Even over-the-counter pain medicines (OTC) come with risks. While the side effects may not be as risky as those caused by prescription opioids, OTC pain pills culminate in tens of thousands of emergency room visits each year. Common side effects of acetaminophen-based meds like Tylenol and Excederin include nausea, and abdominal pain. Severe side effect include jaundice, liver damage and even death in extreme cases. Another popular class of painkillers, known as NSAIDs, has similar common side effects, while the severe side effects include gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage, heart attack and stroke. NSAIDs, which stands for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, includes ibuprofen-based meds like Advil and Motrin, as well as aspirin, diclofenac and naproxen. While these side effects are well known and widely publicized, studies show there is a more insidious risk to these common painkillers—a risk that has received little attention. These risks include brain "blunting," and changes in a person's normal behavior. Psychological side effects study According to a 2020 study that followed regular acetaminophen users, the medicine affected various psychological processes leading to the lowering of users' receptivity to hurt feelings, experiencing reduced empathy, and even blunting cognitive functions. The study, published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience in July 2020, was conducted by collaborating professors and doctoral students at Ohio State University. To reach their conclusions, researchers conducted a series of experiments involving over 500 university students as participants. The research team measured how a single 1,000 mg dose of acetaminophen (the recommended maximum adult single dosage), randomly assigned to participants, affected their risk-taking behavior, compared against placebos randomly given to a control group. The results showed that the students who took acetaminophen engaged in significantly more risk-taking during the exercise, relative to the more cautious and conservative placebo group. The study was actually built on a series of studies led by Dr. Baldwin Way, an associate professor of psychology at Ohio State University, that have progressively shown that acetaminophen has psychological effects that most people don’t consider when using it. The earlier studies by Dr. Way and his colleagues had suggested that "acetaminophen reduces positive and negative emotions, including hurt feelings, distress over another’s suffering and even your own joy." The conclusions drawn by Dr. Way and his team are not universally agreed upon. Under peer review other researchers posited that results seen in laboratory testing may not be the same in the real world; however, other study projects conducted in different countries had similar findings. Other research A study conducted at the University of Vienna in 2023 found "liberal intake" of acetaminophen was associated with a reduction in empathic concern and pro-social behavior. These findings, while similar to the U.S. researchers' findings, pointed to a more complex relationship between acetaminophen and the brain. While more research is needed in this area, the existing evidence strongly suggests that the effects of OTC painkillers don't just include the stomach, liver and kidneys, but also the brain. And it doesn't require long use or overdose—it can start with a single 1,000 mg dose. Despite the potential impact of acetaminophen's effect on people's risk perception, the drug nonetheless remains one of the most important and highly used medications in the world, considered an essential medicine by the World Health Organization. Ibuprofen medicines are almost as popular. Safer alternatives Fortunately for people seeking safer options in treating pain and inflammation, safer alternatives exist. More importantly, herbal/natural alternatives also tend to promote healing, while the pharmaceuticals typically just "mask" the pain and inflammation. • Anti-inflammatory enzymes and phytonutrients: Studies show that a blend of high-potency proteases, peptidases and phytonutrients can significantly reduce inflammation. Enzymes can also digest auto-immune causing proteins, which helps improve healing time. • Omega-3 fatty acids: Extracted from algae, flaxseed, and borage oils, Omega-3 fatty acids have well-documented anti-inflammatory effects. They are especially beneficial in managing chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Numerous studies have shown that Omega-3 supplements can reduce the need for OTC medications and prescription opioids alike. • Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Ginger isn't just a food flavoring option. Ginger is an ancient herbal remedy for pain and inflammaiton. Modern research supports its use in this area. • Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate: Well-known in the athletic world, glucosamine and chondroitin are key compounds that work together to build and maintain cartilage, reduce inflammation and support joint health. • Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Tumeric, another herb with historical pain-relieving uses extending back hundreds of years, has powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Some studies have shown its primary active compound, curcumin, to be as effective as ibuprofen in reducing pain.  - - - All of these potent nutrients can be found in the Natural NSAIDs Pak from Optimal Health Systems. Click the banner ad on this page to learn more. Sources for this article include: Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, Nature, Ohio State University, Wikipedia (NSAIDs).
