Take Your Pills

Take Your Pills is a documentary film that explores the phenomenon of prescription drugs used to enhance cognitive abilities, particularly among students and professionals. The film is directed by Alison Klayman and was released on Netflix on March 16, 2018.

The film begins with a brief history of amphetamines, which were first used in the US as a nasal decongestant and later as a treatment for obesity and depression. In the 1950s, amphetamines were marketed as a way to increase productivity and focus, and by the 1960s they were widely used by students and professionals to stay awake and alert for long periods of time.

The film then shifts to the present day, where we are introduced to a number of people who use prescription stimulants (like Adderall and Ritalin) to enhance their cognitive abilities. We meet a college student preparing for final exams, a lawyer working long hours, and a software engineer trying to stay ahead of his competition.

Through interviews with various experts and archival footage, the film explores the ways in which prescription stimulants work on the brain, including their effects on dopamine and norepinephrine. It also examines the potential side effects of long-term stimulant use, including addiction, anxiety, and depression.

One of the most interesting parts of the film is its exploration of the social and cultural factors that contribute to the rise of stimulant use. We learn that many students and professionals feel pressure to perform at a high level, and that the use of stimulants is often seen as a necessary and even acceptable means of achieving success.

The film also includes commentary from several critics of stimulant use, including a college professor who argues that it undermines the educational system and a former stimulant user who talks about the negative effects it had on his personal life.

Throughout the film, we see footage of people taking pills, studying, and working, and the overall effect is a sobering look at the ways in which prescription drugs are used in our society. At the same time, the film does not take a definitive stance on whether or not stimulant use is good or bad, leaving that judgment up to the viewer.

One of the strengths of Take Your Pills is that it provides a broad overview of the issue, touching on a variety of aspects of stimulant use without becoming overly technical or preachy. The film is well-paced and engaging throughout, with a mix of talking head interviews, archival footage, and scenes of people going about their daily lives.

Overall, if you're interested in the ways in which prescription drugs are used to enhance cognitive abilities, or if you're just looking for a thought-provoking documentary, Take Your Pills is definitely worth checking out. It's an informative and nuanced exploration of a complex issue, and it's sure to spark plenty of discussion and debate among viewers.