Drug advertising

Probably Not What They Were Going For

There’s an advertisement on TV that makes me laugh every time I see it.

The ad is for an anti-depressant drug. And typical of most pharmaceutical ads, the list of possible side effects is fairly scary. But it seems like this particular list just goes on and on and on and on and on.

The list includes possible weight-loss, chest pains, trouble breathing, difficulty sleeping, sore throat, dry mouth, fever, nausea, etc., etc., etc.

When the announcer finally reaches the end of this impressive list, the smiling woman who’s pictured on the screen says, “I finally feel like my old self again!”

The juxtaposition and the timing are perfect – as if all of those side effects have made her feel like her old self again. I certainly don’t mean to make light of depression, but this ad just strikes me as absurd.

I shake my head and wonder: Who would see this ad and think, “I’m sold! Sign me up for all that!”
To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute