One of the most common painkillers, both OTC and by prescription, is Acetaminophen sometimes called APAP, which stands for acetyl-para-amino-phenol, best known by the brand name Tylenol.
Scientists don’t fully understand how Acetaminophen works. It’s not an anti-inflammatory and it’s not an opiate. It’s believed that it reduces pain via the central nervous system through multiple mechanisms.
Acetaminophen is relatively safe when taken in recommended doses. Talk to your doctor about the other medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements that you are taking to avoid accidental Acetaminophen overdose.
Most common overdose symptoms:
- Abdominal pain, upset stomach
- Appetite loss
- Coma
- Seizures
- Diarrhoea
- Irritability
- Jaundice (yellow of skin, and eyes)
- Nausea, vomiting
- Sweating
Any of the noted symptoms could take up to 12 or more hours to appear after Acetaminophen is ingested.
If you have any of these symptoms, please contact your doctor about them.
Common side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Extreme fatigue
- Diarrhoea
- Confusion
- Asthma
- Fatal liver damage (especially when combined with alcohol)
- Fever
- Rash
- Flu-like symptoms
- Trouble breathing
Acetaminophen for Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS (verywellhealth.com)