Is Tylenol Bad For You?
Also Known As: acetaminophen
Short answer
The occasional use of Tylenol may not be harmful to your health, but if you take Tylenol on a daily basis, many unwanted effects can arise.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
When most people think of Tylenol (acetaminophen) they consider it to be a gentle, safe pain reliever. There are many side effects, though, that completely contradict that thought.
One of the more serious effects of the use of Tylenol is liver damage, which can sometimes be serious enough to require a liver transplant. Tylenol reduces the supply of glutathione, an antioxidant and detoxifying aid found in the liver, making the liver prone to damage. When the ingredients of Tylenol are combined with alcoholic beverages and some medications, it substantially increases the risk of serious liver damage.
Some more common side effects of Tylenol, mostly seen after long-term use, include dark urine / stools, lower back pain, skin rash, sores on the lips / in the mouth, bruising, fatigue, and the yellowing of the skin and eyes. It is also important to note that rebound headaches are very prevalent when taking excessive Tylenol. These rebound headaches can be relieved by taking more Tylenol, resulting in an almost addiction-like cycle.
Lastly, chewable Tylenol tablets, including children's Tylenol, contain aspartame. Aspartame is an artificial, non-saccharide sweetener, which is linked to a wide range of neurological symptoms.
Although Tylenol is an over-the-counter medication, it is still a good idea to talk to a doctor before taking it. If you experience any of the mentioned side effects, stop taking Tylenol immediately and contact your physician. It is also recommended healthy adults don't consume more than 3000mg of Tylenol a day.
Possible short-term side effects
- upper stomach pain
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itching
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loss of appetite
Possible long-term side effects
- dark urine / stools
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lower back pain
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red dots on skin
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sores on lips / in mouth
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unusual bleeding / bruising
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unusual tiredness / weakness
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yellowing of skin / eyes
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liver damage
Possible withdrawal symptoms
- rebound headaches
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nausea
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vomiting
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- convenient
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fast acting
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pain relief
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no prescription required
Healthier alternatives
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Written by Rachel Adams
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Rachel Adams
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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