Drug-Induced Nightmare Leads To Black Eye

Q. Every night for years I have had terrible dreams. Last night, while trying to hurry down some steps in my nightmare, I went headfirst out of bed onto my cement floor. A large lump raised on my forehead and today the left eye is swollen shut and the skin around it is black and blue.
I live alone way out in the boonies, so the possibility of doing myself damage with these dreams is scary. I take only two prescriptions: Lotensin HCT for high blood pressure and potassium. Could either of them be causing the nightmares?
A. According to the prescribing information, “abnormal dreams” are a rare side effect of Lotensin HCT. Given your experience, you may want to ask your physician whether a different blood pressure pill might be appropriate. Ask him to verify that such an alternative doesn’t cause nightmares, though, because a surprising number of drugs may do so.
By the way, potassium supplements can be tricky when taking ACE inhibitors like Lotensin (benazepril). Your doctor must monitor potassium levels closely.
Q. I have a question about Prilosec OTC. The instructions are to use this drug for no more than fourteen days.
I’ve taken prescription Prilosec daily for eight years, and my doctor says it is all right to continue if it is helping my acid reflux. I read something about nerve damage with prolonged use. What can you tell me about this?
A. Even prescription Prilosec comes with a recommendation on length of use. For most conditions it is for four to eight weeks.
Strong acid supressors like omeprazole (Prilosec) may make it more difficult to absorb vitamin B12. Over time, this could lead to a deficiency that could account for the nerve damage (neuropathy) you read about.
Q. I have an underactive thyroid gland. At first I took Armour Thyroid, but I was switched to Synthroid about six years ago. Ever since then, I have been trying to get the dose adjusted so I don’t feel like a zombie.
According to recent blood tests my TSH and cholesterol are high. The doctor wants to prescribe a drug to lower cholesterol and an antidepressant to boost my energy level and mood. I am reluctant to start down that path.
My main complaint is extremely dry skin. Despite a strong moisturizer, the tips of my fingers crack open frequently. This is quite painful as well as inconvenient. Are there any vitamins or supplements that would help this skin problem? I currently take a multivitamin and calcium every morning with my Synthroid.
A. A high TSH along with symptoms of fatigue, depression and dry skin suggest you may not be getting enough thyroid. High cholesterol, weight gain and constipation may also be associated with inadequate thyroid hormone. Calcium taken at the same time interferes with Synthroid absorption.
A healthy thyroid gland produces two hormones (T3 and T4). Armour Thyroid contains both. Synthroid, a synthetic product, is only T4. Body tissues normally convert T4 to T3 but mild depression with low thyroid may benefit from additional T3.
We are sending you our Guide to Thyroid Hormones for more details on T3, T4, interactions and interpreting test results. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. T-4, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.