No antidepressant — brain shiver

Graedons | People’s Pharmacy

Q. I was put on Cymbalta to stop hot flashes from menopause. When I switched doctors, my new physician was angry that I had been put on an antidepressant for hot flashes and put me on hormones instead.

I am now trying to stop taking Cymbalta. The dosage was reduced for several months. Then I took a pill every other day for months. I have not taken any for more than two weeks, and my life is a living hell.

I cannot turn around without falling over from dizziness. I cannot go up or down stairs without falling. Running or exercising is out of the question. No one told me that this would happen. How much longer will these dizzy spells continue? Is there anything I can do to stop them?

A. Cymbalta is not the only antidepressant that can cause trouble upon discontinuation. Doctors don’t always warn patients about the possibility of withdrawal symptoms (dizziness, difficulty concentrating, sweating, anxiety, insomnia or electric shocklike sensations) when they prescribe such medicines.

Another reader related this: “I am experiencing the ‘brain shivers’ of Effexor withdrawal. I reduced the dosage from 75 mg to 37.5 mg and had been on that dose for a month. I have been off for about a week, and I have constant brain shivers. Is there anything that can help lessen these odd side effects?”

We don’t know of any good way to diminish the uncomfortable side effects resulting from withdrawal except to take it even more slowly.

Q. My husband is 61 and vigorous. He insists that his difficulty with erections is a result of us having sex less often than three to five times a week. We manage roughly once a week, but that is challenging since he is not even semi-hard. Is it possible that lack of use causes a man to lose his erection?

I’m 50 and believe I’m starting menopause. My sex drive isn’t what it used to be. I hope you can answer this question and help us settle the conflict.

A. Your husband is mistaken. According to Irwin Goldstein, M.D., editor of the Journal of Sexual Medicine, having sex every day — even if that were feasible — would not restore your husband’s ability to have an erection.

Erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of underlying medical problems and requires a complete checkup. Certain medications also might be responsible. ED can be treated successfully with drugs or devices. Your libido also can be given a boost if your hormones are out of balance.

We are sending you our Guides to Drugs That Affect Sexuality, Treating Sexual Dysfunction and Female Sexuality so both of you can consider options for improving your sex life without blame. Anyone who would like copies, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (59 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. YPZ-962, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. They also can be downloaded from our Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

Q. Does eating licorice candy interfere with any prescription drugs?

A. Licorice can raise blood pressure and increase potassium loss, so it might interfere with the effectiveness of many blood pressure medications. People taking Lanoxin (digoxin) or Coumadin (warfarin) should probably avoid licorice. Prednisone or diuretics that deplete potassium are also problematic. When in doubt about interactions, check with your pharmacist.

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. Their newest book is “Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy” (Rodale Books).

2008 King Features Syndicate, Inc.