People's Pharmacy

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Baby Wipes Do Double Duty For Hemorrhoids

Posting Date: 09/26/2005

Next I began having full-blown panic attacks and a bout of depression. I was prescribed Zyprexa and Klonopin to boost serotonin in my brain.

Before all this began, I ran a marathon and was living a full life with no anxiety problems. Is it possible that the drugs set off these troubles?

A. Antibiotics are rarely considered as contributors to anxiety or depression. But quinolone-type antibiotics (Levaquin, Cipro, Floxin, Noroxin, Tequin) may trigger nervousness, confusion, dizziness, depression or even psychosis.

Prednisone is notorious for causing insomnia, serious depression and mood swings.

We are sending you our Guides to Psychological Side Effects and Antidepressants for more information about drug-induced depression and anxiety. Anyone who would like copies, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. MX-23, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Treating anxiety or depression with heavy-duty anti-psychotic medicine like Zyprexa is risky. This drug can cause weight gain, dizziness, agitation, personality disorder and sleepiness.

Q. I take aspirin for my heart. I bruise easily and get dark splotches on my hands and arms. Is there any connection?

A. Some people are very susceptible to this potential side effect. Please discuss this issue with your doctor to see if you should take a lower dose of aspirin.

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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).