Advil Overdose

It was two weeks ago today that I went in for the dental surgery. Complications arose which led to a remarkable amount of pain. Aside from the prescription painkillers, I was also taking a lot of Advils. How many? 54 over the past 11 days. Basically 5 capsules a day. 2,000mg a day.

That is a lot of ibuprofen.

Never in my life have I taken so many Advils. The packaging on the extra strength Advil Liqui-Gels recommends no more than 3 a day and to consult a physician if symptoms persist longer than 5 days.

Side effects from taking too many Advils? Yes indeed.

Advil can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use Advil. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Seek emergency medical help if you have symptoms of heart or circulation problems, such as chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.

This medicine can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking Advil. Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This includes black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of Advil can cause damage to your stomach or intestines. The maximum amount of Advil for adults is 800 milligrams per dose or 3200 mg per day (4 maximum doses). Use only the smallest amount of Advil needed to get relief from your pain, swelling, or fever.

Via.

I did consult with my surgeon to ensure that I was not overdoing the Advils. And today I have taken just one Advil. The pain is not as intense now and hopefully I can reduce my consumption of Advil to zero. The only side effects that I have noticed are problems with balance.

4 replies
  1. Harvey Kirkpatrick
    Harvey Kirkpatrick says:

    I had my wisdom teeth taken out a few years back and my dentist was so kind as to prescribe Tylenol 3’s as well as Percocet. A winning combination that did not have my poppin’ 50-some odd pills.

    Reply
  2. Richard Cleaver
    Richard Cleaver says:

    I was also prescribed T3s however I stopped using them after a couple of days. They made me very, very groggy.

    After two weeks, I am finally losing the intense pain. What an experience!

    Reply
  3. Allen Woolfrey
    Allen Woolfrey says:

    I’m glad you are on the mend, Richard. Your friends have been following your trials, and wishing you well.

    Reply

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