Beware Mixing Drugs, Cough Syrup
Question: My daughter just told me a horror story about a close friend of hers. This young woman became depressed at college and was taking Zoloft. When she caught a bad cold and took over-the-counter cough syrup, she ended up with a severe panic attack and was so agitated she had to be hospitalized. What is there in cough syrup that would trigger such a reaction?
Answer: Most people do not realize that dextromethorphan, the “DM” in over-the-counter cough remedies, may interact with some antidepressants. Medications such as Paxil, Prozac, Serzone and Zoloft might trigger serotonin syndrome in combination with dextromethorphan or other drugs.
Excessive serotonin activity can lead to symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, incoordination, confusion, sweating and muscle jerks. Such a reaction could easily be mistaken for a panic attack. People taking antidepressants should always check for interactions before taking any other medications, including over-the-counter remedies.
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Q: I am hoping you can give me advice about what to take for heartburn. I lead a “normal” life for a single mom: working long hours, car-pooling, going to the gym and kids’ soccer games. I know my eating habits are not the best. I grab whatever I can, on the run, and sometimes dinner is a leftover slice of pizza in front of the TV late at night when I finally have a moment to myself.
Here’s the problem. I have been having heartburn a lot lately, sometimes as often as three times a week. I know heartburn isn’t a big deal--just uncomfortable. I’ve tried Tagamet HB, Pepcid AC, Maalox and Zantac 75, but nothing seems to help for very long. I’ve begun to think of these medications as “dessert.” My medicine chest looks like a drugstore, and the heartburn keeps coming back.
A: Heartburn can be a big deal. We encourage you to see your doctor to rule out more serious problems.
Diet may play a role in triggering heartburn, and your late-night pizza is a prime culprit. Cheese, tomatoes and onion have all been linked to this uncomfortable condition.
Your doctor might prescribe a more powerful acid-suppressor such as Prilosec or Prevacid. Or you could try herbal remedies such as chamomile tea or deglycyrrhizinated licorice pills from your local health-food store.
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Q: What can I use for excessive sweating? Ordinary antiperspirants just aren’t adequate. When I am under stress, I soak through my underarms, which makes me even more nervous.
A: Check your pharmacy for Xerac AC or Certain Dri. These products contain aluminum chloride, effective even for industrial-strength sweating.
If Certain Dri is not in stock, the pharmacist can order it from Numark Laboratories. Or you can inquire about the nearest outlet by calling (800) 331-0221.
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Q: I have mild asthma. When an attack occurs, I take prednisone. What are the side effects of this medication?
A: Oral prednisone is heavy artillery against asthma. Prolonged use may increase the risk of serious side effects including cataracts, glaucoma, osteoporosis, increased blood pressure and ulcers. Occasional use is safer, but ask your doctor about inhaled steroids, which are less likely to cause such complications.
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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Send questions to them at People’s Pharmacy, care of King Features Syndicate, 235 E. 45th St., New York, NY 10017, or e-mail them via their Web site: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com.