Great, even our fish are on anti-anxiety meds now

People are literally p*ssing away their anti-anxiety medications, which has a serious impact on fish. Yes, fish. According to a Swedish study, traces of the drug oxazepam — a prescription-only chill pill — are flushed into rivers, accumulating in the tissues of the perch population. Just as it does in their human counterparts, oxazepam alters fish behavior, making them less sociable and more adventurous. "The drug [removes] some of the fear that very small fish experience," said one of the study's authors. "They become less interested in staying close with others — a well-known [defense] system — [and] less afraid of exploring." This drug-fueled behavior change could have serious evolutionary consequences, scientists warn. They urge improvements in sewage treatment plants to filter chemicals out. [Source]

Click msnNOW.com, updated 24 hours a day.