Acetaminophen, also known by the brand name Tylenol, has largely been viewed as a safer alternative in the pain and fever relief product space. It’s especially beloved in its GI tract-and-kidney-protecting capacity. Yet its use has large, hazardous risks that most users don’t realize or understand the conundrum. Acetaminophen overdose is now the most common cause of liver failure in the United States. We ape this disturbing trend, and it’s no surprise that healthcare professionals are alarmed.
Research from the past has revealed some interesting relationships between brain health and our bodies’ ability to retain memories. This is particularly salient for high-demand professions such as taxi driving. As reported in the journal closely linked to the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed, research found that taxi drivers have larger hippocampi—the brain’s memory centers. This trend is a result of their compulsion to learn detailed and complex street networks. This new challenge sharpens their intelligence and arguably makes them more intelligent at a neurological level.
Dr. Caroline Bing is a pediatric neurologist who has built an impressive social media platform on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the full spectrum of OTC drugs. According to Barr, acetaminophen is widely perceived as safer than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), an alternative pain reliever. Consumers once again need to be wary of side effects. Lesser-known over-the-counter products have been shown to cause surprising adverse health effects, highlighting the importance of using them knowledgeably.
Unfortunately, Dr. Bing has seen a dangerous trend. Once healthy patients are suddenly showing up to hospitals with life-sustaining care as a result of mosquito-borne or tick-borne diseases. Fever, confusion, seizures, or even coma can be symptoms of these infections. Whenever you spend time outdoors, wear insect repellent to stay safe. Dr. Bing advises dressing for the conditions—more long sleeves will help keep you safe, he says. Wylde wants to raise awareness about the need to check for ticks regularly after being outdoors.
Dr. Bing is passionate about getting public health information out about the health risks. He likewise challenges everyone to make themselves more informed ambassadors of brain health. He happens to be running a 30% off sale right now on his course with coupon code MEMORIAL. This limited-time offer is valid from 12:00 am Eastern Time on May 19, 2025, through 11:59 pm ET on June 2, 2025.
The stakes of acetaminophen use go much further than just mild discomfort. The risk of death or serious health defects requires judgment beyond the scope of its convenience. People are urged to talk with their health care providers before beginning or resuming any medication regimen to make sure it’s safe and effective.