Medicine: Diet Pills

Too much of a miracle?

Forget aspirin, penicillin or tranquilizers. The true wonder drug, in the eyes of all too many people, is one that promotes weight loss. For a while amphetamines seemed to provide that miracle, until doctors began warning of their severe side effects, which include increased blood pressure and heart rate, a dependency on the drugs, and bouts of depression when the pills are withdrawn. Now magical diet potions are being promoted in a new and, according to some doctors, alarming form. To make matters worse, they can be had for...

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