Is it normal that paracetamol and ibuprofen seem to affect my mood?

[sleepysleepyy]

Whenever I take over the counter pain killers (e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen) I always feel different, like relaxed and almost a little sleepy. I'm not sure if it's because of the relief of not being in physical pain anymore or whether they just have this effect on me.

I've looked it up online but haven't found much information on it. Is this a known thing?

Also just a disclaimer I only use painkillers on rare occasions for physical pain following the instructions given and as advised by my GP. It's just something I have noticed seems to happen when I take pain relief, usually for period pain. I also want to make it very clear that I'm not suggesting that pain killers affect mood and I obviously do not condone taking them for this effect.

I have never found this, but I went through a few years where I was taking them almost daily for chronic pain (all resolved now following surgery) so I probably developed a tolerance to them. It might be because you don't often take them.

George Orwell wrote about people in the 1930s using aspirin as a 'pick me up' rather than a painkiller so I am guessing this must be a thing for some people.

Actually painkillers can be used to treat emotional pain. I know I probably shouldn’t say so, but it’s linked to how emotional trauma can cause physical pain, in your chest for example.

Paracetamol knocks me out and makes me sleep. I sometimes avoid taking painkillers if I can’t just flake out. I am very sensitive to all medicines though and have had some strange reactions that alarm me and doctors.

That's so interesting about emotional pain. I definitely have this strange feeling of calmness and sleepiness after taking them. I had always linked it with feeling tired due to being on my period because I only ever really take pain relief when I'm on my period but I don't think that's the case. I am still alert and can function normally when needed to, though.

Now, I promise I am not using musicals as a source of history 😂

But....Chicago, All That That Jazz

Come on babe
We're gonna bunny hug
I got some aspirin
Down that united drug...

Didn't people use aspirin to relax during WW2 as well?

I take a couple of paracetamol or ibuprofen before bed most nights ever since I discovered I sleep better when i do and dont wake up as much

Calpol always seems to chill babies out doesn't it?