Comments on advertisement of Adderall(a prescription phychostimulant)

Reference Source: http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/04/27/090427fa_fact_talbot

This is a direct-to-customer prescription drug advertisement in the US called “Adderall”. The man with a big thumb up says “can’t pass without it”. Clearly, it mainly targets at the students’ market. With a great brand positioning, it is likely to get into customers’ mind easily. As a result, this psychostimulant has become very popular in the US schools and universities. It can help students concentrate, feel confident, keep themselves awake and achieve academic success.

However, I believe there are always some reasons behind why it is categorized as a “prescription drug” rather than an OTC. And it is irresponsible and unethical for such a prescription drug advertisement to present nothing on side-effects of this prescription drug. It misleads students to purchase it blindly instead of educating them about the drug itself. Customers do need a balanced view. Adderall has a lot of side-effects that can cause health risks. But some students simply take it as candies and don’t even bother to discuss with professional doctors to get prescription. Attracted by Adderall’s advertisement, students trade pills among themselves. Suppose things go wrong, the private illegal sellers will be in big troubles, won’t Adderall face negative publicity consequently?