A commonly consumed analgesic, acetaminophen, may have more profound effects on users than just pain relief. Research published in 2020 suggests that taking the medication can increase risk-taking behavior by reducing anxiety and negative emotions associated with potential risks.
The study, conducted at The Ohio State University, involved over 500 university students who were given either a single dose of acetaminophen or a placebo to pump up an imaginary balloon on a computer screen. The goal was to earn as much money as possible without bursting the balloon. Results showed that those taking acetaminophen engaged in significantly more risk-taking behavior compared to the placebo group.
Participants who took acetaminophen reported feeling less anxiety and negative emotion when considering risky activities, such as betting or bungee jumping. However, it’s essential to note that the effects may be slight and hypothetical.
Acetaminophen is widely used in over 600 different types of medications, making its potential impact on risk perception a significant concern. The World Health Organization considers acetaminophen an essential medicine, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects on human behavior.
While the findings are intriguing, they also highlight the need for further investigation into the psychological and biological mechanisms behind acetaminophen’s influence on decision-making.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/worlds-most-common-pain-relief-drug-may-induce-risky-behavior