Dear Pharmacist,
I started taking 5 new supplements but I’ve been noticing occasional butterflies in my chest, hair loss, heartburn and muscle twitching. I think it’s related to my vitamins because when I stop them, the symptoms goes away. Should I stop?  –T.E., Manhattan

Answer: Yes, and then find out what specific nutrients your [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I bought your Drug Muggers book and learned that coffee is stealing iron from my body. I’ve had chronic fatigue for years, and now that I’m supplementing with the iron, I’m feeling MUCH better, so thank you! I’m not giving up coffee though. Suzy, would you be willing to share more drug muggers, [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
You posted a recipe on facebook recently, and it contains “hemp seeds.”  Isn’t that related to pot, and isn’t it illegal?  I’ve never heard of this, and my grocery store says they cannot carry it. –G.K.  Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Answer:  Your question is good, but it does crack me up.  First of all, any [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I take 8 different medications and 6 supplements each day. I worry constantly that they will interact. Please tell your readers what some of the most common interactions are?
–K.S.  Decatur, Illinois

Answer: Clip this article, or forward it to someone you care for, because it just might save a life. I’m going to [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I read your Facebook post about vitamin D and how it works better than diabetic medications.  I have diabetes, and no one has ever told me this. Would you share more information?  –L.N.  Denver, Colorado

Answer: Diabetes is an inflammatory condition, it is not just about high blood sugar like most people [...]

My grandfather moved in with us last year.  He is 86 years old and relatively healthy.  He does not take any medication but says that eating asparagus is his “medicine.”  He asks my wife to cook some every day but this is rather annoying.  I know some foods have health benefits, does asparagus?  –C.Y. Nashville, [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
You mentioned “spirulina” in a recent column as a supplement to help boost thyroid hormone.  I’ve never heard of this, is it a vitamin?  What else is it good for? –T.E. Chicago, Illinois
Answer:  Spirulina is supercool, and it’s a superfood.   It’s actually algae that grows in our oceans, springs and lakes. If you [...]

Dear Pharmacist,

My son has anger issues along with depression so he takes Wellbutrin (bupropion). He has high blood pressure so he takes metoprolol.  He doesn’t sleep well now, so he uses Ambien. He’s only 28, and I’m worried that he’s already on so much medicine. His diet is very unhealthy and he doesn’t believe in [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I take valerian for sleep and wonder if other drugs interact with it?
M.K.,  Coconut Creek, Florida

Answer: Valerian is used for insomnia, migraines, depression, panic attacks and flight anxiety.  Because valerian slows things down in the body, it’s calming effect becomes more pronounced when mixed other substances with tend to cause tranquility in the [...]