Dear Pharmacist,
I have always been healthy but lately, I just cannot sleep properly. The only thing I take is Evista for osteoporosis. Could there be a connection?
V.R., Hallandale, Florida

Answer: Yes, Evista can cause insomnia in some women. There are many other drugs that could keep people tossing all night:
Albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil) [...]

Stress Less, Sleep More with Simple Remedies

Dear Pharmacist,

I read chapter 8 of your book “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and want to take 5-HTP to help me sleep. You suggest taking it at “dinner” and this has caused a disagreement in our household.  I think “dinner” is the evening meal, but my [...]

Dear Pharmacist,

I’ve been really tired lately and my doctor thinks I’m iron-deficient. I’m in my 60s and I haven’t lost any blood, so how can this be? Should I take the iron supplement he recommended?

R.D., Jackson, New Jersey

ANSWER: Iron is sold over-the-counter in supplement form, but it’s a naturally-occurring mineral that’s [...]

Antidepressants Require Close Monitoring

Dear Pharmacist,
My 16-year-old daughter has been taking an antidepressant drug
for depression for 10 months. She was doing better and enjoying
life but in the past few weeks her sadness has set back in. She
isolates herself and I hear her crying all the time. She’s irritable
and refuses to [...]

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 [...]