Table of Contents
So, does Tylenol make you sleepy?
Tylenol may make some people feel drowsy, while others may not experience this side effect.

The most common side effects of Tylenol are mild and include:
Drowsiness
Tylenol can cause mild drowsiness. If you experience drowsiness after taking Tylenol, do not operate a vehicle or machinery.
Stomach pain
Tylenol may cause stomach pain in some people. If you experience stomach pain after taking Tylenol, talk to your doctor.
Liver damage
Taking too much Tylenol can cause liver damage. The maximum recommended daily dose of Tylenol is 4 grams (4000 mg). Taking more than the recommended dose can increase your risk of liver damage.
Headaches
Tylenol may cause headaches in some people. To ease the pain of headaches, you could take Tylenol with ibuprofen or aspirin.

Dizziness
Tylenol may cause dizziness in some people. If you experience dizziness after taking Tylenol, do not operate a vehicle or machinery.
Rash
Tylenol may cause a rash in some people. You should consider seeing a doctor if you experience a rash after taking Tylenol because it could be a sign of an allergic reaction.
Anaphylaxis
In rare cases, Tylenol can cause anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
- Hives
- Itching
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Overdose
Taking too much Tylenol can be dangerous and even life-threatening. If you or someone you know has taken too much Tylenol, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately:
- Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stool
- Loss of appetite
These are just a few examples of how Tylenol may affect people differently.

What is Tylenol?
Tylenol is a brand name for the drug acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. It is available over-the-counter and is also the active ingredient in many cold and flu medications.
How does Tylenol work?
Tylenol works by blocking pain signals that are sent to the brain. It also reduces fever by affecting the body’s temperature regulation center in the brain.
Is Tylenol safe?
Tylenol is generally safe when taken as directed. However, taking too much Tylenol can be dangerous and even life-threatening. The maximum recommended daily dose of Tylenol is 4 grams (4000 mg). Taking more than the recommended dose can increase your risk of liver damage.
Common Tylenol Side Effects
The most common side effects of Tylenol are mild and include:
- Drowsiness
- Stomach pain
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Rash
These are just a few examples of how Tylenol may affect people differently. If you experience any serious side effects, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Tylenol vs Advil
Tylenol and Advil are both over-the-counter drugs that can be used to relieve pain and reduce fever. They are both effective pain relievers, but they work in different ways. Tylenol blocks pain signals that are sent to the brain, while Advil reduces inflammation.
How to Take Tylenol
Tylenol is available in many forms, including tablets, caplets, gelcaps, and liquid. The recommended dose of Tylenol for adults is 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed. The maximum recommended daily dose of Tylenol is 4 grams (4000 mg). Taking more than the recommended dose can increase your risk of liver damage.
If you have any questions about how to take Tylenol, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Tylenol and Alcohol
Drinking alcohol while taking Tylenol can increase your risk of liver damage. The maximum recommended daily dose of Tylenol is 4 grams (4000 mg). If you drink alcohol, do not exceed 2 drinks per day.
Tylenol and Pregnancy
Tylenol is generally considered safe to take during pregnancy. However, you should always talk to your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.

Tylenol and breastfeeding
Tylenol is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, you should always talk to your doctor before taking any medication while breastfeeding.
Other Ways To Reduce A Fever
There are other ways to reduce a fever that does not involve taking medication. These include:
Resting
Resting up when you have a fever can help your body fight off the infection.
Staying hydrated
Staying hydrated by drinking lots of fluids can help reduce a fever.
Applying a cool compress
Applying a cool, damp cloth to your forehead can also help reduce a fever.
Avoiding overdressing
Wearing light clothing and avoiding layers can help prevent overheating and further elevate your body temperature.
When should I see a doctor?
You should consider seeing a doctor if you experience any of the following:
- A fever that lasts longer than three days or a fever that reaches 103°F (39.4°C) or higher
- Symptoms that are getting worse instead of better
- Extreme tiredness
- A rash
- Pain in the chest or abdomen
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
If you have any questions about Tylenol or how it may affect you, talk to your doctor.
They can help you determine if Tylenol is safe for you and answer any other questions you may have.