Q. You invited readers who have had trouble with Ambien to write. I had two incidents in 2003 when I drove in my sleep while taking Ambien. Once, I bought a pack of cigarettes while I was out. I did not realize this until I saw them on the kitchen counter the following morning.
In October of 2005 I went on a cruise. I took Ambien to get some sleep, but my roommate reported that I got up in the middle of the night and started walking around. Someone found me and took me to the doctor’s office on board. I slept there all night and remember waking up in a fog. The doctor was sitting in a chair with a notebook, looking after me. I have not taken another Ambien, because I am afraid of what I might do.
A. We keep hearing from people who sleep walk or even sleep drive while taking Ambien. Although this appears to be a rare side effect, it is disconcerting and potentially dangerous.
Q. I have been treated for hypothyroidism for years and I can always tell if I have an imbalance. My hair starts falling out more rapidly than it should and my nails start splitting. Why is this?
A. The thyroid gland produces hormones that control every cell in the body. This includes the tissues responsible for hair and nails. Perhaps that is why low thyroid activity can result in hair loss and brittle nails.
Other signs of hypothyroidism include dry skin, constipation, fatigue, weakness, puffy eyes, reduced libido and elevated cholesterol. An unusual symptom is loss of the outer third of the eyebrow.
We are sending you our Guide to Thyroid Hormones with more information about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of both under- and overactive thyroid. 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. Following my doctor's suggestion, I have been taking magnesium for osteoporosis. I also have rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. I don't know if it will help my osteoporosis, but my fibromyalgia is much better. I sleep better at night and my appetite is improved.
What bothers me is the loose stool. Is it all right to take one pill (400 mg) every other day?
A. Magnesium can cause diarrhea, especially when the dose gets to 300 mg or more per day. Why not try a dose of 200 or 250 mg daily, and see if you tolerate that?
Q. My neighbor is about 30 years old. She weighs about 98 pounds soaking wet and is less than 5 feet tall.
I am early 50s, 6 feet tall and over 220 pounds. I have significantly more body muscle and (sadly) more body fat. So how can a dosage of a medicine like aspirin or cold medicine be "for adults?"
A. Your point is well taken. Drug dosing (prescription as well as OTC) should be individualized. Offering a single adult dose for everyone would be like trying to get everyone into a size 10 shoe. Sadly, the FDA has not required non-prescription drugs to have more detailed weight-based dosing instructions.
Q. I love to eat hard-boiled eggs, but do not like the yolk. Do I get any type of benefit just eating the white of the egg? The dog gets the yolk!
A. Egg white provides high-quality, low-fat protein. Your dog is getting all the cholesterol, but also the other nutrients such as lutein found in egg yolks.
