GRAEDONS | People's Pharmacy Addiction to diet pills requires expert help

Q. I am addicted to the diet pill phentermine. I have been abusing this medication for 10 years, usually taking 10 pills a day.
I have called a couple of clinics to try to get help, but the people I've spoken to act like this is not a real drug addiction. Is there any place that specializes in this kind of problem?
A. Phentermine (Adipex-P, Ionamin) is a weight-loss medicine similar to amphetamine. It was the "phen" in the now infamous fen-phen diet-pill combination.
According to the official label information: "Amphetamines and related stimulant drugs have been extensively abused. ... Abuse of amphetamines and related drugs may be associated with intense psychological dependence and severe social dysfunction."
For some people, kicking this kind of drug habit can be as difficult as stopping cocaine. You need drug-abuse counseling from an expert team and possibly even a residential rehab treatment program.
Q. I have type 2 diabetes and have been on medication for some time. My fasting blood-sugar count was hovering between 84 to 94 mg/dl every day when I was taking Glucophage and Glucotrol.
My insurance company switched my prescriptions from name brand to generic to save money. I started taking metformin and glipizide (equivalent to Glucophage and Glucotrol). I have not changed my eating habits or exercise, but overnight my blood-glucose level increased to over 140 mg/dl. How can the Food and Drug Administration say generics are identical?
A. We have heard from many readers who have had problems with certain generic drugs. Some patients with epilepsy have reported seizures when they were switched to generic Dilantin. Others have told us that their generic Prozac didn't alleviate depression.
The FDA tells us that such reports are unreliable.
Q. This winter, my doctor prescribed Lipitor to lower my cholesterol and triglycerides. Now that it is spring, I have been out in the sun a few days. I developed a red blush, especially on my arms, feet and legs. I wasn't out long enough to burn, and one day I had worn sunscreen.
My doctor is not concerned about this. The burning and itching make me uncomfortable, though. What can you tell me about this?
A. You are describing a photosensitivity reaction. Although uncommon, this reaction can occur with statin-type drugs like Crestor, Lipitor and Zocor.
Try better protection when you go outside. Use clothing that will cover you, along with a sunblock that uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. This helps keep the ultraviolet rays away from the skin. Let us know how well that helps.
Q. My doctor has prescribed six antidepressants, but the effects eventually wear off. Do you have any suggestions?
A. Ask your doctor about the EMSAM patch (selegiline). It is a new approach for depression and should become available soon.
XIn their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of The Vindicator or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
& copy; 2006 King Features Syndicate Inc.