Semi-Urgent Aspirin Question

[JetService]

Recently we were talking about migraines and the different drugs available; OTC and otherwise. Well ironically, last night I got one of the worse migraines to date and had to cancel going to a hockey game (fortunately, my neighbor was gracious enough to take my son for me). I took about 3 grams of Tylonol which didn't even take the edge off of it. Laying in bed seemed to make the migraine worse, but I finally managed to get to sleep, but woke up several times in the night with the pounding head. So here I am this Sunday morning. The migraine is still here, but not as debilitating (I'm at least able to type this). I know if I took some Excedrin Migraines, it would go away in about 30 minutes. Anyway, my question would be exactly how dangerous would it be take two of these now? I really don't want to go to a Redi-Med to get a prescription and acetaminophen has already proved to not help a bit. Also, my Coumadin Clinic is closed and only a doctor on call whom I don't know. Reading how unknowledgable doctors can be on Coumadin therapy from some of your experiences, I'm not exactly comfortable contacting the on-call doctor that I've never met before. I want to take two tablets which would have a total of 500mg of aspirin. Is this EXTREMELY dangerous or just a risk to raise INR a little. Bear in mind that I've been testing low since I got out, but I'm now on 7.5mg (from 5mg) and to be tested Monday. Thanks for any input. I eagerly await response!!!

 

[Ross]

All things considered, unless you have an ulcer or other problem that may cause bleeding, I'd go ahead and take them. Why be miserable for 2 days if it works. Granted, I'd be calling the Doc when he's available and try to get something specifically for Migraines to avoid this thing in the future, but for now I'd take them.

 

[carbomedic]

Hi,
Man that's a tough one. I agree with Ross, The real problem is internal bleeding. If you don't have any stomach problems, I guess I would weight the pain verses bleeding.
You mention that you are testing tomorrow, this may enter into your thought process, limited as it may be due to the pain.
carbo

 

[Guest]

Aspirin does not raise the INR. In large doses it erodes the lining of the stomach. The bleeding caused by this will be kept going by thw warfarin. That said, it is unlikely that 500 mg of aspirin one time will do anything to harm you.

3 Grams of acetaminophen is a concern, however. Your liver is unable to handle a dose of that size. If 1 gram of acetaminophen does not relieve pain, it is very unlikely that any more will relieve it either - as you proved. Liver damage from acetaminophen is irreversible. Once you destroy part of your liver function with acetaminophen you never recover. Just because it is sold without prescription does not mean that it is harmless. Combinations of acetaminophen and alcohol are probably the top reason for poisoning admissions to emergency rooms.

Acetaminophen is the safest pain reliever with warfarin but there are limits.

 

[JetService]

Thanks all. Fortunately, I don't have a history of any sort of stomach problems such as ulcers. For good measure, I had lunch with the aspirin. I am happy to report that the migraine has indeed subsided since I took the dose. I still don't feel perfect, but a few hours of vegging in front of some football games should help (go Bears!!!). I appreciate the responses and honest answers. I usually don't take that much acetaminophen. I do take it frequently because of symptoms of low blood sugar which are oddly enough relieved by Nyquil Gelcaps (no alcohol in those). Daily doses usually range 1.5-2.0 grams. I've discussed this with my doctor and he said this dose should be safe for a healthy liver provided I don't add alcohol, nor other drugs that could overtax the liver. Just to be safe, he did a liver screen just before the surgery and all the numbers came back normal. Again, the 3.0 grams was out of desperation from the migraine since I didn't think aspirin was an option. Believe me, I wanted to swallow another 4 doses, but I knew better! Thanks again for all the responses. As usual, all of you came through for me.