Kennedy was in near constant pain from the back injuries he suffered in the PT109 incident. He also suffered from chronic Addison's disease. So yes, definitely on meds.

Also, this was 1960. Dr. Feelgoods were everywhere, tranquilizers and such had just started booming in the 50s. This was not a big deal at the time.Nixon started life as a Quaker but drank and got drunk on very little. He also took sleeping pills.