This common painkiller has been linked to potentially dangerous behavioural changes, scientists warn

By far the most consumed drugs globally, paracetamol could impact other aspects of your life apart from minimizing pain, research shows. Paracetamol, also marketed under the brand names Tylenol and Panadol, is the most prescribed OTC (Over the Counter) drug whose market is projected to reach $14 billion by 2031. Now, there is evidence to suggest that it increases risk taking in some people who take it.

Behavioural changes

A study conducted in 2020 by a team of researchers at the Ohio State University measured changes in people’s behaviour when under the influence of paracetamol. What they found was that the painkiller might cause people to take risks they wouldn’t ordinarily take. Neuroscientist and lead researcher, Baldwin Way said:

Acetaminophen seems to make people feel less negative emotion when they consider risky activities – they just don't feel as scared. With nearly 25 percent of the population in the US taking acetaminophen each week, reduced risk perceptions and increased risk-taking could have important effects on society.

More modern research

The conclusions arrived at by Way and his team add to a growing body of research suggesting that paracetamol’s impact on the body extends beyond pain relief to various psychological processes. It could cause you to have lowered receptivity to hurt feelings and experience reduced empathy, the study published in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience said. The researchers believe their findings have a variety of real-life implications, while calling for more research on the full effects of paracetamol.

We really need more research on the effects of acetaminophen and other over-the-counter drugs on the choices and risks we take.

Read more:

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Sources used:

Forbes News: A Popular Pain Reliever Can Alter Risk Perception

Science Alert: The Most Common Pain Relief Drug in The World Has Been Linked to Risk-Taking Behaviour

Ohio State News: A pain reliever that alters perceptions of risk

Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience: Effects of acetaminophen on risk taking