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AIBU?

To think paracetamol is just a placebo?

189 replies

User321321321321321 · 24/09/2017 20:16

I have taken many over the course of my life, for a variety of different types of pain, mainly headache. However, I can't ever recall an occasion where paracetamol made the slightest bit of difference!!

Is it just a placebo!!?? A big con???

Or are some people simply not susceptible to it?

Hmm

OP posts:
Gileswithachainsaw · 24/09/2017 20:17

I kinda agree.

It's never really worked for me I just end up getting busy and "forgettig" about the pain...

Iruka · 24/09/2017 20:18

It usually works for me, not for big stuff but for headaches etc

Elphame · 24/09/2017 20:18

I'm not a believer in it either.

HaudYerWheeshtBawbag · 24/09/2017 20:18

No, ds temp was 41 on admission to hospital, he got 7.5ml of Calpol and his temp went down to 38.8 with inbroufen it went to 37.8

PuppyMonkey · 24/09/2017 20:19

It's never worked for me as a painkiller - I think it only really works when you have bad flu to keep your temperature down and make you feel more human.

KindergartenKop · 24/09/2017 20:19

I did think that in labour when they told me I wasn't dilated enough to stay in hospital and have proper drugs. 2 paracetamol every 4 hrs doesn't really do much.

NerrSnerr · 24/09/2017 20:19

It really helps bring my temperature down when feeling unwell.

SprogletsMum · 24/09/2017 20:19

It definitely works for a temperature. I get a high temp and the shivers every time I'm ill. 2 paracetamol and I'm back to normal.

Battyoldbat · 24/09/2017 20:20

It works for me but only on certain types of pain. I definitely notice a difference if I take painkillers for a headache say, but I have chronic joint pains and haven't found any painkillers make any difference when the pain is bad.

kali110 · 24/09/2017 20:20

Yep, has never done anything for me. Used to get really annoyed when i was in agony to be told to take paracetamol and the pain would go.
The pain never went.

BamburyFuriou3 · 24/09/2017 20:20

Works well for me but I need to take 2 not 1.

PlayOnWurtz · 24/09/2017 20:20

As someone who takes it every 4 hours when you take it consistently it works well. Take it once in a while it does nothing so I can see why you feel like that

Tameagobairanois · 24/09/2017 20:20

I agree. Nurofen or don't bother. When I have a bad cold and can't sleep I take two nurofen and a paracetomol and that helps me sleep. But if you have a headache or period pain, paracetomol is useless. USELESS

JenniferYellowHat1980 · 24/09/2017 20:20

Paracetamol has a weird side effect on me, always has, so I do think it is active. I find ibuprofen crap.

Gottagetmoving · 24/09/2017 20:21

I don't think it works for real pain, well, not for me. It helps slightly with a hangover or mild headache. I agree with you, I think it's more placebo.

Poshjock · 24/09/2017 20:21

Paracetamol is a very effective pain reliever and it works at its best when taken regularly over the course of the day i.e. 2 every 4-6 hours. It is also very good when given IV and can deal with fairly significant pain (think ankle sprain etc).

NefretForth · 24/09/2017 20:21

I read somewhere that it doesn't work for quite a high percentage of the population. It certainly does damn-all for me, and Calpol doesn't seem to do much for DD. Ibuprofen on the other hand is really effective for both of us.

MilkTwoSugarsThanks · 24/09/2017 20:21

But placebos have been proven to work... even when the person taking it knows it’s a placebo.

🤷🏼‍♀️

WillowWeeping · 24/09/2017 20:21

I actually think it's hugely underrated with severe pain - definitely takes the edge off and I can clearly remember counting down the thirty mins it takes to work and then the last thirty mins before I can take it again.

Also great for reducing temps in babies.

Caspiana · 24/09/2017 20:21

I have never been so raging in my life as when I broke my arm and the triage in A and E gave me a paracetamol!! That said for headaches or period pain if I take two, it seems to help.

FannyWisdom · 24/09/2017 20:22

No.
Trust me, when you have had a five day migraine and vomited or shat out every drop of food/ drink/ medication, you feel the bag of IV paracetamol, every drop, as it starts to work.
I often think it's undervalued, I.e. just pop a couple of paracetamol.
When you need it you feel it.

KarateKitten · 24/09/2017 20:22

I find it amazing. Especially with period cramps I can feel the it moment kicks in and gives me relief. I've spent years having to work while ill and it's been an absolute lifesaver.

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Awwlookatmybabyspider · 24/09/2017 20:23

We'll never really no, will we. Whether its mind over matter.
I'm on propranalol for severe panic disorder. They've helped a lot. But is it just mind over matter.

ShovellerDuck · 24/09/2017 20:23

I heard that paracetamol is less effective in women than men. Drug trials are usually done on men (because women's hormones go up and down all the time) so doctors aren't aware that paracetamol is useless for women.

shouldwestayorshouldwego · 24/09/2017 20:23

Not a placebo because placebos actually work 😁. Ok not as well as active drugs but because you think they will make a difference, they do make a difference. Paracetamol does nothing (unless combined with dreamy codeine 😁). I think I did read somewhere that it just doesn't work for some people.

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