If Xanax helps, continue its use
Dear Dr. Gott: My nerves are a mess. My original doctor put me on Xanax, which I take about once a day to calm me down. Although I’m completely satisfied with Xanax, my new doctor insisted on me taking a time-release pill called Prozac. My friends have told me horror stories of side effects, so I don’t know what to do. Would it be feasible to cut this pill in half before I try the full dosage? Or should I ask the doctor for something else? (He’ll get mad!)
Dear Reader: If your anxiety is a consequence of a profound lifestyle change, the temporary use of Xanax (to relive anxiety) is appropriate.
On the other hand, if your tension and nervousness are related to depression (which I doubt), Prozac (an antidepressant) is a good option.
In either case, you are the best judge of what you need. Should you choose to cut the Prozac in half and monitor the situation for a month, fine.
In contrast, if you believe that Xanax is more appropriate, show my answer to your doctor. He can then be angry at me, not you.
You are correct that Prozac has more side effects (sexual dysfunction, cognitive problems and so forth) than does Xanax. However, I sense that you need a “quick fix” for a temporary situation. Therefore, if the Xanax has helped you in the past, stick with it. In the event your physician disagrees with you, shake his hand, smile, walk out of his office and find a physician who is more attuned to his patient’s needs.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Mental and Emotional Illness.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
Dear Dr. Gott: Several months ago, my feet and the front of my legs became numb. My doctor sent me to a neurologist, who put me through some tests – blood work, chest X-ray, mammogram, an MRI and electric needles along my feet, legs and arms. He found I had insignificant carpal tunnel, but everything else came back negative, except that I had arsenic poisoning. Can you tell me how long I could have had it in my system and how it might have gotten there? Meanwhile, my feet and legs are still numb. Where should I go next, or whom should I see?
Dear Reader: One of the most common causes of chronic arsenic poisoning is inhaling dust and chemical debris that are released into the atmosphere by coal-burning electric-generation plants. Arsenic may occasionally be present in contaminated drinking water. Further, arsenic is found in many pesticides and herbicides.
Your local state health department should be able to identify the source of your poisoning, which is treated by chelation with penicillamine. Your doctor can assist you in solving this challenging problem.