Why this Popular Painkiller Can Really Make You Terribly Sad?
Acetaminophen, better known as Tylenol to most, is a popular painkiller used by an estimated 50 million Americans every week, often for treating aches and pains, fever or symptoms of cold and flu. Many people think nothing of popping a couple of Tylenol pills here and there, considering it to be one of the safest over-the-counter medications on the market. But Tylenol, like virtually every popular painkiller, has a number of effects once inside your body, above and beyond the desired effect of pain relief. Some of the side effect, such as liver damage, can be deadly. Others, like a newly discovered “blunting effect� on emotions, could have implications for your mood and well-being.
Tylenol Dampens Your Emotions, for Better or Worse In a recent study of 80 college students, half of the participants tool 1,000 milligrams (mg) of acetaminophen while the other half took a placebo. One hour later, the students were shown photographs designed to evoke an emotional response, either positive or negative.