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How the painkiller paracetamol affects health and the psyche

Many people reach for paracetamol - but is it harmless? Studies show that the painkiller can influence character.

Paracetamol is one of the most frequently used painkillers in Germany. According to a recent survey by the Consumption and Media Analysis (VuMA), a total of 17 percent of more than 23,000 respondents said they had taken paracetamol within the past 12 months.

The painkiller is generally available without prescription at any pharmacy. Accordingly, the inhibition threshold of many to reach for a tablet in case of pain or fever is low. But more and more studies indicate that paracetamol could have enormous effects on the psyche.

Paracetamol: How the painkiller works in your body

Unlike ibuprofen, paracetamol does not act directly on the inflammation, but works through the central nervous system. Its effect has not yet been conclusively explained. However, many experts assume that the drug influences special tissue hormones.

These are responsible for causing warning symptoms such as pain and are therefore considered protective hormones. Painkillers impair the synthesis of these hormones, which ultimately also reduces pain. However, although paracetamol can be bought without a prescription close attention must be paid to the dose:

Active ingredient Maximum dose: Per intake/per day for healthy adults.

Paracetamol 1000 mg/4000 mg

Ibuprofen 400 mg/1200 mg

ASA 1000 mg/3000 mg up to 65 years, 2000 mg from 65 years onwards

The generally known side effects of paracetamol are listed on the package leaflets. Liver and gall bladder disorders, for example, are rare. Skin disorders also occur with a frequency of less than 1 in 1000. Very rarely (less than 1 in 10,000 people treated), immune system disorders such as allergic reactions and narrowing of the airways may occur. As soon as side effects occur, a doctor should be informed. However, studies repeatedly point to other effects. For example, a long-term study from the USA with more than 55,000 participants came to the conclusion that paracetamol can damage hearing. However, they had taken the drug more than twice a week.

Paracetamol: Side effects and effects of a severe overdose

Because paracetamol is often contained in combination preparations, an accidental overdose is a health hazard. According to the MSD manual, many medicines for children in particular contain paracetamol, which is available in a wide variety of forms. "A parent may try several of them at the same time or within several hours to treat fever or pain without realising that they all contain paracetamol," the information portal said. Although paracetamol is comparatively safe even in high doses, the drug is by no means harmless.

Paracetamol poisoning usually manifests itself in four stages with very different symptoms:

Stage 1 (a few hours after ingestion): Possible vomiting. Many affected people have no symptoms at all in this stage.

Stage 2 (24 to 72 hours): In some cases vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain. Blood tests show liver dysfunction.

Stage 3 (3 to 4 days): Worsened vomiting. Function of the liver impaired and jaundice and bleeding develop. Kidney failure and an inflamed pancreas may develop.

Stage 4 (after 5 days): Affected person recovers or liver failure and failure of other organs develop. This can be fatal.

Quelle: MSD Manual

Paracetamol: Studies show how the painkiller also affects health and psyche

However, more and more studies are now coming to the conclusion that taking paracetamol can have psychological side effects as well as physical ones. In 2015, researchers at Ohio State University showed in a study that the drug not only dulls pain - but also emotions. The test subjects were asked to rate emotionally charged images. The group that had previously been given paracetamol rated the emotions significantly lower than the placebo group.

Building on this, another team from the university investigated the influence of paracetamol on risk-taking behaviour. Several studies with a total of 545 female participants showed that those who had taken paracetamol were more willing to take a risk. They rated bungee jumping or walking alone at night through an unsafe area as less risky. According to the experts, this could be because their negative feelings are reduced by the painkiller. One of the study authors underlines the negative effects that such behaviour can have. Paracetamol: A study determines the influence of the painkiller on psyche and character

Paracetamol is a drug recommended by the Center of Desease Control and Prevention to treat mild courses of corona. "Perhaps people with mild covid symptoms who take acetaminophen will choose to leave the house and socialise because they perceive the risk to be low," co-study author Baldwin Way tells Ohio State News. Can paracetamol affect the Corona vaccine? That is the current state of research. (Sophia Lother)

More interesting health related topics you can find on https://pharmastore.se/

The information mentioned in this article is not a substitute for seeing a health care professional. Only specialists can make the right diagnosis and initiate a suitable therapy. The use of medicines or food supplements should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.