Can You Get Addicted to Tylenol?

You can get addicted to Tylenol, but not in the way you might think. With acetaminophen, the risk of addiction is psychological. There is a minimal risk of physical dependence. There are other dangers of Tylenol to be aware of, though, as well as certain variations of Tylenol that could pose the risk of addiction. 

What Is Tylenol?

Tylenol is a common brand name for the drug acetaminophen. It’s typically used to reduce fever and relieve minor aches and pains. Tylenol (acetaminophen) belongs to the class of drugs known as antipyretic and non-opioid analgesics. Tylenol is available over the counter. It can also be combined with other over-the-counter medications and is found in some prescription drugs. 

Uses for Tylenol & Tylenol Side Effects

Tylenol has many uses and is commonly found in medicine cabinets. It can be used to treat mild to moderate pain associated with minor aches and pains, as well as fevers. Most people don’t experience side effects after taking Tylenol as directed. For those who do experience side effects, though, they could be serious. Serious side effects of acetaminophen include: [1]

• Sore throat
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Extreme fatigue or weakness
• Pain in the lower back
• Mouth ulcers
• Hives
• Bloody or black stools

If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact a healthcare provider immediately. 

Dangers of Tylenol

Tylenol is an over-the-counter drug and doesn’t pose many risks. Most people can take it regularly without issue. However, there are dangers linked to acetaminophen that you should be aware of if you or a loved one regularly takes Tylenol

Liver Damage

Tylenol may cause liver damage, especially in high doses. Your risk of liver damage may be greater if you already have liver problems, if you drink three or more servings of alcohol per day, or if you take Warfarin.[2] Signs of liver damage may include: [3]

• Stomach pain
• Jaundice
• Lack of appetite
• Itchiness
• Dark urine
• Clay-colored stools

If you’ve taken Tylenol or acetaminophen and begin to experience any of the above signs, contact a health care professional right away. 

Tylenol Overdose Risk

Experts disagree about how much Tylenol is too much. [4] Although the FDA states that a maximum dose of 4,000 milligrams per day is safe, the makers of Tylenol have lowered the maximum recommended dose to 3,000 milligrams daily. Taking too much Tylenol at once or more than the suggested dose each day can lead to an overdose. 

Reasons People Overdose on Tylenol

Taking Tylenol doesn’t produce a “high” or any sense of euphoria. Therefore, people don’t typically abuse acetaminophen. When someone overdoses on Tylenol, it’s not usually because they meant to take too much. Common reasons for an overdose from Tylenol or acetaminophen include:

• Not knowing the recommended maximum daily dosage
• Not reading the label for the milligrams in each tablet
• Taking the next dose of Tylenol too soon
• Mixing medications, not knowing they contain acetaminophen

Signs of Tylenol Overdose

Another risk of Tylenol is the potential for overdose. Taking too much acetaminophen at once can lead to an overdose, which can be fatal. Signs of overdose from Tylenol include: [5]

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in the upper-right abdomen

If you’ve taken Tylenol or acetaminophen and begin to experience the above symptoms, call 911 or the Poison Control Helpline. These are signs that you need immediate medical attention.

Is Tylenol Addictive?

If you’re worried about getting addicted to Tylenol, you should know that the risk of addiction is low. Tylenol isn’t a controlled substance like opioids or benzodiazepines, nor does it carry the risk of physical dependence.  

Is Tylenol Psychologically Addictive?

Any substance can be psychologically addictive, including Tylenol. If you take acetaminophen every day, it can be habit-forming. Psychological addiction can be harmful, but it doesn’t cause dangerous or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. 

Types of Tylenol That May Be Addictive

The regular or even extra-strength Tylenol you can get over the counter is not generally addictive. Other types of Tylenol could cause addiction. It’s essential to be aware of these different varieties that can cause physical dependence so that you can exercise caution. 

Tylenol #3

Tylenol #3 is a version of Tylenol that mixes acetaminophen with codeine. Codeine is a highly addictive opioid. That makes this type of Tylenol much riskier than the regular, over-the-counter version. [6] Tylenol 3 is only available by prescription and is considered a controlled substance. 

Tylenol PM

Tylenol PM combines acetaminophen with diphenhydramine, an antihistamine that can cause tolerance and misuse, but it is not generally classified as physically addictive. [7]

How to Take Tylenol Safely

There are risks associated with taking any substance, and Tylenol is no exception. There are steps you can take to reduce this risk, though. Here’s how to take Tylenol safely: [8]

• Don’t take Tylenol unless you need it to relieve pain. 
• Don’t take Tylenol if you’ve had more than three drinks on the same day. 
• Read the labels of all medications. Some over-the-counter medications contain acetaminophen mixed with other active ingredients. This is particularly common with cold and flu medications. Mixing these drugs with regular Tylenol could cause you to exceed the recommended daily dose. 
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of the prescription medications you take contain acetaminophen or interact with acetaminophen.

Natural Alternatives to Tylenol

Like any other medication, Tylenol is associated with certain risks. Some of these risks are more serious than others. There are some natural alternatives to pain medications that you can use if you want to avoid these risks altogether. Here are some things you can try:

• Apply heat or ice to the affected area
• Try herbal remedies like lavender, clove, and turmeric
• Try acupuncture or massage
• Use guided imagery or other visualization exercises
• Practice aromatherapy
• Release endorphins through exercise 
• Soak in a hot bath

Tylenol Is Relatively Safe

No drug, whether over-the-counter or otherwise, is entirely safe. With Tylenol, the risk is relatively low. Still, it’s always advisable to consult your doctor before taking any new medication. You can also try natural remedies for pain relief.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tylenol Addiction