Unexpected effect of common painkillers on intelligence and thinking speed

A recent study conducted by University College London revealed that some painkillers may affect cognitive abilities. Some can enhance memory and intelligence, while others may have negative effects.

Researchers analyzed data from nearly half a million men and women with an average age of 73 in the United Kingdom to study the cognitive effects of medications used to treat pain, inflammation, osteoarthritis, heart disease, asthma, allergies, and high blood pressure.

The results showed that some medications had a positive effect on cognition, with people who used them outperforming those who did not take them on memory and reaction times. These medications included aspirin, codeine, diclofenac (Voltaren), omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, atorvastatin, omeprazole, lansoprazole, and multivitamin supplements.

The researchers found that ibuprofen, a common painkiller used to treat headaches, toothaches, backaches, and cold symptoms, may contribute to improving reaction time and mental abilities, making it as beneficial to the brain as it is for lowering high blood pressure.

In contrast, the researchers found that paracetamol and fluoxetine (a prescription antidepressant) had the greatest negative effects on memory and problem-solving. Amitriptyline, used to treat migraines, was also associated with a significant decline in cognitive abilities.

The researchers emphasized that their study only suggests an association between the use of these medications and cognitive effects, but does not directly prove they are the cause. However, they stressed the need to include cognitive assessments in future clinical trials of all new medications to ensure the safest and most effective treatments are selected for patients.

Professor Martin Rossor, a neuroscientist and lead author of the study, explained: "The cognitive side effects of common medications can have a significant impact, so they should be considered in clinical trials to ensure long-term patient safety."

The researchers noted that studies on the effects of medications on cognitive abilities are still limited, particularly since most users are elderly and often take multiple medications at the same time, making it difficult to determine the precise effect of each drug. Any cognitive decline may also be erroneously attributed to aging rather than the effects of the medication itself.

The study was published in the journal Brain and Behavior.

Source: Daily Mail - Published on 3-2-2025 - https://ar.rt.com/z7qn