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

[Hypognosis]

That's good news, jd. Thanks for letting us know the immediate crisis is dealt with.

It just goes to show that depression can lead to people doing irrational things and that you need to keep an eye on them. It's about having a diseased organ and not, as in the colloquial sense of the word, just about feeling 'a bit down'.

[murraymints]

That's good to know jd...I was wondering.....

[lcg]

he doesn't need a counsellor....he needs a referral to his community mental health team (from his gp would be the quickest way) and an urgent psychiatric assessment. the hospital should have had an on-call psychiatric nurse or doctor who should have assessed him prior to being discharged from hospital. waiting lists for counsellors will be too long (also done at most gp surgeries) and he may need other urgent interventions prior to that. get him to his gp asap and request that referral.....he should be able to see the duty person that same day.

[jd_1984]

Thanks guys.
Icg, this may have happended by now I am due a catch up with him over the weekend to see what has actually been done.
Over the phone he is in good spirits, embarrassed and shocked at how low he had become and wants to help himself, that the important part