I called my pharmacist to ask what could happen, and she wasn't aware of any problems caused by taking a cholesterol medication and eating peppermint. Can you please tell me what could happen?
A. Mint is somewhat similar to grapefruit in its effect on certain statin drugs. One study revealed that peppermint oil increases blood levels of felodipine (Plendil), which is used as a model for this type of drug interaction (Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, September 2002).
Extrapolating from this research, one might expect that certain cholesterol drugs such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor) and simvastatin (Zocor) also might be affected by peppermint oil. Crestor is unaffected by this interaction, so you have nothing to worry about.
Menthol also appears to have a similar effect. Someone consuming a lot of cough drops might need to be aware of this potential drug interaction.
Q. I found out recently that the hair loss I've been experiencing during the past couple of years was directly attributable to vitamin A. I was taking 25,000 IU a day of vitamin A in my daily vitamin pill. Apparently that is toxic and causes hair loss. I just wanted to warn others.
A. Too much vitamin A can cause hair loss, along with loss of appetite, skin problems, headache, fatigue and many other problems. The usual recommended intake is 5,000 IU daily for adults, so you were definitely getting far too much.
Q. I am a man who was brought up believing sex was for after you got married. I never thought about the possibility my wife would have no sex drive at all.
After 21 years of little or no sex, I find myself depressed and empty. I have made so many attempts to help her find some value in it, but discussions with marriage counselors have revealed that my wife has issues that keep her from being interested in sex.
What am I to do? Seeking a girlfriend is out of the question. I married "for better or for worse." I have always had a strong drive, but during the past few years it has become stronger and harder to control. It's tearing me apart and driving me toward suicide. I just don't know what to do anymore.
A. Please seek counseling for your depression. If your wife realized the impact this is having, she might be willing to find ways to ease your discomfort without intercourse.
In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is "Favorite Home Remedies From The People's Pharmacy."
