Members in the Media
From: The Guardian

Paracetamol may dull emotions as well as physical pain, new study shows

The Guardian: 

Researchers in the US may have uncovered an new side-effect of paracetamol with a study that suggests the drug dampens down people’s emotional reactions.

The over-the-counter pills are among the most popular painkillers on the market, but if the findings are confirmed, it would mean the drug also reduces the sense of pleasure as well as pain.

Scientists have shown before that paracetamol (or acetaminophen) can do more than relieve physical pain. In one study, people who took the drugs felt less emotional pain too, suggesting that similar brain circuits operate for both.

But the latest research, published in the journal Psychological Science, shows that paracetamol may have effects beyond relieving pain, and instead dull our emotional responses more generally.

Read the whole story: The Guardian

More of our Members in the Media >


APS regularly opens certain online articles for discussion on our website. Effective February 2021, you must be a logged-in APS member to post comments. By posting a comment, you agree to our Community Guidelines and the display of your profile information, including your name and affiliation. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations present in article comments are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of APS or the article’s author. For more information, please see our Community Guidelines.

Please login with your APS account to comment.