Long-Term Effects of Tylenol PM
Tylenol PM contains acetaminophen and diphenhydramine HCl. It is used for difficulty sleeping, which is accompanied by pain or headache. Tylenol PM is available in most pharmacies and does not require a prescription. Despite the fact that it is available over-the-counter,Tylenol PM is a drug. It still can have long-term effects on your body.
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Habit
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Tylenol PM is not addicting. There is no medical evidence that Tylenol PM is habit-forming, even if it is taken long-term. If Tylenol PM stops working as a reliever of pain or a sleep aid, inform your doctor. It may be necessary to switch to a prescription medication. There also may be a new medical reason for the pain or sleep problem.
Acetaminophen
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There are 500 mg of acetaminophen in a capsule of Tylenol PM, the same as you would find in an Extra Strength Tylenol capsule. For occasional use, acetaminophen has few side effects and is well-tolerated, however, too much of the acetaminophen in Tylenol PM can be dangerous. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stated that "taking more than the recommended amount can cause liver damage, ranging from abnormalities in liver function blood tests, to acute liver failure."
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Diphenhydramine
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A capsule of Tylenol PM contains 25 mg of Diphenhydramine HCL. This is the same dose you would find in a capsule of adult-strength Benadryl. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is normally used for allergies, but since many find the drug sedating, it is used in over-the-counter sleep aids. Diphenhydramine has many possible side effects, including: dizziness stomach upset and dry mouth, nose or throat. It should also be taken with caution in those with glaucoma or prostate problems. The side effects of diphenhydramine are not known to get worse with long-term use.
Prevention
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If you and your health-care provider decide that long-term use of Tylenol PM is indicated, you can do some things to help avoid problems. Be sure to get regular checkups, which will include blood work to see that liver functions remain in the normal range. And avoid alcohol when taking Tylenol PM, since it can put more of a strain on the liver.
Considerations
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Tylenol PM is relatively safe to take as an occasional reliever of pain and lack of sleep. It is not meant to be taken long-term and can cause serious liver damage. If sleep problems persist beyond a two-week period, consult a medical professional about alternative medications.
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