Confusion, particularly in older adults
Urinary retention, which can lead to additional complications in the elderly
Tylenol PM and Riskier Choices?
Here’s an unexpected twist: acetaminophen may influence how you feel—and how you judge risk.
In a 2020 study from Ohio State University, participants were given either 1,000 milligrams of acetaminophen or a placebo. They were then asked to evaluate how risky various activities seemed, from skydiving and bungee jumping to major life decisions like changing careers.
The results were surprising. Those who took acetaminophen consistently rated these activities as less risky than participants who hadn’t taken the drug. Researchers suggest the medication may dull emotional reactions, softening feelings such as fear and excitement alike.
Earlier research supports this idea, showing that acetaminophen can also reduce empathy, dampening emotional responses to others’ pain—and even muting positive feelings like happiness.
In other words, this widely used medication may do more than ease pain or help with sleep. It could subtly alter how you experience emotions and interpret the world around you.
So What Should You Do Instead?
Dr. Melillo isn’t calling for Tylenol PM to be taken off the shelves. He agrees it can be useful on occasion. But he’s firm about one thing: it shouldn’t become a nightly habit.
For ongoing sleep problems, he recommends speaking with a doctor or pharmacist about options such as:
Sleep aids that don’t create dependence
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