People's Pharmacy

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Lipitor Linked To Memory Loss Episodes

Posting Date: 11/14/2005

As a doctor, I hate using a drug to counter the side effects of another drug, including alcohol.

A. A nightcap may be a traditional way to relax, but it can affect sleep. Thanks for reminding us that treating drug-induced insomnia with a medication is not logical.

Q. I am going in for surgery in two weeks and my doctor said not to stop aspirin. The last time I had surgery I was told to quit two weeks ahead. What?s changed?

A. Surgeons used to caution patients to stop aspirin before surgery for fear it would cause uncontrollable bleeding.

New research shows that patients who continue aspirin are less likely to die right after open-heart surgery (Circulation, Sept. 2005). The researchers found that people on aspirin were no more likely to have complications with bleeding. But they caution that patients having other types of surgery should check with their physicians about whether to continue aspirin.

Q. I?ve heard that taking vitamins may help prevent macular degeneration. What is the formula?

A. The combination of vitamins tested in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) is 500 mg vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E, 15 mg beta-carotene, 80 mg zinc and 2 mg copper daily.

Q. After taking Detrol for overactive bladder, my vision became so blurred I could barely see. My niece told me it was the Detrol, and when I stopped my vision cleared up. Please alert other readers.

A. You should have been warned that blurred vision is a possible side effect of Detrol.

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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.