Paracetamol is thought to act as an indirect modulator of the endocannabinoid system by increasing anandamide levels, which would explain its beneficial effects on anxiety, sleep, and the management of emotional pain.

noli's read

The theory is based on the transformation of paracetamol into AM404, a metabolite identified as an inhibitor of anandamide reuptake (Hogestatt et al., PNAS, preclinical study). While this effect is documented in the laboratory, its clinical significance in humans remains largely theoretical and extrapolated. Studies, such as the one published in 'Psychological Science' (DeWall et al.), suggest a link between paracetamol and the reduction of social pain, but the direct involvement of the endocannabinoid system as the primary mechanism in humans is a scientific exaggeration. The idea of using it for anxiety or withdrawal is anecdotal and ignores the severe hepatic risks, even when attempting to compensate for them with supplements. The community shows cautious but notable enthusiasm for this mechanism, although the evidence remains very limited and not transposable into usage recommendations. No consensus exists; the thread primarily reflects an intellectual curiosity driven by isolated personal experiences.

the sources

1. 1r/Nootropics