2 Hygiene Profs. Warn Students Against Taking 'No-Doz' or Drugs

Two high-ranking members of the Hygiene Department yesterday urged exam-conscious students not to use the drug "No-Doz" as an artificial stimulant. They both warned that it may and often does have "dangerous" after-effects.

Dr. Arlie V. Bock, Oliver Professor of Hygiene, and Dr. Arthur W. Contratto, instructor in Medicine, both explained that every exam period a number of students come down with a nervous collapse partially caused by the use of "No-Doz." Contratto explained that the collapse was not due to the use of "No-Doz" alone, but that the drug was a contributing factor.

"No-Doz" is sold without a prescription in all the drug stores in the Square. A representative of the Food and Drug Administration yesterday explained that although prescriptions are required for Benzedrine and Dexadrine because of their possible dangerous effects, "No-Doz" is in the same class as aspirin. It's only active ingredient is caffeine, the same stimulant found in coffee.

Billings and Stover is selling the drug for the first time in about ten years. A druggist there said yesterday that around 1942 the University had requested them not to sell "No-Doz." He said they had abided by the request for ten years, but that this year had begun to sell it again, since, as he put it, "even grocery stores in the area stock it."

In his statement, Dr. Contratto said. "The use of potent stimulants such as Benzedrine and Dexadrine is definitely dangerous to one's health. Stimulants such as "No-Doz" often cause severe nervous recation which, although temporary, is handicapping. In most instances these stimulants do more harm than good when used for the purpose of keeping awake to prepare for examinations. I urge that students refrain from the use of these stimulants with above facts in mind."

Dr. Bock commented, "If a fellow can't do his work without resort to such drugs, I would say that he doesn't belong in college." He added that the Hygiene Department would refuse to grant medical excuses for students who suffered collapses, partially caused by the use of "No-Doz." He termed if "self-inflicted injury."