A warning has been issued to people who take paracetamol after research highlighted an unexpected side effect. scientists have discovered that the over-the-counter painkiller could be altering your perception of risk.
Scientists at the Ohio State University in the US found people taking the medication were more likely to take risks than those given a placebo. The research team has published its findings from its study in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience.
Neuroscientist Baldwin Way, co-author of the study, said: "Acetaminophen seems to make people feel less negative emotion when they consider taking risky activities - they just don't feel as scared. With nearly 25 per cent of the population in the US taking acetaminophen each week, reduced risk perceptions and increased risk-taking could have important effects on society."
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Nottinghamshire Live sister publication, Birmingham Live spotted the research. The publication said that Way continued: "If you're risk-averse, you may pump a few times and then decide to cash out because you don't want the balloon to burst and lose your money," Way said.
"But for those who are on acetaminophen, as the balloon gets bigger, we believe they have less anxiety and less negative emotion about how big the balloon is getting and the possibility of it bursting."
Paracetamol is one of Britain’s most trusted painkillers. Around 6.3 tonnes of the drug are sold in the UK every year, working out to 70 paracetamol per year for each UK adult. It is used to treat aches, pains and high temperatures. However, the NHS warns that patients and paracetamol users should always "Check the leaflet that comes with your medicine".
It says: "Do not take paracetamol with other medicines containing paracetamol because there is a risk of overdose. Paracetamol is safe to take during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, at recommended doses. It may not be safe for you to drink alcohol with paracetamol if you have certain health conditions, such as liver problems. ."
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