[hrtrs]

Hi,
I have been taking Excedrin for 5 years now, daily and very high doses, several times a day. The addiction began was I was younger and had a migraine headache. Fearful, as I am faced with potential liver and kidney damage now, at a young age of 25, I am reaching out for help. I went to my physician and was prescribed Maxalt and Atenolol to deal with the migraines and stop taking Excedrin. Well, the problem has escalated to me taking Excedrin, Maxalt, and Atenolol on a daily basis. I am most concerned with taking the Excedrin since of it has very toxic effects when taken for 5 years. Has anyone been in a situation like me with abusing an over the counter medication or does anyone have any advice on how to stear away from this addiction? I would be so grateful for help as I have no idea what to do. Thank you.

[tigerman]

I took goodys for 10yrs and when I began cets switched to bc powder for I to feared to much acetaminophen.At your age I doubt U have anything to worry about,but find alternative.I asked the doc if he thought I had messed up my liver and he didn't seem concerned.

[User Name]

I've been taking Advil and Exedrin for the past.......4-5 years now. If I don't take them I get massive headaches and if I wait too long to take them the headache won't go away. I was given Naproxin(I think that's how you spell it?)and that seems to help with the headaches, but I'm not sure if that's any safer than the Exedrin and Advil?[xx(]

I'm one year younger than you so if you start having problems, shoot me an email so I can start figuring out how to fix the problem.

I'm not crazy......

[PoppyQueen]

To be sure about liver damage, get a blood test done to check your liver enzymes. If they're elevated (as mine are) you'll have to back off the pills. But aspirin isn't known to cause liver problems, acetaminophen screws up your liver. Aspirin can tear up your tummy.

I've taken pain relievers (OTC's and narcotics) most every day since I was 19. My liver enzymes are just slightly elevated. I'm 50 years old.

As I said, a blood test will let you know. You should have one as a baseline to follow through your life, also.

PQ
Last painkiller used: 9/25/05
Suboxone started 9/26/05

[debj]

i am 62 fem and just had by-pass i too used excedrine for the kick i am overweight and diabetic so i would fall asleep all the time i only used 4 a day but its the caffene we get hooked on and choc or coffee or soda didnt do it but having kicked caffene years ago i tell you the headache for a week was awful life sucks

[Craigre]

I don't know how bad you are addicted but it sounds like you were / are taking a lot of excedrin for 5 years. I don't know what it would be like to stop or reduce how many you take but if it is really unbearable I would consider going to a drug rehab clinic. I know it sounds stupid to go to one for taking excedrin but if you are addicted badly and you feel you need help then you should go. You are obviously already trying to reach out for help. Those rehabs are expensive and I dont even know if they would take you or not. If you cant stop on your own then I would hope someone could help.

I think you should be able to stop on your own though. Figure out how much you are taking per day and take a little less every week or so. It'll probably be a painfull process with lots of migraines along the way so be prepared for that. It will take alot of self control to get to the point where you arent taking anymore especially since its over the counter and you can get it whenever you want.

Good luck!

[asw]

I am now seeing a neurologist to get off excedrin. Yes this can cause liver and kidney damage. Worse, the more you use, the worse and more often the headaches will come. Yes, the headaches came while I was getting off, but it is starting to get better. I was weaned off, not all at once. I was put on medication, a little at a time. The doc said that excedrine changes the nerve paths. I highly recommd this course. You will be glad you do it.