Q. I’ve read about a pill to combat “stage fright” symptoms in public speaking or similar situations. It was called “propol-something” and taken before the event. Do you know what it is and if it works?
A. You are probably referring to a medication called propranolol (Inderal). This beta blocker is prescribed for problems from high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms to angina and migraine prevention.
Propranolol and other beta blockers are used clandestinely by many musicians to control stage fright, but the FDA has never approved these drugs for this purpose. There is surprisingly little research on effectiveness and appropriate doses for performance anxiety.
The drugs work by blocking the action of adrenaline, the “fight or flight” hormone. But these prescription medicines may trigger asthma attacks in susceptible individuals and should only be used under careful medical supervision.
Q. You once mentioned a way to maximize the effectiveness of deodorant, but I’ve lost the article. Could you explain it again? What else can you suggest for a female in her 20’s who perspires heavily?
A. You probably need an antiperspirant rather than a deodorant. The aluminum compounds in antiperspirants help reduce sweat production rather than masking odor as a deodorant does. For best results, apply it to clean dry skin before bed.
If an OTC antiperspirant like Certain Dri is not enough, a prescription-strength aluminum chloride product such as Xerac AC (6. percent) or Drysol (20 percent) might help. A few weeks of nightly use may reduce sweating so a person needs only one or two applications a week.
Other approaches include a Drionic machine to shut down sweat glands using an electric current. Botox injections work for six months at a time, but they can be expensive. Surgery is available for people whose severe sweating has not responded to other treatments.
Q. I need five prescription medicines but I can no longer afford them because they are so expensive and I have no insurance. My cholesterol medicine alone runs more than $110 a month. Since my cholesterol is very high (over 350) I am worried.
I have heard that you can get medicine cheaper from Canada or Mexico. Is that true?
A. It’s true that many prescriptions are substantially cheaper across the border. It is, however, illegal for individuals to import prescription drugs except under certain restricted circumstances.
The FDA’s policy on importation of drugs acknowledges the savings but decries the “unknown quality” of foreign-made drugs. Canada has stronger safeguards against counterfeit drugs than most other countries (including the U.S.). Some Internet pharmacies trade on Canada’s reputation by using a name that implies they are Canadian although they are not.
We have prepared a Guide to Saving Money on Medicine that discusses the safe use of generic drugs and describes how to identify legitimate Canadian online pharmacies. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. CA-99, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
Q. Do sunless tanning products protect the skin from ultraviolet light? Are these products safe?
A. Sunless tanning products have evolved to produce a natural-looking tan. They are safe for the skin but provide no protection from the sun. You will need an effective sunscreen to keep from burning.
The People's Perspective on Medicine