Little more harmless than a paracetamol for headaches. Or not? A new study links the world’s best-selling pain reliever back to problematic behavior.
“Paracetamol ensures that people experience fewer negative emotions when they consider risky activities. They just feel less scared, ”says Ohio State University neuroscientist Baldwin Way. “Since almost a quarter of Americans take paracetamol every week, a reduced risk perception can have major consequences for society.”
The findings top a stack of research showing that acetaminophen not only reduces pain but also decreases feelings. For example, people would be less concerned about hurting others, show less empathy and may even dull cognitive functions.
In a similar way, the painkiller makes people less able to assess risks, the latest study shows. Although the effect is small, it is important to take into account, because paracetamol and related products are taken on such a large scale.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends the drug for symptoms of Covid-19. “But maybe someone with mild covid symptoms thinks it’s not so bad to get out of the house and meet people after taking acetaminophen,” said Way. That person would then underestimate the risk and could become overconfident.
Bron (nen): Science Alert
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