Experts say no to memory enhancing drugs

With the UP board examinations round the corner, students are trying every possible way to cram their courses. Some of them are also using memory enhancing drugs. Easily available in the market and without any prescription, the `memory enhancing drugs' are gaining popularity these days. The medicine shops are selling Ayurvedic, allopathic and homoeopathic medicines and are satisfied with the sales. According to the chemists and druggists, both parents and students are willing to purchase these medicines. However, physicians and psychiatrist say then none of these medicines can improve memory. Lakhan, a chemist in Swaroop Nagar said that it has now become a common knowledge that memory pills can improve the working of the brain and help in increasing learning power. There are certain Ayurvedic medicines available in the market that claim of not having side effects. These are popular among the students. Catchy advertisements play a major role in changing the mindset of the people. Since these medicines are manufactured by leading pharmaceutical firm, therefore, the advertisements leave a positive impact. Moreover, for purchasing these medicines one need not show any prescription, thus making it easily to buy."Instead of having a biological affect, these pills have a psychological impact on the students that the medicine can do wonders during the peak time of exams," said Dr Vipul Singh, psychiatrist at Lala Lajpat Rai (LLR) Hospital. "If these medicines are affective enough then why aren't these pills successful in improving the condition of a mentally retarded child?" he asked. There is need to create awareness that no such miracle can happen within a month that can help in increasing the cramming power, only hard work can help, he added. 
Dr Vivudh Pratap Singh, a physician at LLR Hospital said: "During the exam period, majority of students suffer from the problems of insomnia and anxiety and if by consuming such medicines the problem is solved then they become dependent on such medicines. Therefore, instead of going for such an option, the parents should take their child to an expert so that stress and other related problems can be solved." Source:TNN