Music hallucinations sometimes caused by drugs

Q. I read in your column a while back that a person heard music after taking the antidepressant amitriptyline. My urologist prescribed a similar drug (imipramine) for a mild urinary problem. After a few days, I, too, started hearing music. My music was a wonderful male chorus each evening. After I pinned the music down to that drug, I quit taking it.

A. Drug-induced auditory hallucinations are rare but documented in the medical literature. The person you refer to taking amitriptyline reported: "I hear music all day, both classical and rap."

One person taking an antidepressant heard a full orchestra: "The final straw came when I was riding my motorcycle (not a quiet machine) and couldn't hear the sound of the engine and wind over the orchestra playing in my head! "

Q. My doctors were mystified by my anemia. The puzzle was solved after I read in your column that taking Nexium and other acid-reducing drugs can hinder the absorption of iron and other nutrients. Thank you!

A. Minerals like iron and calcium are absorbed best when there is acid in the stomach. Powerful acid-suppressing drugs like Nexium can interfere with this process and may also hinder absorption of vitamin B-12. Inadequate levels of this vitamin also can cause anemia.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them c/o King Features Syndicate, 888 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10019, or via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.org