onin might be helpful. This hormone is produced by the brain and is important for establishing the sleep cycle.
Researchers at Washington University found that patients taking 3 mg of melatonin one to two hours before bedtime both slept better and suffered less from their tinnitus (Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery, February 2006). An earlier melatonin study had found similar benefit (Laryngoscope, March 1998).
One reader wrote that he found zinc citrate or zinc methionine supplements helpful. Research supported his observation that 50 mg of zinc daily may reduce tinnitus severity (Otology and Neurotology, January 2003).
A medication prescribed to protect the stomach from ulcers may also provide benefit for tinnitus sufferers. One small, controlled trial of Cytotec (misoprostol) found that it worked twice as well as placebo to relieve tinnitus loudness (Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery, May 2004). Cytotec can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and flatulence. It can also cause premature labor or miscarriage, so pregnant women must avoid it.
Although a cure for tinnitus remains elusive, these measures might help some victims. People who don't suffer this devastating condition should protect their precious hearing from loud noises and drugs that may do damage.
The People's Pharmacy Q&AQ: I have the attention span of a flea and have been diagnosed with ADD. My doctor prescribed Adderall to try and improve my ability to focus.
I don't find that it helps very much, and I worry that I might be at risk for heart problems. I do have high blood pressure. Are there safer medications I could ask my doctor about?
A: Your concerns are not unjustified. An expert panel for the Food and Drug Administration recently proposed stronger warnings for drugs prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Stimulant medications such as amphetamine (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Concerta, Metadate, Ritalin) may raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke or sudden death.
Since you already have hypertension, taking amphetamine could counteract the effectiveness of your blood pressure drugs. You may want to ask your physician about nonstimulant alternatives that won't affect your heart.
Q: Your article linking cholesterol medications to memory loss was not based on evidence. There are no studies showing that these drugs have a negative effect. Instead you used letters from readers, which are not scientific. I am concerned that some of my patients may have discontinued their cholesterol medicine.
A: We agree that these drugs can be valuable in preventing heart attacks and strokes. Most people can take them without complications. Those who experience difficulties, however, deserve to have their concerns taken seriously. No one should discontinue without consulting a physician.
We have heard from hundreds of readers who have had severe muscle pain and weakness as side effects of these medicines. Many others have written about memory problems or cognitive difficulties. We have received too many case reports of transient global amnesia to ignore. In this frightening condition, people temporarily lose memory of significant blocks of time.
We are sending you a one-hour CD of a radio interview we conducted with physicians who have studied this effect. Anyone who would like a copy of this CD, "The Dark Side of Statins," may send $16 to: People's Pharmacy (CD-523), P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027 or visit our Web site, www.peoplespharmacy.com, and look for radio show No. 523.
Q: When I get a cold, it often becomes a sinus infection. The congestion is uncomfortable, but the headache is what really bothers me. Any suggestions for breaking this curse?
A: Another reader shared his approach to sinus headaches: "I use nasal saline for sinus headaches. Nasal saline was first recommended to me by my ear, nose and throat doctor. Ocean Mist is the brand-name OTC product. Xlear is a version with xylitol. Both come in small spray bottles. Generic versions of Ocean Mist can be found at most pharmacies for less than 