Accidentally Took Too Much Ibuprofen—Should I Be Worried?
Greetings, I am a 23-year-old female, standing 161 cm tall and weighing 117 lbs, currently overwhelmed with anxiety regarding a potential ibuprofen overdose. I realize this might seem trivial, but I would greatly appreciate any guidance you can offer. Five days ago, I underwent wisdom tooth extraction, and the discomfort escalated significantly over the last couple of days. In an attempt to manage the pain, I took a combination of paracetamol and ibuprofen, not fully understanding the risks of exceeding the recommended dosage. While I cannot recall the exact number of pills I consumed yesterday, I estimate that today I have ingested between 1400 to 2000 mg, possibly having taken a similar amount yesterday. My doses were spaced out throughout the day, though I did take several within two hours of each other. Now, I am experiencing some mild stomach discomfort, along with sensations of dizziness, lightheadedness, and tingling. However, I am uncertain if these symptoms stem from my anxiety about my situation. Nervousness is something I often grapple with, and when I feel I might have jeopardized my health, the physical manifestations of panic make me feel as though something dire is happening. It is currently 2 AM, and the thought of waking anyone for help feels foolish if I’m actually okay. Should I expect to be alright? Would consuming food or drinking milk at this point be beneficial, or might it aggravate my stomach further? My inability to sleep is exacerbated by fears that I may have harmed my kidneys or that my stomach could be bleeding internally 😔. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated, and I promise to avoid ibuprofen in the future!
Answers (1)
9/8/2025, 1:50:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel worried after taking more ibuprofen than intended, especially given your recent dental surgery. It’s important to address your concerns about potential overdose and your current symptoms in a calm and reassuring way.
Main Points:
- You may have taken a bit more than the recommended ibuprofen dose, but mild symptoms like stomach discomfort and dizziness can occur without indicating a severe overdose.
- It's best to avoid taking any more ibuprofen for now and focus on gentle self-care measures.
Explanation: Ibuprofen is usually safe when taken as directed, but exceeding 2000 mg in a day can lead to side effects, especially with ongoing use. Symptoms you mentioned like mild stomach discomfort and dizziness can indeed stem from anxiety or could be related to the ibuprofen. However, it’s crucial to monitor yourself closely, as higher doses can potentially affect your stomach and kidneys.
Next Steps:
-
Stop Taking Ibuprofen: Do not take more ibuprofen until you feel reassured about your symptoms. Avoid any further pain medications for now.
-
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body process the medicine. Avoid alcohol or any caffeine as these can irritate your stomach.
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Eat Light Foods: If your stomach feels settled enough, try eating something gentle like toast or rice, which can be easier on your stomach. Milk can sometimes help with stomach discomfort, but it’s best to see how your stomach feels first.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of how you feel over the next few hours. If your symptoms worsen, such as increasing dizziness, severe stomach pain, or if you notice blood in your stool or vomit, reach out for medical help immediately.
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Focus on Relaxation: If anxiety is compounding your symptoms, consider gentle breathing exercises or guided relaxation to help calm your mind.
Remember, while it’s good to be cautious, your reactions could also be intensified by your anxiety regarding the situation. If you feel like this intensity continues or increases, confiding in a trusted friend or family member for support can be helpful. You're not alone in this, and with time and care, you should start feeling better.
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