headache, and that is how the Dr's described it - family member was taken into hospital for withdrawl and it was horrible, they were taking more than this though for a very long time (20 - 25 years).

I'd query your headache clinic if they are telling you to take it regularly - and if your GP is the one that has given advice get to a specialist as soon as you can.

Ibuprofen in long term doses can cause stomache problems.