A new study finds that one of the most widely used pain-relieving drugs can have dangerous effects on behavior.
According to the study, the results of which were published in the journalNeurologyAcetaminophen, also known as acetaminophen and widely sold under the brand names Tylenol and Panadol, increases risk-taking.
“Acetaminophen appears to make people feel fewer negative emotions when they think about risky activities — they’re not afraid,” Ohio State University neuroscientist Baldwin Way said when the findings were released.
The findings add to a growing body of research indicating that the pain-reducing effects of acetaminophen also extend into various psychological processes, causing a decrease in empathy and even impairing cognitive function.
Research indicates that people’s emotional ability to recognize and assess risk may be impaired when they take acetaminophen. Although the effects may be minor.
Acetaminophen is found in more than 600 different types of over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
The study included more than 500 university students as participants, who were given a single dose of 1,000 mg of acetaminophen, compared to a placebo group.
Participants were asked to inflate an uninflated balloon on a computer screen, with each individual pump earning fantastic money. The instructions were to earn as much fairy money as possible by inflating the balloon as much as possible, but being careful not to pop it, in which case they would lose the money.
The results showed that students who took the acetaminophen had a higher risk of balloon popping and balloon popping than those who took the placebo.
The students who took the drug were less concerned about the balloon bursting.
The research team concluded that there was a significant relationship between taking acetaminophen and taking more risks, even though the effect was minimal.
