Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them: Health care screwups are one of the leading causes of death in America, killing as many as 750,000 people annually. That’s more than heart attacks or cancer. And yet most people don’t know this, including most physicians. From diagnostic disasters to deadly drug interactions, the bestselling authors of The People’s Pharmacy expose the alarming epidemic of medical mistakes in America—and offer a lifesaving prescription to make the healthcare system safe again. Only $26.00 +s/h
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Q. I am 32 years old and suffering from PMS. Two weeks before my period starts, I get irritable and sensitive. I find myself picking fights with my husband. This situation is affecting my marriage.
I talked to my doctor, who prescribed Prozac. I am reluctant to take it, because I am not depressed. Is there a natural way to ease this situation?
A. You may want to give the Prozac a try, even though you don't feel depressed. Studies have shown that this and similar medications can alleviate the mood swings associated with premenstrual syndrome or, as it is sometimes termed, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Then, when your relationship feels more stable, you may be able to experiment with some natural approaches.
Some women report that supplements of calcium (500 mg twice daily) or magnesium (360 mg three times daily) are helpful for this problem. At that dose, though, magnesium may cause diarrhea.
Others have had success with vitamin B6 (25 to 50 mg per day). Do not exceed 50 mg, since too much B6 can cause nerve damage.
St. John's wort (300 mg three times a day) or chaste tree berry (20 to 40 mg at bedtime) may also be helpful. (Do not combine Prozac and St. John's wort!) Keep a diary of your symptoms, so that you can tell if a remedy is working.
Q. During my last physical, I told my doctor that my toes and feet seem to go a little numb sometimes and a blood test showed that my homocysteine level was high.
As a Prevacid user for over 4 years, I was interested in a recent letter listing some of the symptoms I am suffering. I didn't realize that reducing stomach acid could affect vitamin B12 absorption, and was fascinated to read that a B12 supplement vanquished the symptoms.
When I went looking for B12, I found the RDA is 300 micrograms/day. Please tell me your correspondent meant 1000 micrograms of B12 a day, not 1000 milligrams. Otherwise, I'd have to take a thousand pills a day!
A. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to nerve damage with symptoms of tingling and numbness, fatigue, depression insomnia or memory problems. Stomach acid is necessary for B12 absorption.
You spotted an error. We should have noticed that the writer mistakenly wrote 1000 mg when he actually meant 1000 mcg (micrograms).
Q. I have some questions about osteoporosis. I am 53 years old and was diagnosed with this condition three years ago. A bone density test showed bone loss.
I am currently taking hormone replacement therapy because other drugs my doctor prescribed, Fosamax and Actonel, both caused bone, muscle and joint aches. I am concerned about the risks of HRT, but I haven't been able to find out much about the alternatives to protect me from further bone loss. Is there any information you can send me?
A. There are other options, including the prescription drugs Evista, Miacalcin and more recently, Forteo. Vitamin D, calcium and magnesium are also helpful in combination with appropriate exercise. Your doctor can help you determine the best approach.
We are sending you our Guides to Osteoporosis and Estrogen: Benefits, Risks and Interactions for more information on this issue. Anyone who would like copies, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. WU-52, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
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