Paracetamol Overdose

[jd_1984]

Without detailing too much other than to say somebody I know (don't worry not me) has taken 32 paracetamol this evening. I realise this is worrying behaviour and clearly this person needs some support. But, very simply how serious will this be to his immediate health?? Thanks

[Captain2]

Don't want to get involved too much (for very personal reasons) but they need to be taken to A&E as soon as possible.

[pixie373]

Yes. I would take them to a&e as soon as possible.

[Hypognosis]

Liver failure and painful death, we're told. Ambulance NOW!

[bert_h]

Bluntly, that's probably fatal unless dealt with very very promptly. Get to A&E.

[pretty_snowdrop]

They need to go to A&E now.

[andres]

Don't hesitate. This is serious. Call an ambulance .

[Psybbo]

A&E right now

[murraymints]

Need to get to a& e...sooner than later....can cause complete liver failure ...and fatal conclusion.! Need to be detoxed ..now !

[jd_1984]

Thanks and yes a mutual friend has called an ambulance and we have told his family who are 10 mins from him.

[RATTER15]

Oh dear, I hope this is not to late to prevent serious damage :-(

[murraymints]

Unfortunately there is a point of no return with paracetamol overdoses...even if the casualty presents at hospital....fingers crossed it has only just happened and its not too late !

[pixie373]

Best of luck to him. The damage isn't always immediately obvious with paracetamol. Hope he's ok.

[jd_1984]

Yes I've been googling frantically and realise how serious this is thank you for your concern guys x

[jd_1984]

Hospital have treated him and he will be back home soon. Then I guess the next challenge is healing him mentally. Poor guy must be struggling

[pixie373]

He must be, jd. Will he be referred by the hospital?

[Mass_Hysteria]

I agree Pixie, no point sending him home if the underlying problem is still there!

[Jeza]

Without wishing to be disheartening I knew someone who took 20 paracetamol, he died from liver failure 2 weeks later. both he and the hospital knew he would die. He was not on the transplant list as it was classed as attempted suicide. Maybe treatment has changed. Your friend is very lucky.

[jd_1984]

Don't know how he was treated will know the details soon. He will be referred to his GP I imagine for review and hopefully a course of counselling and or medication if he is struggling. Of course he will have all our support

[pixie373]

This is the problem, jeza, it isn't always obvious at first. I have a similar story, which jd won't want to hear, but his friend needs observing still.

[jd_1984]

Just an update for those who promptly replied to the original post on Sunday. He is due to come home from hospital this evening or tomorrow morning at the latest. As well as being very embarrassed he also realises that he needs help with his issues which his family are glad to hear as they have known for a while he isnt coping, but he wouldnt admit it. Physically, the doctors are satisfied that they treated him quickly enough that lasting damage is unlikely but he has been asked to come back as an out patient at the end of the week for tests and I beleive a referral to a counsellor is being made.