Generic Drug Failure Scares Patient

Q. I have had persistent atrial fibrillation for several years. The doctors attempted to correct this abnormal heart rhythm but they were unsuccessful. I have been taking Betapace, which controls the problem beautifully.
Recently I goofed and ran out of my usual mail-order prescription. I got a new prescription from my cardiologist and had it filled locally. The pharmacist gave me generic sotalol instead of Betapace.
Soon my heartbeat became so erratic that I went to the cardiologist. She had me wear an event monitor for 30 days to see what was happening. During that time, my regular prescription for Betapace arrived in the mail and I switched over to it. My heart went back to its usual nice steady rhythm immediately.
My doctor agreed that the generic substitution was probably responsible for my irregular heart rhythm. No more generic heart drugs for me!
A. Your experience is compelling. Although the FDA maintains that generics are identical to their brand name counterparts, scores of readers have reported problems.
For example, men with prostate enlargement may experience frequent nighttime urination when terazosin is substituted for Hytrin. Others complain that blood pressure control with generic lisinopril is less effective than with the branded Prinivil or Zestril.
People who have had problems with generics may report them directly to the FDA at (800) 332-1088 or online at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Q. My mother used to be very sociable, entertaining friends and family at the drop of a hat. During the last few years she has been complaining that her hair is getting too thin. Fretting about this makes her anxious about social engagements and she enjoys them much less.
Her hair used to be very thick and lovely, but she’s right that it is getting noticeably thinner. Could her medicines be responsible? She has high blood pressure and arthritis. Is there any natural remedy for hair loss?
A. Many medicines can cause hair loss. Blood pressure pills such as beta blockers (atenolol, Metoprolol, propranolol) may sometimes have this effect. Acid suppressing drugs and some arthritis medications can also contribute to thinning.
We are sending you our Guide to Hair Care with a list of some medications that may be implicated. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped, self-addressed envelope: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. H-31, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
No one should ever stop medication without medical supervision. Perhaps your mother’s physician may be able to find different drugs for her ailments.
Some readers tell us that MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), a dietary supplement often used for arthritis, can restore thinning hair to a more normal condition. No research supports these anecdotes, however.
Q. I’ve heard that Wellbutrin doesn’t cause impotence or lowered libido. When I took this medicine last year, however, it gave me a world-class case of insomnia.
I’m sure it was the Wellbutrin because I stopped and started it several times, with the same result each time. This was a real problem for me because I am a truck driver. When drugs keep you awake, the consequences can be deadly.
A. Your experience is not unusual. Wellbutrin and many newer antidepressants are capable of interfering with normal sleep.