Tylenol is the brand name for acetaminophen, an over-the-counter (OTC) painkiller and fever-reduction drug that is commonly found in most medicine cabinets throughout the United States.
For misguided reasons, some individuals may crush up Tylenol pills and snort them to try to get high. When taken as directed, Tylenol does not produce euphoric effects, but misuse can result in a range of health risks including overdose and liver failure.
What Happens When Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Is Snorted?
Snorting Tylenol is accomplished by crushing the pills into a fine powder and snorting (insufflating) the powder through the nasal cavity. Individuals may snort acetaminophen because they think it will produce a euphoric high or that snorting the drug will make the effects kick in sooner. Neither of these outcomes is possible.
Upon insufflation, the most likely outcome is that the mucous membranes in the nasal passages will become irritated and a nosebleed may occur.
The medication may rapidly be absorbed into the bloodstream, but this may be dangerous as it can cause irreversible and often fatal liver damage.
Side Effects Of Snorting Tylenol Or Tylenol PM
Some versions of Tylenol, such as Tylenol PM, include other medications such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to induce sleep or relieve allergies. Snorting Tylenol PM is more likely to cause euphoric feelings in users due to the sedating effects of diphenhydramine.
Snorting this form, or any formulation, of Tylenol can lead to potentially serious side effects.
Side effects of snorting Tylenol may include:
- dizziness
- blurred vision
- dry mouth
- nasal septum perforation
- dry nasal passages
- nosebleeds
- runny nose
- sinus infections
- constipation
- drowsiness
- severe pain in the abdomen
- changes in mood
Dangers Of Snorting Tylenol
The main danger associated with snorting Tylenol is the severe organ damage that may occur from taking too much of the drug too fast. This will most acutely affect the liver and can lead to liver failure.
The health risks of snorting Tylenol will be exacerbated with the use of alcohol, illicit drugs such as heroin, synthetic opioids including fentanyl, or other substances.
Misusing Tylenol with prescription painkillers such as oxycodone or Vicodin may make opioid overdose more likely.
Snorting drugs such as Tylenol is indicative of a larger substance abuse issue that should be addressed at a drug rehab program.
Symptoms Of Tylenol Overdose
Acetaminophen overdose is one of the most common poisonings and can be fatal if not treated.
Symptoms of Tylenol overdose may include:
- appetite loss
- abdominal pain
- seizures
- coma
- diarrhea
- irritability
- jaundice
- vomiting
Taking more than 7,000 milligrams of Tylenol in a day, or mixing Tylenol with other substances, will make the risk of overdose much higher.
When a Tylenol overdose does occur, immediate medical intervention is needed. If treatment is received within eight hours, there is a good chance of a full recovery. Without rapid treatment, a Tylenol overdose may lead to liver failure and death within a few days.
For individuals abusing Tylenol PM additional consequences may result if they take a deadly dose of diphenhydramine.
Get Help Today For Tylenol Abuse and Misuse
If you or a loved one is battling physical dependence or addiction to prescription medications or illicit drugs, a substance abuse treatment program can help immensely in the recovery process.
Treatment services may include:
- inpatient rehab programs
- medical detox to help manage withdrawal symptoms
- medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help with cravings
- behavioral therapy
- dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health issues
- support groups for opiate or opioid addiction
- 12-step recovery programs such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
- counseling
- general healthcare services
Getting professional help for alcohol and drug abuse is essential for long-term sobriety. Browse our directory to find a treatment program that best fits your individual needs today.
Article Sources- MedlinePlus — Acetaminophen overdose
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002598.htm - National Institute of Health (NIH) — Intranasal Acetaminophen Abuse and Nasal, Pharyngeal, and Laryngotracheal Damage
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6710488/ - U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — Acetaminophen
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/acetaminophen
