People's Pharmacy

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What Can You Do When ED Drugs Fail?

Posting Date: 12/05/2005

A. Diphenhydramine (the ?PM? in Tylenol PM and other nighttime pain relievers) is certainly cheaper than the prescription sleeping pill Sonata. Taken in the middle of the night, though, even a lower dose could result in morning grogginess and make driving dangerous.

Q. I am a retired doctor with Type II diabetes. Metformin has kept my blood sugar in the normal range for 10 years. Despite good control, my foot numbness was getting worse. I was also a little unsteady on my feet.

In reviewing the medical literature I discovered that metformin interferes with vitamin B12. I suspected I might be deficient in this nutrient so I started oral vitamin B12.

Within a week, I noticed a sharpening of my mental capacity. I stopped having any trouble walking and my foot numbness has decreased.

Many older diabetics take metformin, and their subtle neurologic and mental deficits may be overlooked but could be treated.

A. Thank you for pointing out that metformin (Glucophage) can deplete the body of vitamin B12. This can lead to serious neurological symptoms if not corrected promptly.

Q. Is there a self-test for checking your cholesterol without having to go to your physician for blood work? I am trying to get my cholesterol under control with diet and I want to track my progress.

A. Over-the-counter cholesterol tests for home use have been around since 1993. But according to Consumer Reports (Aug. 2003), they don?t provide enough information to be very helpful.

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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.com. Their newest book is The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies (St. Martin's Press).

2005 King Features Syndicate, Inc.