One of the most-consumed medications in the United States and the most-taken painkiller in the world, according to researchers, not only relieves headaches. A popular drug increases the propensity to take risks, among other things.
Ellen Peters, director of the Center for Scientific Communication Research at the Oregon School of Journalism and Communication, and Alexis Keaveney and Baldwin Way of the Ohio State University Department of Psychology, conducted a study to show how paracetamol intake affects risk-taking. A study published in 2020 shows that acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, not only reduces pain, it also affects various psychological processes, including lowering the level of empathy, sensitivity to hurting others’ feelings and increasing the tendency to take risks. “Acetaminophen seems to make people feel less negative when they consider risky activities – they just don’t feel that scared,” explains neuroscientist Baldwin Way. “With almost 25 percent. of the US population taking acetaminophen each week, decreased perceptions and increased risk-taking could have a significant impact on society. ” This is because paracetamol is the most common drug ingredient in America, found in over 600 different types of largely over-the-counter medications.
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Test method
In a series of experiments involving over 500 Ohio State University students, Way and his team measured how a single 1000 mg dose of paracetamol (the recommended maximum single dose for adults), randomly administered to participants, influenced their risky behavior. The results were compared with the placebo control group.
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During the study, participants had to inflate the balloon that appears on the computer screen. For each press of the pump, participants received virtual money. The task was to collect as much money as possible by inflating the balloon to its maximum size. However, in the event of a balloon rupture, they would lose all funds collected. The results showed that the students who took paracetamol, compared to the control group, were much more likely to take risks during the task.
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In addition to balloon stimulation, the participants of the experiment also completed questionnaires in which they assessed the level of risk for various event scenarios. Among them were, among others situations such as betting on the outcome of sporting events, bungee jumping from a high bridge or driving without wearing a seat belt.
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In this case, the results were more varied, but the researchers found on the basis of the obtained average that there is a significant relationship between paracetamol intake and the tendency to make riskier decisions. Way also emphasizes that more research is needed in this direction.
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