Acetaminophen, a widely used pain-relief drug sold under brand names like Tylenol and Panadol, is known for its effectiveness in alleviating pain, Science Alert reports.
However, a 2020 study has raised concerns that the popular analgesic may have unintended psychological effects, including an increase in risk-taking behavior.
The study, led by neuroscientist Baldwin Way at The Ohio State University, found that acetaminophen could alter people’s perceptions of risk. While the primary function of acetaminophen is to relieve pain, the research suggests that it may also reduce negative emotions related to risk, making individuals less fearful of potentially dangerous situations. According to Way:
“Acetaminophen seems to make people feel less negative emotion when they consider risky activities – they just don’t feel as scared.”
Acetaminophen is taken regularly by approximately 25% of the US population each week, making its potential influence on behavior a matter of public concern. The findings build on a growing body of research suggesting that, in addition to its pain-relieving properties, acetaminophen can affect various psychological processes, including emotional responses, empathy, and cognitive functions.
The study involved over 500 university students who were given either a 1,000 mg dose of acetaminophen or a placebo. The participants were then asked to pump up an inflatable balloon on a computer screen, earning imaginary money for each pump. However, if they pumped too much and the balloon burst, they would lose the money. The results showed that those who took acetaminophen were more willing to take risks, pumping the balloon more times and bursting it more frequently than those who took the placebo.
Way explained that, for individuals on acetaminophen, the increasing size of the balloon did not trigger the same anxiety and caution seen in those who took the placebo. Instead, the drug seemed to lower their fear of the potential consequences, encouraging them to continue pumping the balloon for a greater reward, despite the risks.
In addition to the balloon experiment, participants also filled out surveys assessing their perceptions of risk in various hypothetical scenarios, such as bungee jumping or driving without a seatbelt. While the results from these surveys were mixed, the overall trend indicated that acetaminophen could reduce perceived risk and increase willingness to engage in risky behaviors.
However, experts caution that these findings are not conclusive and may only reflect slight changes in behavior. The experiments conducted by Way and his team were highly controlled, and the effects observed in the lab may not directly translate to real-world scenarios. Further research is needed to explore the potential biological mechanisms behind these psychological changes and to better understand how acetaminophen and other common over-the-counter drugs affect decision-making processes.
Despite these concerns, acetaminophen remains one of the most commonly used drugs worldwide, with its pain-relieving and fever-reducing properties making it an essential medicine. The World Health Organization recognizes acetaminophen as a vital medication, and its widespread use highlights the need for more research into its broader effects on health.
