Health News Update: Over-the-Counter Paracetamol Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Reduces An Individual's Empathy Level

Recent studies reveal that Tylenol does not only work as a pain reliever, but it numbs the individual's emotional connection as well. It was revealed that the over-the-counter pain killer does not only eliminate pain, but it also makes you care less.

Commonly known as paracetamol, acetaminophen is often used to soothe pain. Paracetamol is ideal for pain relief and fever. It is commonly used to soothe body pains and alleviate fever, what the researchers came up with however is a more remarkable discovery. It was noted that paracetamol does not only have an effect physical aspect of the individual, but it also has an effect on the person's mental state according to Daily Mail.

Study: taking acetaminophen (tylenol) for pain relief may reduce empathy https://t.co/jOtqPipkve #pain #painkiller pic.twitter.com/qDnsAFA4uW

— Dr. Natasha Ryz, PhD (@TashRyz) May 10, 2016

It was emphasized that paracetamol also numbs one of the brain's sensor, making the individual less empathetic. It may seem like a positive effect, but it sparked concerns among health care providers. "Acetaminophen can reduce empathy as well as serve as a painkiller. It is concerning. Empathy is important. If you are having an argument with your spouse and you just took acetaminophen, this research suggests you might be less understanding of what you did to hurt your spouse's feelings." Two studies were done in regards to paracetamol (acetaminophen). One of which involves a popular paracetamol brand, Tylenol. 80 students took part if the study wherein they were given paracetamol and were told a few short stories regarding people who went through pain.

Acetaminophen, the main ingredient in Tylenol, might reduce your ability to feel other people’s pain https://t.co/BV95KfM3F3 — Newsweek (@Newsweek) May 10, 2016

The story being narrated involves both physical and emotional pain. The individuals who ingested paracetamol (acetaminophen) were less sympathetic in terms of their response to the stories which expressed other people's pain compared to their peers.

Tylenol's effects, however, showcased negative output as it delivered a negative impact on a person's decision making. It was revealed that the paracetamol made the individual's decision making more challenging according to News Week.