Woman dies from 'delayed overdose' after taking paracetamol for toothache |
Jessica Ann Reynolds, 23, was taken to hospital believing she had an infection, only for doctors to discover she was suffering catastrophic liver failure caused by a toxic build-up of paracetamol in her body.
Despite being transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge and placed on the urgent transplant list, her organs began to shut down and she died days later.
Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard Ms Reynolds - known as Jess - had taken a large intentional overdose of paracetamol earlier in the year following a relationship breakdown.
But she had not sought medical treatment and her family said her mental health later improved.
She returned to work with her mother and was in a much better place emotionally, believing that difficult period was behind her.
What she did not realise was that the earlier overdose had already seriously damaged her liver.
Weeks later, after developing painful teeth and gums, she began taking paracetamol again for relief, unaware her liver was no longer able to safely process the drug.
Repeated doses created a toxic build-up which ultimately proved fatal.
Recording a narrative conclusion, coroner Robin Weyell said Ms Reynolds, a receptionist, had not intended to end her life.
Instead, the earlier intentional overdose followed by later use of paracetamol for pain relief led to irreversible liver damage and multi organ failure.
Her brother, Albert Snow, paid tribute to his sister in a statement read to the court.
“My sister was a loved and cherished person,” he said.
“Jess was bright, funny, caring and creative. She faced challenges but fought through them and still managed to bring joy.”
Jessica Reynolds died of organ failure. (Image: Facebook)
He described her as imaginative and intelligent, adding: “She was the best sibling anyone could ask for.”
Ms Reynolds had started university but her life was turned upside down when her father died, sending her mental health into decline.
She returned home before his funeral and later left university, moving back to the family home where she began working with her mother and quickly became a popular member of staff.
Her brother said her mental health gradually improved and she became happier, later starting a relationship.
But when the couple split up, her mood again plummeted, leading to the intentional overdose sometime in June 2025.
“She tried to get mental health support but struggled to find the help she needed,” he said.
Medical evidence showed Ms Reynolds, from Buxton, near Aylsham, had a history of anxiety and depression and had received therapy and medication over several years.
In July she attended a medical appointment complaining of swollen gums and was diagnosed with gingivitis, being prescribed antibiotics and advised to see a dentist for toothache.
Soon afterwards she became increasingly unwell, suffering vomiting, breathlessness and confusion. Believing she was having an allergic reaction, she went to hospital with her mother.
At the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital doctors initially suspected sepsis, but tests instead revealed liver failure caused by paracetamol toxicity.
She was sedated, placed on a ventilator and urgently transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
Consultants learned Ms Reynolds had taken a large quantity of paracetamol approximately a month earlier but had not attended hospital at the time.
In the weeks before her admission she had been taking the painkiller regularly for dental pain, sometimes using "an entire packet every two days".
Doctors explained repeated dosing, especially alongside alcohol, can cause toxins to accumulate in the liver until organ failure occurs.
Norfolk Coroner's Court in Norwich. (Image: Newsquest)
She was admitted to intensive care, given treatment to counteract paracetamol poisoning and later required kidney dialysis after her kidneys failed.
As her condition worsened she was placed on the urgent liver transplant list, but despite maximum treatment her heart stopped in the early hours of July 25 last year. Attempts to revive her failed.
A post-mortem examination showed her liver had suffered massive damage consistent with paracetamol toxicity, with death caused by multi-organ failure.
Summing up, the coroner said Ms Reynolds had been a "loved and valued member of a caring family" who'd experienced mental health struggles followed traumatic events including her father’s death and later relationship breakdown.
He said the earlier overdose damaged her liver, while later painkiller use unknowingly caused the fatal collapse.
Offering condolences, the coroner said Ms Reynolds was clearly deeply loved and her death was a tragedy for all who knew her. He said: "I do not conclude that she intended to take her own life."