I just learned that the best-selling prescription drug in America is Abilify.
Abilify is not a pain-reliever, not an erectile dysfunction medication, not a weight-loss pill.
It's an anti-psychotic!
Judging from the headlines I read from over here in Japan, it's not working.
Or maybe not enough people are taking it.
Or maybe too many people are taking it!
Side effects include . . .
- difficulty with speaking
- drooling
- lip smacking or puckering
- loss of balance control
- muscle trembling
- shuffling walk
- twisting movements of the body
- uncontrolled movements, especially of the face, neck, and back
- muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities
- rapid or worm-like movements of the tongue
- sudden loss of consciousness
- uncontrolled chewing movements
- uncontrolled movements of the arms and legs
Just look around you!
These folks need to cut back on their dosage or Cold Turkey immediately.
Abilify costs $30 per pill.
Meaning, people are paying $30 per dosage to experience what the manufacturer calls the typical "milder" side effects . . .
- acid or sour stomach
- anxiety
- belching
- blurred vision
- constipation
- dry mouth
- fear
- fever
- headache
- heartburn
- hyperventilation
- inability to sit still
- indigestion
- insomnia
- irritability
- lightheadedness
- need to keep moving
- nervousness
- rash
- runny nose
- shaking
- sore throat
- stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
- trouble falling asleep
- weight gain
This is pure insanity.
Why would anyone pay $30 per pill for this much discomfort and misery when they can practically get it for free by just eating junk food and watching television?
There's no magic pill -- regardless of price -- for making life better or more tolerable.
Evidence would suggest we have little control over much of what happens to us.
Life is full of both surprises and setbacks. We don't usually have to seek them out.
We certainly don't have to buy over-priced medications to get kicked in the head.
Right, Carly Rae?
[ This originated at the author's personal web site . . . http://jdrachel.com ]
