I often take painkillers (acetaminophen aka paracetamol), but I’ve noticed that it’s much more effective if I take them TOGETHER with my ADHD medication (ritalin aka methylphenidate) + my morning coffee. If I don’t take them AT the same time, the painkiller is far less effective.

I do not exceed the maximum dosage of painkiller (1gram per intake, mornings), but alone this would barely suffice to kill my morning headache.

My hypothesis is that since the LIVER has to convert all three, I am effectively overdosing on either substance (painkiller or ADHD meds), and damaging my liver in the process.

  • @[email protected]
    9•7 months ago

    Talk do your doctor.

    a) Paracetamol on it’s own isn’t healty for your liver if taken regularly. I don’t know the specifics or if there is a safe dose.

    b) Headache is one of the adverse drug effects of Paracetamol. Maybe you’re getting part of your headaches from it in the first place.

    • @[email protected]OP
      7•7 months ago

      I asked the doctor that prescribed the adhd meds, but he said it’s no problem with paracetamol. However, I did not explicitly mention taking it at the exact same time. If I take them 5 minutes apart, the painkiller is already far less effective. All taken on an empty stomach.

      Not taking paracetamol for many months did not lessen the headache whatsoever.

      • @[email protected]
        6•7 months ago

        Ah, alright. Yeah interaction of medication is a complicated thing. I’d advise you to ask your specific questions to a doctor. Is it okay to take them at the same time, is it okay on an empty stomach, is it okay for my liver to take that dose of paracetamol x-times in a month… Maybe they suggest an alternative to Paracetamol that works better and has less side-effects, thus being more appropriate for you, individually. And I think doctors have access to databases and general recommendations concerning drugs and reciprocity and (case) studies. They’re probably more qualified to make a judgement and know about possible superior alternatives. (If there are any.)

        They can also just test your blood and see if your liver is fine with what it’s been subjected to.

        Yeah, I’d say abstaining from the medication for months and still having the same headaches pretty much rules out it being the cause of that.

        I hope you’ll be granted an appropriate solution to your problem. Living with regular pain… isn’t nice.