HAPPY PILLS, SAD CONSEQUENCES

THE wish list of so-called lifestyle drugs is growing apace as drug
companies identify perceived ailments they believe they can remedy.

For years we have known about happy pills, but their acceptance has been
tarnished by the picture of the very unhappy people for whom they have been
prescribed, and some equally unhappy side effects.

But mixing fun with serious need has produced a winning formula, as many
advertising agencies know very well. The most publicised of these drugs is
Viagra, which was produced for the treatment of impotency but has
implications for those not suffering from a physical or psychological
disabilities.

Then came along the anti-obesity pill Xenical which, like Viagra, allows
people indulge without suffering the natural side effects.

Now we have a shyness pill, Seroxat, devised for those who are afraid to
leave their homes for fear of meeting strangers, but producing a less
inhibited, more outgoing personality in the less shyly challenged.

It all sounds great. But one wonders if it could be a case of the Chinese
curse of wishing all your wishes are fulfilled. No doubt that will lead to
further opportunities for the drug companies.

Checked-by: Pat Dolan