Acetaminophen, one of the most commonly used pain relievers worldwide, may do more than ease headaches it could also impact how people perceive risks. A 2020 study from The Ohio State University suggests that this popular over-the-counter drug might lower risk awareness and increase risk-taking behavior.
“Acetaminophen seems to make people feel less negative emotion when they consider risky activities they just don’t feel as scared,” explains neuroscientist Baldwin Way, the study’s lead author.
Given that nearly 25% of Americans take acetaminophen weekly, these findings could have broader implications for decision-making and risk perception in everyday life.
In a series of experiments, researchers tested the effects of a 1,000 mg dose of acetaminophen the maximum recommended single dose for adults on over 500 university students. Participants engaged in a computer-based balloon-pumping task designed to assess risk-taking behavior.
Each pump earned imaginary money, but if the balloon burst, participants lost their earnings.
Results: Students who took acetaminophen were more likely to pump the balloon further and burst it more often compared to those who took a placebo.
Interpretation: “For those on acetaminophen, as the balloon gets bigger, we believe they feel less anxiety about the possibility of it bursting,” Way noted.
Impact on Risk Perception
Beyond the balloon task, participants rated hypothetical scenarios, such as:
- Betting a day’s income on a sporting event.
- Driving without a seatbelt.
- Bungee jumping off a tall bridge.
In one survey, acetaminophen users perceived these risks as less severe than the control group, though this effect wasn’t consistent across all surveys.
The researchers speculate that acetaminophen may reduce anxiety and negative emotions, potentially explaining why users engage in riskier behavior.
Broader Implications and Future Research
While the observed effects were modest, the findings raise important questions about how acetaminophen and potentially other over-the-counter drugs affects psychological processes:
- Reduced receptivity to hurt feelings.
- Blunted cognitive functions.
- Altered decision-making in risky scenarios.
“Exploring the biological mechanisms behind these effects is crucial,” the researchers stated. They emphasized the need for further studies to understand how the drug influences choices and risk-taking in real-life situations.
Should You Be Concerned?
Acetaminophen remains an essential medication globally and is considered safe when used as directed. However, the potential psychological side effects highlighted by this study suggest that people should remain mindful of how it might subtly influence their decision-making.
As Way aptly concluded, “We really need more research on the effects of acetaminophen and other over-the-counter drugs on the choices and risks we take.”
For now, the best approach is awareness knowing that even seemingly harmless medications could affect more than just physical symptoms.