Q. Help! I take bupropion for depression. I was switched to bupropion because of my inability to reach orgasm when taking other antidepressants. Bupropion is a little better, but not much.
I have to take antidepressants or I have no life at all, but I would like to have a sex life. Can you suggest any other drug?
A. Most serotonin-based antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft can interfere with sexual function. Wellbutrin (bupropion) is less likely to cause this problem, but you may be more susceptible to sexual side effects than most.
Ask your doctor about a different category of antidepressants. There is a new drug called Emsam (selegiline) that comes as a skin patch. It might not interfere with your ability to achieve orgasm. Common side effects may include skin irritation, headache, insomnia, diarrhea or dry mouth.
Q. At the time of its introduction in 1990 or 1991, Prilosec came out under a different brand name. The original name was so similar to an existing drug that the makers changed its name to Prilosec. What was the first brand name?
A. When omeprazole was first introduced, it was called Losec. The FDA worried that this name might be confused with the diuretic Lasix and requested a name change to Prilosec in the U.S. This drug is still sold under the name Losec in other countries, including Canada.
As an aside, Prilosec sometimes has been confused with Prozac. Trying to prevent one mix-up may have resulted in another.
Q. What’s the difference between Armour Thyroid and Synthroid? When I was taking Synthroid, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. My TSH was in the normal range, even though my health was a mess.
Then one physician decided to switch me to Armour Thyroid, and I feel so much better! No more chronic pain, bone-weariness or urge incontinence. I wonder if some other people with these problems simply need thyroid treatment too.
A. Doctors often rely on blood tests such as the TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) because they are less subjective than patients’ self-reported symptoms. Your experience shows, however, that the clinical picture is also important.
Synthroid contains only one type of thyroid hormone (T4 or levothyroxine), while Armour Thyroid contains several. While many people do well on levothyroxine, some seem to need the mixture in Armour Thyroid.
We discuss the pros and cons of both Synthroid and Armour thyroid in our Guide to Thyroid Hormones. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (63 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. T-4, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It can also be downloaded for $2 from the Website: www.peoplespharmacy.com.
Q. My doctor has his patients put pressure on the bridge of the nose after using eye drops. He says otherwise the medicine goes directly into the bloodstream.
Many residents in my senior center say their glaucoma doctor never mentioned that. Is it helpful?
A. Some medicine for glaucoma can cause side effects throughout the body. To prevent absorption, press on the inside corner of your eye for at least 30 seconds (up to two minutes) after placing the drop in the eye. This closes the tear duct off and helps reduce the amount of the drug circulating in the body.
9/3/18 redirected to: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/will-your-eyedrops-affect-your-heart-rate/
