'Smart drugs' are bad for your health

Doctors are warning that drugs bought online to boost intelligence and fitness could contain harmful substances

Pressures to be smart and slim are driving a generation to buy online 'smart drugs' to boost their confidence, intelligence and fitness.

But doctors warn the products could be serious side effects including allergic reactions, liver damage, brain damage and even death.

Drugs such as Ritalin used to treat ADHD are being bought online to boost concentration, while others such as melanotan II are being bought by sunbed users to increase their tan.

Some products marketed as herbal or natural have also been found to contain licensed medicines such as sexual enhancers which contain Viagra.

Anti-depressants are being sold online as mood enhancers and banned weight loss drugs are being marketed as diet aids which will make you feel 'better than well,' according to a report entitled Human Enhancement Drugs - The Emerging Challenges to Public Health.

Many smart drug users are not recreational drug takers, but believe they can enhance positive characteristics with no harm to their health.

'We are seeing a redefinition of what health means,' says co-author Professor Mark Bellis. 'For many, the consequences of a natural aging process are no longer acceptable.'

'Aging, being overweight, sexual performance, hair loss, shyness, tiredness are some of the events which have been redefined as medical issues and treated with drugs,' says the report.

The report is likely to be the tip of the iceberg as a growing number of people seek out treatments on the illicit market to combat the natural signs of aging.

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