“Dear Pharmacist,
I have always been healthy but lately, I just cannot sleep properly. The only thing I take is Evista for osteoporosis. Could there be a connection?”
–V.R., Hallandale, Florida
Answer: Yes, Evista can cause insomnia in some women. There are many other drugs that could keep people tossing all night:
Albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil)
Steroids (Prednisone)
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Antidepressants (Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor and Celexa)
Thyroid Hormone (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid)
Sometimes just taking these medications in the morning rather than at night can make all the difference for a good night’s rest. I have an entire section in the back of my Drug Mugger’s book devoted to how to take your medications safely, which ones should be taken with food, and even what foods and herbal supplements to avoid. For example, why to avoid cheese with certain antidepressants. Why to avoid soy with certain medications.
Grapefruit interactions and chart included. This section/chapter is quite possibly one of the most valuable documents I’ve ever put together for my readers and it’s all in my book, Drug Muggers.
Suzy Cohen, RPh, has been a licensed pharmacist for over 30 years, blending conventional medicine with natural approaches to help people feel better and live healthier. She is the founder of Script Essentials, a supplement company known for targeted, custom-formulated products, some with patented innovations.
With a special focus on thyroid health, functional medicine, and drug-induced nutrient depletion (what she calls “drug muggers”), Suzy is the author of several books including Thyroid Healthy, Drug Muggers, and Diabetes Without Drugs. She also writes a nationally syndicated health column and shares practical, easy-to-understand guidance with readers around the world.
