Thousands of people use paracetamol – but is it harmless? Studies now show that painkillers can affect the character.
Paracetamol is one of the most commonly used painkillers. According to a recent survey by the consumption and media analysis ( VuMA ), a total of 17 percent of the more than 23,000 respondents stated that they had taken paracetamol within the past 12 months.
The painkiller is generally available without a prescription in any pharmacy. The inhibition threshold for many people to take a pill in case of pain or fever is correspondingly low. But more and more studies indicate that paracetamol could have enormous effects on the psyche.
Paracetamol: How the pain reliever works in your body
In contrast to ibuprofen, paracetamol does not act directly on inflammation but acts on the central nervous system. So far, the effect has not been finally clarified. However, many experts assume that the drug influences specific tissue hormones.
These are responsible for causing warning symptoms such as pain and are therefore considered protective hormones. Painkillers interfere with the synthesis of these hormones, which eventually reduces pain. But although paracetamol can be bought without a prescription, you have to pay close attention to the dose :
- Active ingredient - Maximum dose: Per intake/Per day for healthy adults
- Paracetamol - 1000mg/4000mg
- Ibuprofen - 400mg/1200mg
- ACE - 1000 mg/3000 mg up to 65 years, 2000 mg from 65 years
The well-known side effects of paracetamol are listed on the package insert. Rarely, liver and gallbladder diseases are to be expected. Skin diseases 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 can occur. As soon as side effects occur, a doctor should be informed. However, studies repeatedly point to further effects. A long-term study from the USA with more than 55,000 participants came to the conclusion that paracetamol can damages hearing. However, they had taken the drug more than twice a week.
Paracetamol: side effects and impact of severe overdose
Because paracetamol is often included in combination preparations, an accidental overdose is a health hazard. According to the MSD Manual, many medicines for children contain paracetamol, which is available in a wide variety of forms. " It may happen that a parent tries several of these at the same time or within several hours to treat fever or pain without realizing that they all contain paracetamol, " according to the information portal.
Paracetamol poisoning usually manifests itself in four stages with very different symptoms :
- Stage 1 ( a few hours after ingestion ): Possibly vomiting. Many sufferers have no symptoms at 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. Reduced liver function and develop jaundice and bleeding. Kidney failure and an inflamed pancreas can result.
- Stage 4 ( after 5 days ): Affected person recovers or develops liver and another organ failure. This can be deadly.
Paracetamol: Studies show how the painkiller also affects health and psyche
More and more studies are now coming to the conclusion that taking paracetamol can have psychological side effects in addition to physical ones. In a 2015 study, Ohio State University researchers showed that the drug not only dulls pain — it also dulls feelings. The subjects were asked to rate emotionally charged images. The group that had previously received paracetamol rated the emotions significantly less than the placebo group.
Based on this, another team from the university examined the influence of paracetamol on risk-taking behavior. Several studies involving a total of 545 participants showed that those who took paracetamol were more willing to take risks. They rated bungee jumping or walking alone through an unsafe area at night as less risky. According to the experts, this could be due to the fact that the negative feelings of those affected are reduced by the painkiller.
Paracetamol: A study determines the influence of the painkiller on the psyche and character
Paracetamol is a drug recommended by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention to treat mild corona infections. " Perhaps people with mild Covid symptoms who are taking acetaminophen will choose to go out and socialize because they consider the risk to be low, " study co-author Baldwin Way told Ohio State News. Can paracetamol affect the corona vaccination? This is the current state of research.
The information given in this article does not replace a visit to a doctor. Only experts can make the right diagnosis and initiate appropriate therapy. The intake of medication or dietary supplements should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.
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