Common Painkiller May Increase Risk-Taking, Study Suggests

A popular pain-relief drug used by millions of people might do more than ease headaches – it could also make people take more risks.  

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is found in medicines like Tylenol and Panadol. A 2020 study found that this common over-the-counter drug might change how people behave, making them less cautious.  

Neuroscientist Baldwin Way from Ohio State University explained that acetaminophen may reduce fear and negative emotions when people think about risky actions. Since about 25% of Americans take acetaminophen every week, even small changes in behaviour could have a big impact.  

Past research has shown that acetaminophen doesn’t just relieve pain—it may also make people less sensitive to emotional pain, reduce empathy, and even dull thinking. The new study suggests it might also affect how people judge risks.  

The Experiment

Researchers tested over 500 students, giving some a 1,000 mg dose of acetaminophen (the normal adult dose) and others a placebo (a fake pill). Then, they played a computer game where they had to pump air into a virtual balloon to earn money. The more they pumped, the more money they could win—but if the balloon burst, they lost everything.  

The results showed that those who took acetaminophen took more risks, pumping the balloon more often and bursting it more than the placebo group.  

Why Does This Happen?

The researchers believe acetaminophen may reduce anxiety, making people less worried about potential losses. “If you’re usually cautious, you might stop pumping early to avoid losing money,” Way said. “But those on acetaminophen may feel less fear as the balloon grows, leading to riskier choices.”

In surveys, some participants who took acetaminophen also rated risky activities (like bungee jumping or gambling) as less dangerous, though this effect wasn’t consistent in all tests.  

Should You Be Concerned?  

The study doesn’t prove that acetaminophen causes reckless behavior in real life, but it suggests a possible link. Since acetaminophen is in over 600 medicines, more research is needed to understand its full effects.  

“Acetaminophen is a safe and important medicine, but we should study how it affects our decisions,” Way said.  

The findings were published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience. While some critics have questioned the study, the research highlights how even common drugs might unexpectedly influence behaviour.