Mental impairment is side effect of Detrol

Q. My 62-year-old husband had a prostatectomy a year ago. It was successful, but he continues to have bladder problems. His urologist put him on Detrol for this.

When he started acting confused and paranoid, I got concerned. At the urologist’s appointment I explained this to the doctor, and he matter-of-factly muttered that “yes, a side effect is COGNITIVE DECLINE.” I was shocked and very upset that this was not in any of the pharmacy inserts we got with the prescription. Why isn’t this information more accessible?

A. It is alarming that the pharmacy inserts did not mention mental impairment as a possible side effect of your husband’s medication. Drugs for overactive bladder or incontinence like Detrol or Ditropan have been linked with memory problems and confusion in some patients (Clinical Therapeutics, February 2005).

Medicines that alter the action of a brain chemical called acetylcholine are notorious for causing side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision and cognitive impairment. Many other drugs besides those for bladder problems can trigger such symptoms. They include the antihistamine diphenhydramine, which is used to control allergy symptoms and insomnia. It is found in such popular products as Advil PM, Benadryl and Tylenol PM.

Q. What are the best sites for financial help with very expensive drugs? I don’t qualify for Medicaid, but my drug bills can reach $5,000 a month. I have multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s and atrial fibrillation. I am a retired nurse and scared about how I can afford these medicines.

A. You may qualify for assistance from the pharmaceutical companies that make your drugs. Go to www.helpingpatients.org to find out.

We are sending you our Guide to Saving Money on Medicine for more information about free medications and other tips for saving money such as ordering from legitimate Canadian Web sites. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (59 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. CA-99, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

Q. When I first met my friend Mike 20 years ago, he was going through bottles of antacids. He’d been doing this for 12 years, far longer than the bottle label recommended.

He had a severe bout of anemia and was told he had an ulcer. More medicine! Finally, three years ago he learned he had gluten intolerance. Now on a gluten-free diet, he no longer suffers heartburn at all.

A. Gluten intolerance, or celiac disease, can lead to a wide variety of problems, from migraine headaches and itchy skin rashes to acid reflux and osteoporosis. With the correct diagnosis and treatment (a gluten-free diet eliminating wheat, barley and rye), those who suffer from celiac disease can avoid a lot of suffering and unnecessary medication.

Another reader shared her story: “As a child, I had stomachaches almost every night. No one could figure out why. I also was anemic for several years in grade school, again without a clue as to the cause.

“I am now in my 50s and have osteoporosis. I recently learned that my chronic abdominal pain, bowel problems, anemia and osteoporosis are all related to gluten sensitivity! I used to eat a piece of toast to calm my bowels down, not realizing that the toast was the culprit. When I modified my diet, I was amazed at how much better I felt.”

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 “Favorite Home Remedies From The People’s Pharmacy.”

2009 King Features Syndicate Inc.