People's Pharmacy

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Beware Steroid Psychosis

Posting Date: 01/24/2005

Her health began declining steadily. I am concerned that her medications may have contributed to her deterioration, especially a stroke she suffered last year. They include Cozaar, atenolol, triamterene, chlordiazepoxide, Premarin, Vioxx, phenobarbitol, Mysoline, allopurinol and Tessalon. She is frequently dizzy and drowsy. The Vioxx was discontinued after the stroke, but not the Premarin.

I hope to warn others of the dangers of over-medication. If you have information on drug safety for older people, it would be most appreciated.

A. It is conceivable that Vioxx, Premarin or both contributed to your wife?s stroke. Vioxx was pulled from the market because it increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Premarin and other menopausal estrogens also pose a danger of blood clots that may cause strokes.

The symptoms you report could be associated with some of her other medications. Several of them, such as phenobarbital and chlordiazepoxide, are usually inappropriate for older people. Her medicines should be re-evaluated.

To assist, we are sending you our Guide to Drugs and Older People with a list of drugs that may be inappropriate and a drug safety questionnaire for her doctor. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. O-85, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

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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).

2005 King Features Syndicate, Inc.