Q. I am in my early 60s and in good health. I ride a bike daily, work out at the gym and my doctor says my cholesterol and blood pressure are great.
A difficult divorce resulted in my doctor prescribing an antidepressant, which helped with my mood, but has ruined my sex life. My libido is low, my erections are weak and I cannot achieve an orgasm.
I am engaged to a beautiful woman who loves sex and is very enthusiastic. She blames herself for my lack of interest, but I think the drug is to blame. Are there any antidepressants that don’t result in sexual side effects?
A. Many antidepressants (including Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, etc) can lower sex drive, cause impotence or delay orgasm. Ask your doctor about two alternatives. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and a brand-new patch called Emsam (selegiline) are far less likely to result in sexual dysfunction.
You may also want to invest in a different bike seat. Evidence is accumulating that pressure from ordinary bicycle seats can damage delicate nerves and interfere with erections.
Q. I have learned recently that people with soy allergies should avoid Atrovent. Why?
My best guess is there is a soy component to the mist. What’s the real answer?
A. You are correct. Atrovent, an inhaled medicine used to treat breathing difficulties, contains soya lecithin. People who are allergic to soy or peanuts must avoid this medicine, as it could produce a life-threatening reaction.
Q. My mother is 78 and was in good health. Her cholesterol was a little high, though (180-200), and her physician prescribed Crestor.
Within a month, she was experiencing leg pain so serious that she could not stand long enough to put lunch dishes in the dishwasher. She complained, and the doctor switched her to Vytorin.
I stay with her at night since my father died. She has to get up several times a night with leg pain or cramps. She also has this pain during the day. Her doctor told her to take ibuprofen for it.
I am concerned that there is a link to the cholesterol medicine and her leg pain, though I know it may be a coincidence. She asked him again on her last two visits and his response was “You’re getting old.��?
I don’t like that attitude and worry that she is suffering unnecessarily. Maybe the cure is worse than the medical problem!
A. Older people may be more vulnerable to side effects such as muscle pain due to a statin cholesterol-lowering drug. In addition, they may not get as much benefit as expected. Given your mother’s good health and age, lowering her cholesterol below 180 may be counterproductive if she can’t get around because of pain.
We are sending you our Guides to Cholesterol Lowering Drugs and Leg Pain for more details on these issues, along with a drug safety questionnaire. 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’ The People’s Pharmacy®, No. LQR-835, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
Q. I have a problem with sweaty armpits no matter how much deodorant I use. Are there any home remedies that can help?
A. Try applying milk of magnesia to your underarms. Readers tell us this laxative is effective for both odor control and sweating. Certain Dri may also help. Otherwise, ask your doctor about a prescription for Drysol.
