Should we promote a drug that “cures” shyness?

Interesting.

Some shyness can be debilitating but using oxytocin on young kids doesn't sound good. Doesn't it work on the brain and with hormones?

We already promote a drug that cures shyness. It's called booze.

Drat, I was going to say that!

Hee hee hee

Only that, if sprayed in a thin mist over the masses, it doesn't quell violent feelings among groups of demonstrators... or prevent extramarital affairs...

Oxytocin side effects
Side effects with oxytocin are not common. Serious side effects include:
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an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; hives; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting);
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difficulty urinating;
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chest pain or irregular heart beat;
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difficulty breathing;
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confusion;
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sudden weight gain or excessive swelling;
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severe headache;
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rash;
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excessive vaginal bleeding; or
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seizures.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience

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redness or irritation at the injection site;
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loss of appetite; or
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nausea or vomiting.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

www.drugs.com

I think that it is a matter of degree. Some people are naturally more reticent, but when it gets in the way of having a social life, getting and keeping a job, or grossly interferes in a person's life it IS a problem.

If the drug was available, I think that it should be used very cautiously, and only with those individuals where their shyness negatively impacts on their lives.

I think that it would be unconscionable for a commercial establishment to use the drug without the espress consent of their patrons. This reminds me of the old story (I never learned if it were a legend) of the military putting a certain substance (damn, I can't remember the name of it, can anyone help?)
in the soldiers' food to dampen their sexuality.

Yeah - according to the article it is supposed to be a safe alternative to alcohol.

I think you're thinking of saltpeter, Phoenix.

Salt peter

you beat me to it

Boomer- I just remembered, but thanks!

I also was painfully shy as a child and way into my twenties, but due to
circumstances - and life itself - I needed to overcome the shyness. I think, my mother nurtured my shyness with shielding me and being overly protective which wasn't really helpful.

I see shyness in part as an innate challenge to overcome, and with appropriate professional help, a person can succeed to a certain extend.

I agree - my other worry is - will there a pill for any type of trait that society deems undesireable? We will soon all be carbon copies of each other.

I also agree.... why be the Stepford Humans?

Yeah, it was hard enough to bypass the Stepford wife

Linkat, I actually appreciate shy people. They have something cute and innocent
about them. In a society where everyone is trying to run you over, it's a nice
trait to have. Plus, shy people tend to be more on the considerate side...

It could be administered automatically to those who frequent MMPORGS or Internet discussion boards.

I am against designer drugs in principle. I could see a drug such as this for dire cases only.

Why do you suppose this society thinks that every thing can be fixed with a pill? Shyness is a normal reaction that all of us have experienced at one time or another. If no one ever felt any shyness we would all be speaking at the same time, all the time.

According to Jung a great many people are naturally introverted. It is society that has a bias towards extroverted personalities, and we are willing to guilt trip and drug our way towards getting what we want. Arn't we great!