Study: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Makes You Less Empathetic

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This is a chilling study:  If you or anyone you interact with takes acetaminophen, take notice!  It may affect their behavior towards you.  Yes, you read that right. That’s what new research has discovered.

According to research out of Ohio State University, people who take acetaminophen have an immediate change in their ability to empathize or feel pain. It affects both their perceptions of their own pain and ability to empathize, but also how they perceive other’s pain emotionally and physically (once the drug takes affect).

According to the study, acetaminophen also blunts feeling of positive emotions such as joy!

I wonder how acetaminophen affects our facial expressions then. Could it possibly interfere with our ability to make them, and our ability to read them like Botox does?

It’s scary researchers are just discovering this.

It makes you think twice about taking it, doesn’t it?

I am sure the people who take it, myself included, have no indication there are changes going on. I never sensed a change. Have you?

It hints at just how biological we are.  Change one element by introducing a new chemical, and our mood, behavior, or personality can be effected.  Even how we perceive others can change and we can absolutely be in the dark that it is occurring.

So the next time you see someone pop these little white pills, think about your interactions with that person.  Do you really want to ask for a favor at that time?  Maybe immediately after they pop the pills, but don’t wait an hour!  You may regret it.

4 replies
  1. Paul Flanagan
    Paul Flanagan says:

    Years ago, my mom’s doctor told her that Tylenol is a “useless” drug. Fast forward about five years ago, I told this to a friend who was about to pick up something for his headache/pain. He defiantly retorted, “Well then why are there commercials that say tens of thousands of doctors recommend it?”
    I thought for a moment and realized, “Because it does nothing (minimal)! Usually the better something does as killing pain the more side effects it has.” My point being, if this is a side effect of Tylenol, at least get a better painkiller.

  2. Pingy
    Pingy says:

    In my opinion, no good can come from taking Tylenol. Acetaminophen also destroys your liver, especially if you take it the morning after to cure a hangover.

  3. Jessica Lewis
    Jessica Lewis says:

    I wonder if it contributes to postpartum depression?

    Tylenol is the only painkiller pregnant women can safely take. Does taking it for months affect a new mother’s joy in combination with crazy hormones and additional stress?

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