Story highlights In one test, participants read sad scenarios and rated them

Researchers say they aren't sure why the drug is having this effect

(CNN) The side effects of popping a pain reliever containing acetaminophen are well-known: You may get stomach pains. You might feel nauseated.

Well, add another possible one to the list: You'll feel less inclined to empathize with your fellow man.

A new study by researchers at Ohio State University found that acetaminophen -- the main ingredient in Tylenol and about 600 other medicines -- dulls you to the trials and tribulations of others.

(By the way, these are the same researchers who earlier found that the medication can suck the joy out of life for you ).

"If you are having an argument with your spouse and you just took acetaminophen, this research suggests you might be less understanding of what you did to hurt your spouse's feelings," said study co-author Baldwin Way, an assistant professor of psychology and member of the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center's Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research.

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