New evidence suggests over-the-counter analgesics may have more psychological effects than first thought. A few years back, researchers reported a side effect of paracetamol. It appeared to dampen emotional responses in men and women. A review of the literature at the University of California suggests ibuprofen may do the same thing, but only in women. The Research The study found that compared with those who took a placebo, women on ibuprofen report less hurt feelings from emotionally painful experiences. The opposite was true for men. “The findings are alarming,” says Assistant Professor Kyle Ratner. “Consumers assume when they take an over-the-counter pain medication, it
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