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Generic Thyroid Causes Problems

Posting Date: 03/03/2003

Of course, the vitamins vary in the amounts of most ingredients (all have 1 mg folic acid), so it is difficult to determine which one is best. However, I do find the smallest pill sizes the most appealing!

There will be a monthly $25.00 co-pay for any prescription that I receive. Am I better off buying a non-prescription brand of prenatal vitamin?

A. Prenatal vitamins generally contain more folic acid (800 mcg to 1 mg) and iron (40 to 60 mg) than typical multi-vitamin formulations. Nonprescription prenatal vitamins approximate these levels, but you could also take an ordinary multivitamin and add separate folic acid and iron supplements if your OB/GYN approves. The extra folic acid and iron come to about $8 for a three-month?s supply, so this may be the most cost-effective option.

Q. I am in the Army and would like to know if it is safe to take Provigil for times when sleep deprivation is necessary. Is this drug safer then amphetamines?

A. Provigil (modafinil) is a relatively new prescription medication for treating narcolepsy. People with this condition suffer excessive daytime drowsiness and often fall asleep at inconvenient times. Provigil is a stimulant that can prevent this.

Side effects of Provigil can include headache, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dry mouth and anxiety.

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In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.org. Their newest book is The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies (St. Martin's Press).