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Study: Acetaminophen Does More Than Just Dull Pain

COLUMBUS, OH (CBS) – It turns out that the pain reliever acetaminophen could have an odd side effect on the human brain.

Researchers at Ohio State University found that acetaminophen not only dulls pain but reduces positive emotions.

The scientists reportedly had participants view both pleasant and disturbing photos, and those who took the acetaminophen did not react as strongly to the pictures as the placebo group.

Acetaminophen is the primary ingredient in Tylenol.

"This means that using Tylenol or similar products might have broader consequences than previously thought," says Geoffrey Durso, the author of the study, on the school's website.

The study is published in the journal Psychological Science.

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