The study shows: "Tylenol" relieves not only of pain, but also of positive emotions

Researchers from the University of Ohio found that the main component of many painkillers acetaminophen (paracetamol) has another previously unknown side effect. Among other things, this substance "kills" positive emotions.

Progress of the experiment

82 participants in the study were divided into two groups. Representatives of one of them daily took a dose of 1000 mg of paracetamol, and a second placebo. The drug is absorbed into the blood in about an hour. And this means, it's time for the second stage of the experiment. Now each volunteer had to consider photos that evoke different emotions (from the most pleasant to the most negative), and then describe their feelings. As it turned out, the anesthetic has dulled the general emotional perception of participants from the first group. In general, they reported less vivid emotions compared to participants who took a placebo. Those of you who closely monitor scientific research are aware that correlation can not be equated with a causal relationship. However, if you become aware of other experiments conducted in this area, then you will get a whole picture.

The main component in many pain relievers

Paracetamol is the main component in painkillers that are dispensed without a doctor's prescription. For example, the drug "Tylenol" has been used in the United States of America for seven decades now. All the side effects of the active substance have long been studied. The current study managed to add one more factor to the impressive list. According to the Association of Drug Users, more than 600 different drugs are produced on the basis of paracetamol. This statistic allows us to classify this component as one of the most common chemical compounds contained in tablets.

Information for patients

Manufacturers may well replace information on packages of Tylenol, Panadol or Ibuprofen. These markings - "anesthetic" and "relieving emotions" - are equally true. Only it is unlikely that a consumer will want to buy a package containing an alarming statement. This information should not be ignored by people engaged in self-medication. A little headache - immediately to the rescue comes a saving pill. Of course, there are cases when it is impossible to tolerate pain, but there are also those when it was completely possible to do without a medicine. Since it became obvious that the "harmless" removal of pain can have more negative consequences than we thought before, every person should approach the question of taking an anesthetic with all seriousness.

Previous research

Earlier studies aimed at studying the potential of acetaminophen also revealed some curious moments. Scientists already know that this substance can affect not only physical, but also emotional pain. And this means, it can be used as one of the components of complex therapy for mental disorders. However, new information indicating a narrowing of the spectrum of positive emotions should alert doctors and patients. The use of "Tylenol" and other analgesic analogues, produced on the basis of paracetamol, can lead to more serious consequences.

Risk of heart failure

It is important to note that the use of pain medications (eg, aspirin and ibuprofen) is associated with a risk of heart failure. People who take drugs that dilute blood will immediately rush to say: "How is it, aspirin is the basis of drugs that prevent the formation of blood clots?" However, many forget that in this case, the patient receives in the tablet the minimum amount of the active component, incommensurable with the , Which is usually taken to relieve pain. Exceeding the dose on a daily basis leads to the opposite consequences, and people instead of treatment harm their own heart. Not to mention the fact that aspirin corrodes the walls of the stomach, so in the production of drugs that dilute the blood, the active ingredient is supplemented with a magnesium membrane.

Overview of clinical trials

Scientists reviewed 754 clinical trials, which revealed a clear correlation between the intake of painkillers and an increased risk of death from heart failure. According to the author of the review, long-term use of drugs, based on acetaminophen, causes thousands of heart attacks around the world. Painkillers also provoke a sudden cardiac arrest. The data were taken between 1999 and 2003, the results of the study are published in the journal Lancet. Also in the review was mentioned the scandalously known drug "Viox", the manufacturer of which began a large-scale promotion of the drug on the pharmacological market in the late 20th century.

Survey findings

A meta-analysis of randomized trials and observational studies has shown that coxibs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and complications associated with upper gastrointestinal tract work. Scientists warn that prolonged use of high doses of pain medication is a potential hazard to human health. For this reason, its time, the drug "Viox" was withdrawn from production in the United States of America.

Elimination of negative emotions

Consider the effect of anesthetics on reducing the perception of negative situations. As you understand, the active component can not separate emotions into bad and good. It dulls the general emotional perception, and together with the negative "kills" and positive emotions. And this means that painkillers affect a wider range of feelings and behaviors. For example, reduced sensitivity causes people to be less determined, often uncomfortable and ambivalent towards individuals.