Seven Medications With Second Careers

Cosmetic and medicinal treatments overlap
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 10, 2009 7:19 PM CST
Seven Medications With Second Careers
Bottles of Viagra sit on a shelf at the Post Haste Pharmacy And Surgical Store on June 16, 2003 in Hollywood, Florida.   (Getty Images)

Medications are commonly advertised for a single use, but they often gain popularity for others. Here are a few examples from ABC:

  1. Viagra: Famous for its ability to increase blood flow to a specific part of the body, Viagra also has been used to increase blood flow in patients with circulatory complications.
  2. Lumigan: A popular glaucoma medication, Lumigan’s makers market the drug under the name Latisse for its side effect: thickening and lengthening eyelashes.

  1. Botox: A medication before becoming a wrinkle treatment, botulinum toxin type A was created to treat crossed eyes and muscle spasms. Now doctors have found that it is also effective against the condition of hyperlacrimation—frequent involuntary crying.
  2. Ecstasy: Though illegal and controversial, some psychiatrists think the mood-altering effects of MDMA, in conjunction with therapy, may help people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Click the link for the complete list.
(More Viagra stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X