A Red Book prediction suggests that future warnings for the sleep aid Lunesta will include a disclaimer against operating or handling firearms while under the influence of the medication.
6 chapters across the catalog
A Red Book prediction suggests that future warnings for the sleep aid Lunesta will include a disclaimer against operating or handling firearms while under the influence of the medication.
Intermezzo Sleep Aid and Side Effect Warnings
A commercial for Intermezzo, a low-dose zolpidem sleep aid designed for middle-of-the-night waking, is analyzed for its extensive list of dangerous side effects. These include fatal allergic reactions, "sleep-driving," hallucinations, and increased suicide risk in depressed patients. The hosts suggest that waking up early should be used for productivity rather than medicated back to sleep.
A listener provides "inside scoop" on BuzzFeed, claiming the company hires top talent from Rolling Stone and the New York Times with high salaries to avoid "haters." This is followed by a critical email from a listener who uses the podcast as a sleep aid and complains about the host's "over-laughing" and "loud protestations."
Procter & Gamble has launched ZzzQuil, a non-habit-forming sleep aid marketed by the makers of NyQuil. The product's marketing strategy at retailers like Walgreens uses sensory triggers, including twinkling lights and soothing music, to attract consumers. Critics note that the active ingredients are essentially the same as those found in traditional cough medicines, but repackaged specifically for the sleep aid market.
Listener Greg Noblin shares a story about his girlfriend's long-term use of Seroquel as a sleep aid. He describes side effects such as muscle stiffness, dizziness, and impaired motor skills. The hosts reiterate their concerns about the over-prescription of powerful antipsychotics for minor issues like sleeplessness.
Pharmaceutical Advertising Analysis: Avodart and Lunesta
The hosts analyze television advertisements for Avodart (prostate) and Lunesta (sleep), mocking the extensive and terrifying lists of side effects. They highlight Lunesta's warnings about "sleep-driving" and "sleep-eating" without memory of the events. The segment critiques the FDA's approval of "zombie meds" and the manipulative use of music and sound effects in drug marketing.
