Bizarre side effects!

Television commercials have brought more information about prescription meds into our homes than is probably healthy. But occasionally, these commercials bring a glimmer of joy to this brain in a jar.

Nearly every medication has some side effect, and doctors and medical companies are compelled to share those with potential users. However, some of these side effects are so outlandish as to teeter on disbelief.

Take for instance, two of my favorites: Veramyst and Mirapex.

Veramyst is a nasal allergy spray. When they get to the side effects, the voice over announces things like nasal soreness or bleeding--things you'd expect. But then, the disembodied voice continues in an assuring tone to mention that side effects may include cataracts and glaucoma! Yikes!

Mirapex is more fun, yet. Mirapex is a drug to treat that hot new disorder, restless leg syndrome. (Yes, I know it's a real problem, and I'm sorry if you suffer from it.) What kills me about the commercial, though, is that kindly, understanding Announcer Guy purrs that use of the medication "May cause you to fall asleep without warning, even while doing normal daily activities such as driving." That's a lot more blatant than "Do not use while operating heavy machinery"! This is not the end, though. A.G. also suggests seeing your doctor if you experience... increased gambling urges! "Yup, I can finally sleep at night, but I can't stay away from the roulette wheel."

Possible side effects of reading It Came From Allen's Brain! may include. . .