Advertisements are everywhere.
Our entire life, we are consumed by commercials, billboards and ads. Even movies showcase products that affect our way of thinking.
I would have to say the most interesting advertisements I’ve witnessed are medical commercials. They always include unrealistic scenarios following a list of possible dangerious side effects that no one ever understands.
One that comes to mind is the Enzyte commercials. A creepy man named Bob — wearing an even creepier smile — appears on the screen.
It’s bad enough having to see Bob spread his merriment to his fellow neighbors because he got a boost of excitement. It’s even worse when the side effects of the “male enhancement” are blaring through the speakers.
These side effects involve dizziness, nausea and increased blood pressure. It seems a little ironic considering their blood pressure might naturally rise due to the activities affiliated with this drug.
Also, the added dizziness and nausea definitely doesn’t fit the picture of happy Bob.
Nowadays, it seems there are always new and interesting side effects that come along with medications. Man boobs, compulsive gambling and the occasional death are just a few.
Let’s face it — these harmful outcomes can either completely contradict the remedy or make society fear them like the plague.
Another commercial that comes to mind is Cialis. The advertisement begins with various couples snogging one another while elevator music plays in the background.
This erectile dysfunction tablet is clinically proven to not only go to work in 30 minutes or less, but it can be utilized up to 36 hours.
Some of the side effects include muscle pain and heart attacks.
I think it’s understandable why someone would have a little bit of a back ache after getting it on for two days.
I remember when I heard about a drug called Lunesta. Great, another cure that would ensure sleep to insomniacs.
Have you even seen this commercial? I find it strange to see a moth fluttering around with rhythmic music playing in the background.
Honestly, the commercial could put more people to sleep than the treatment.
What’s even better is it can cause memory loss, feelings of depression and hallucinations. Personally, I’d rather get a terrible night’s sleep than wake up one morning not knowing who I am.
Many of the commercials nowadays involve solutions to depression.
One that comes to mind is the blubber-ball from Zoloft.
This commercial seems more like a high school science video then a cure for depression.
What’s interesting is Zoloft might add on to the problem with side effects including suicidal thoughts and agitation. They also said Zoloft is not habit forming. I think many would have to disagree.
Of course, there are always those nauseating commercials like Lamisil, the fungus cartoon character who causes athlete’s foot. Even those Mucinex ads get a little sickening.
Then there are those where everything seems fine until a woman riding a bicycle appears, looks at the camera and says, “I have herpes.”
I accept the fact there will never be a stop to the stupidity of medical advertisements.
Even though frustration could arise, the drugs are worth it, right? What’s the worst that could happen?
By CLAIRE MUNN
Features Editor
clamunn@umail.iu.edu