on this page,   CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS,   MOOD DISORDERS.

     Medicines can treat and cure many health problems, but we must ensure they are taken properly to be affective and safe.  Certain foods, beverages, alcohol, caffeine and even cigarettes can interact with medicine, and make it less affective or cause dangerous side effects and problems.

     When taking medication, be sure to follow you doctors instructions.  Make sure your doctor and your pharmacist are both aware of every drug you are taking, including non-prescription drug, dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals and herbals.   If you have any problems or concerns with you medications call your doctor or pharmacist right away.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS

  There are many  drugs used to treat cardiovascular disorders such as high blood pressure, angina, irregular heart beat, and high cholesterol.  These drugs are often used in combination, to enhance there effectiveness.  One drug may be used to treat different conditions.

Diuretics:  Sometimes called "water pills", they help to eliminate water, sodium, and chloride form the body.

                 some examples are:  furosemide / LASIX

                                                triamterene / hydrochlorothiazide / DYAZIDE, MAXZIDE

                                                hydrochlorothiazide / HYDRODIURIL

                                                triamterene / DYRENIUM

                                                bumetamide / BUMEX

                                                metolazone / ZAROXOLYN

    Interactions:  Diuretics vary in their interactions with food and specific nutrients.  Some cause loss of potassium, calcium, and magnesium.  Some, on the other hand, are known to cause increased potassium, which may result in irregular heartbeat and heart palpitations.  When taking Triamterene, avoid potassium rich foods such as bananas, oranges and green leafy vegetables, or salt substitutes that contain potassium.

Beta Blockers:  These decrease the nerve impulses to the heart and blood vessels.  They decrease the heart rate 

                        and the work load of the heart.

                        some examples are:  atenolol / TENORMIN

                                                       metoprolol / LOPRESSOR

                                                       propranolol / INDERAL

                                                       nadolol / CORGARD

    Interactions:  Avoid drinking alcohol with propranolol / INDERAL because the combination lowers blood pressure.

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE):  They relax blood vessels by preventing angiotensin 11, a 

                        vasoconstrictor, from being formed

                        some examples are:  captopril / CAPOTEN

                                                       enalapril / VASOTEC

                                                       lisinopril / PRINIVIL, ZESTRIL

                                                       quinapril / ACCUPRIL

                                                       moexepril / UNIVASC

   Interactions:  Food can decrease the absorption of captopril and moexepril, so take on hour before or two hours after meals.  ACE inhibitors may increase the amount of potassium in your body, too much being harmful. Make sure you tell your doctor if you are taking potassium supplements or diuretics that may increase the amount of potassium on you body.  Avoid eating large amounts of bananas, green leafy vegetables, and oranges.

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors:  Also known as "statins", used to lower cholesterol.  They work to reduce the

                          rate of production of LDL, and some of these drugs lower triglycerides.  Studies have shown

                          the apravastatin can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or ministrokes in certain patients.

                          some examples are:   atorvastatin / LIPITOR

                                                          cerivastatin / BAYCOL

                                                          fluvastatin / LESCOL

                                                          lovastatin / MEVACOR

                                                          pravastatin / PRAVACHOL

                                                          simvastatin / ZOCOR

   Interactions:  Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol because it may increase the risk of liver damage. Lovastatin (Mevacor) should be taken with the evening meal to enhance absorption.

Anticoagulants:   These help to prevent formation of blood clots.

                             An example:    warfarin / COUMADIN

    Interactions:  Vitamin K produces blood clotting substances and may reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants.  There fore limit the amount of foods high in vitamin K, such as broccoli, spinach, kale, turnip greens, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts.  High doses of vitamin $ (400 IU or more) may prolong clotting time and increase the risk of bleeding.  Talk to your doctor before taking vitamin E supplements.

MOOD DISORDERS

   Depression, panic disorder and anxiety are a few examples of mood disorders.  Again, when taking drugs for these disorders it is important to follow your doctors instructions.  Do not stop taking these drugs unless you consult your doctor first.  In some cases it may take several weeks to see an improvement in symptoms.

Monoamin Oxidade Inhibitors (MAO):  

                         some examples are:  phenelzine / NARDIL

                                                        tranylcypromin / PARNATE

   Interactions:  MAO Inhibitors have many dietary restrictions, and patients need to pay close attention to the guidelines.  A rapid, potentially fatal increase in blood pressure can occur if foods or alcoholic beverages containing tyramine are consumed while taking MAO Inhibitors.  Do not drink beer, red wine, other alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic and reduced alcohol beer and red wine products.   Foods high in tyramine should be avoided, such as, American processed, cheddar, blue, brie, mozzarella and parmesan cheese, yogurt, and sour cream.  Beef or chicken liver, cured meats such as sausage and salami, game meat, caviar, dried fish.  Avocados, bananas, yeast extracts, raisins, sauerkraut, soy sauce, miso soup.  Bread beans, ginseng, caffeine containing products.

Anti-Anxiety Drugs:   

               some examples are:  lorazepam / ATIVAN

                                              diazepam / VALIUM

                                              alprazolam / XANAX

   Interactions:  Alcohol may impair mental and motor performance.  Caffeine may cause excitability, nervousness, and hyperactivity and lessen the anti-anxiety effects of the drugs.

Antidepressant Drugs:

            some examples are:  paroxetine / PAXIL

                                           sertraline / ZOLOFT

                                           fluoxetine / PROZAC

   Interactions:  Alcohol does not significantly interact with these drugs, however people who are depressed should not drink.  No bad interactions with foods.