5073: Recurring Psychiatric And Sales Problems.

Depressing News in a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• Another drug maker—this time it’s Pfizer—is under fire for the side effects associated with its product. Chantix, the anti-smoking drug, is connected with serious psychiatric problems including suicidal depression. “Chantix may cause worsening of current psychiatric illness even if it is currently under control,” reads a new statement from Pfizer. “It may also cause an old psychiatric illness to reoccur.” Wonder if the hare in Pfizer’s advertising is struggling with depressing recollections of his race loss to the tortoise.

• O.J. Simpson is seeking to keep any mention of his 1995 murder acquittal to reoccur during his upcoming trial for kidnapping and armed robbery. “We don’t want the state to be able to bring that up at all,” said a Simpson attorney. “That’s not part of this case.” Bringing it up could cause severe depression for Simpson and his lawyers.

• Dell announced plans to cut 1,200 jobs, with around 900 of the layoffs coming from the closing of a Canadian call center. Terminated employees are strongly encouraged to avoid using Chantix.