He has recently picked up the habit of drinking excessively.How long before he starts seeing the bad effects
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Q: I have a brother that takes Excedrin Migraine excessively "1 bottle is gone within 2 days"
Answers (1)
12/27/10 6:23pm
Peggy,
-:¦:-•:*'""*:•.-:¦:-•*Welcome to MyMigraineConnection!*•-:¦:-•:*'""*:•.-:¦:-
Our bodies all react differently to medications, so we really can't estimate when your brother will start seeing the effects of overusing Excedrin Migraine and alcohol. One thing you and he need to know is that that much Excedrin Migraine can be fatal, at any time. A few years ago, a 17-year-old girl was taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) for a Migraine. She was vomiting, so she thought she wasn't keeping the acetaminophen down. She took 20 tablets in 24 hours, and it proved fatal. The acetaminophen caused her kidneys and liver to fail.
Also, if he's taking the Excedrin Migraine for Migraines or headaches, chances are good that it's making matters worse by causing headaches called medication overuse headaches. You can read more about that in Medication Overuse Headache - When the Remedy Backfires.
The bottom line is that what your brother is doing is very dangerous. We should NEVER take more than the maximum dosage listed on the package, and he's obviously way beyond that. And, as you point out, he's adding to the danger with the alcohol. My best suggestion is to get him to see the danger he's putting himself in and get him to see a doctor for help.
Please keep me posted?
Welcome again,
Teri
12/27/10 11:19pm
Julie,
How Peggy can get her brother "to see" is a good question. One reason I told her about the teenager who died from the acetaminophen is so she can share that information with her brother. I hope that has some impact. He's going to have to realize the danger he's putting himself in and go to a doctor.
Teri
1/ 2/11 1:18pm
Hi Teri,
That is a very good example. I just hope it is enough. As you know, it is hard to help someone unless he or she wants help. As a former social worker, I always think of things from that sort of perspective before anything else...that was just the first thing that popped into my mind. Can you help relay some of the main triggers of migraines? I know some of them (packaged meats, red wine, chocolate...? right?) I don't eat any meat except seafood, and haven't in probably 17 or so years, so that eliminates the "lunch meat" possibility. I also have sworn off red wine- even though it does have some health benefits...it was def. a trigger for me. Maybe understanding some of the triggers could help him stop some of his headaches before they start...?
Julie
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By Peggy— Last Modified: 01/02/11, First Published: 12/27/10
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(That's how I "met" Teri...). I have an Rx for [what I believe used to be Imatrex injections but is now a needle free, generic version.] My DR didn't explain how to use them (or I didn't listen one...I also have ADHD)...so I googled how to use my meds. Teri is awesome...super knowledgeable and helpful... I hope your brother will realizes there are MUCH more effective remedies out there than Excedrine Migraine. Teri, what is your advice on how she should get her brother "to see"? That would be a big concern for me if I were in her position...
Julie