The most commonly taken analgesic worldwide, acetaminophen—also known as paracetamol and widely available under brand names like Tylenol and Panadol—may do more than simply alleviate pain. Research conducted in 2020 indicates that this widely consumed medication could potentially increase risk-taking behavior. A study led by neuroscientist Baldwin Way from The Ohio State University revealed that acetaminophen users experience a diminished fear of negative emotions when contemplating risky activities.
With nearly 25 percent of the U.S. population consuming acetaminophen weekly, the implications of reduced risk perception could be significant for society. Way explained that those under the influence of acetaminophen might feel less frightened about engaging in risky behavior, which raises important questions about the broader effects of this common medication.
Recent findings contribute to a growing body of research suggesting that acetaminophen's impact extends beyond pain relief. It may also lower feelings of empathy, diminish cognitive functions, and impair the ability to assess risks effectively. While these effects are still under investigation, they warrant attention, especially considering that acetaminophen is the most prevalent drug ingredient in America, appearing in over 600 different over-the-counter and prescription medications.
In a series of experiments involving over 500 university students, Way and his team assessed how a single 1,000 mg dose of acetaminophen—the maximum recommended dose for adults—altered participants' risk-taking behavior. This was compared to a control group that received a placebo. Participants engaged in a balloon inflation task on a computer screen, where each pump of the balloon earned them imaginary money, but popping the balloon resulted in a loss of that money.
The results were telling; students who took acetaminophen pumped the balloon significantly more than those who received the placebo. According to Way, while risk-averse participants might stop pumping the balloon after a few tries to avoid losing their money, those on acetaminophen seemed to experience less anxiety regarding the balloon's size and the possibility of it bursting.
Aside from the balloon simulation, participants also completed surveys assessing their perceived risk in various hypothetical scenarios, such as betting a day’s income on a sports event or bungee jumping from a high bridge. In one survey, acetaminophen users reported reduced perceived risk compared to those on placebo, although this effect was not consistent across all surveys.
While the experiments do not perfectly mirror real-life situations, the average results suggest a notable relationship between acetaminophen consumption and increased risk-taking behaviors, albeit with slight effects. Researchers noted that the drug's influence on risk perception might also involve underlying psychological processes, such as reduced anxiety. As the balloon grew larger, placebo participants may have experienced rising anxiety about it bursting, whereas those taking acetaminophen felt less apprehension, potentially leading to bolder choices.
The researchers emphasized the need for further investigation into the psychological and biological mechanisms through which acetaminophen affects decision-making and risk assessment. Despite the potential implications for risk perception, acetaminophen remains one of the most critical and frequently used medications globally, recognized as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization.
Way concluded, "We really need more research on the effects of acetaminophen and other over-the-counter drugs on the choices and risks we take." The findings of this study were published in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, with earlier critiques of the study's interpretations appearing in subsequent discussions.
