Paracetamol Warning: Common Pain Reliever Makes One a Risk Taker

Paracetamol can make one bolder, according to a study.

Paracetamol Has a Surprising Side-Effect

Paracetamol may influence one's attitude toward decision-making. A 2020 study revealed that those who take acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, were risk-takers.

Neuroscientist Baldwin Way of The Ohio State University claims that acetaminophen makes people feel less negative emotion when they think about risky activities. They don't feel as terrified. Since about 25% of Americans take acetaminophen weekly, a decrease in risk perception and an increase in risk-taking may have significant social repercussions.

Way and his team measured the effects of a single 1,000 mg dose of acetaminophen (the recommended maximum adult single dosage) on participants' risk-taking behavior in a series of experiments involving over 500 university students. The participants' behavior was compared to that of a control group that received placebos randomly assigned to them.

The participants had to pump an uninflated balloon for the study to gain imaginary money. Each time they pumped, the balloon grew. However, they had to be cautious, as it could pop, and they would lose the money.

The placebo group was more circumspect and careful. However, the students who took acetaminophen throughout the exercise showed a significant increase in risk-taking. They generally pumped and burst their balloons more than the control group.

Since you don't want the balloon to burst and lose the money, you might decide to cash out after pumping a few times if you're risk averse, according to Way. When the balloon gets bigger, there's a chance of it popping. However, people taking acetaminophen experience less anxiety and negative emotions.

During two of the experiments, in addition to the balloon simulation, participants completed surveys in which they rated the degree of risk they associated with a variety of hypothetical scenarios, such as wagering a day's wages on a sporting event, bungee jumping off a tall bridge, or operating a vehicle without using a seatbelt.

Taking acetaminophen did seem to lower perceived risk compared to the control group in one of the surveys. However, this impact was not shown in another identical survey.

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What Is Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)?

Acetaminophen, also called N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (APAP) and popularly known as paracetamol in many countries, is a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic agent. It can be brought over the counter without a prescription to ease pain and fever.

It can be taken by mouth as pills, tablets, or suspensions. The drug normally has no side effects, and serious allergic reactions are rare. If one experiences rash, severe disorientation, breathing difficulties, itching, and swelling, particularly in the cheeks, tongue, and throat, it's recommended to check with a physician.

Also, one should avoid taking too much acetaminophen. The drug can reportedly damage the liver, and overdosing from it can be fatal.