HYGIENE WARNING ISSUED ON USE OF DANGEROUS DRUG

Discovered in 1910 by Drs. H. H. Dale and H. Barger, benzedrine sulfate became known to the medical world as a strong stimulant to the central nervous system. This year and last it has been used by a few students in the University prior to the examination period as a cure for fatigue and as a means to increased mental efficiency. To discourage the practice Arlie V. Bock, M.D., Ph.D., Henry K. Oliver Professor of Hygiene, now in charge of the Hygiene Department has issued the following statement:

"The department thoroughly disapproves of the use of benzedrine sulfate unless the patient is under the strict supervision of a competent physician. The drug is very likely to be harmful and not enough is known about benzedrine sulfate to warrant its use by men who are not acquainted with its character and the damage it may cause. Without prescription, several students are taking a drug the medical profession is still very doubtful about."

Untoward Effects

One of the first articles on benzedrine sulfate appeared in the May 22 issue of the Medical Association Journal. The Journal states that the proper dose of 10 to 30 milligrams per day must be carefully regulated to the individual and an overdosage results in insomnia, lassitude, fatigue, loss of weight, a state of increased irritation, surliness, constipation, tension of the muscles, abdominal cramps, overactivity, headache, forgetfulness, confusion, inability to concentrate, and in certain individuals a tendency toward dementia praecox.

Of the four major dispensers of drugs in Harvard Square, two refused to sell without prescription and two strongly advised against its use. The two druggists who did makes sales had sold only in the neighborhood of a dozen small bottles of tablets. To date but one student has been sent to the Stillman Infirmary because of an overdosage.

Perhaps Habit Forming

The Medical Journal on the question of the formation of habit from using benzedrine sulfate reads as follows: "Without further study, the question of habit formation cannot satisfactorily be answered, but it would seem that there is sufficient evidence to warn against promiscuous use."

The Journal further states, "In view of its untoward and disturbing circumstances, it must be stated that benzedrine sulfate can be more safely prescribed when the patient is under close observation in the hospital. Its use in outpatient practice should be undertaken with considerable caution and only under favorable circumstances.