#Acetaminophen

A new report highlights a concerning truth for millions who reach for over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers: you’re probably using them incorrectly, putting your health at risk. Recent findings and expert advice, published by NPR on April 18, 2025, urge users of medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), to rethink their habits to avoid accidental overdose and dangerous side effects [NPR].

A new report highlights a troubling reality for millions who reach for over-the-counter painkillers: many use them incorrectly, risking serious health problems. Recent findings and expert guidance urge users of medicines like acetaminophen and NSAIDs to reassess habits to prevent accidental overdose and dangerous side effects. Data and insights from NPR’s coverage emphasize why this matters for families across Thailand, where OTC medicines are widely available and often used without prescriptions.

A recent study has reignited interest in the potential psychological effects of acetaminophen, commonly known as paracetamol. Widely used for pain relief under brand names such as Tylenol and Panadol, the drug might do more than just alleviate physical discomfort. New research suggests it could also influence risk-taking behavior, prompting concerns given the drug’s ubiquity.

Researchers led by Baldwin Way at The Ohio State University investigated how acetaminophen affects risk perception. Their findings, published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, indicated that the drug might reduce anxiety about risk-taking. The study followed experiments involving over 500 university students who were assigned either acetaminophen or a placebo. Participants engaged in tasks designed to measure risk propensity, such as inflating a virtual balloon to collect imaginary money without bursting it. Those who took acetaminophen displayed a greater tendency to take risks compared to those given a placebo.

A new study raises questions about whether paracetamol, the widely used pain reliever acetaminophen, can influence risk perception. In Thailand, where self-medication with over-the-counter drugs is common, understanding any broader effects is especially relevant for daily choices.

Researchers from a leading university conducted a double-blind study to see if acetaminophen affects risk-taking. In a peer-reviewed neuroscience journal, the findings suggest the drug may reduce anxiety about risky decisions. More than 500 university students were randomized to receive either acetaminophen or a placebo and then completed risk-related tasks, including a balloon-inflation game to win imaginary money. Participants who took acetaminophen tended to take more risks than those who received the placebo.