Seeing red over eyedrops overuse

Q. I've heard about becoming addicted to nasal sprays, but I wonder if one can become addicted to eyedrops. I have severe dry eyes along with allergies, and I need a dose of eyedrops first thing in the morning and several times throughout the day. Otherwise my eyes get horribly red, swollen and irritated. Am I addicted?

A. You may well be experiencing rebound redness from overuse of eyedrops. The same ingredient found in many nasal sprays is found in eye products that help get the red out.

Oxymetazoline is a long-acting topical drug that constricts (shrinks) blood vessels. That is how it relieves congestion in the nose.

But people who use nasal decongestants are warned to use such products for only three to five days. Otherwise, they may experience rebound congestion as the medicine wears off.

The same thing can happen for eyes. Rebound redness occurs when the blood vessels dilate after the effects of the medicine fade.

You may be better off with artificial tears rather than anti-red drops.

Q. I have been on atenolol for blood pressure for a little more than a year. I am having problems like extremely cold feet, dizziness, fatigue and trouble breathing.

My doctors say I have to take this medicine but I am ready to throw it out.

A. There was a time when beta blockers like atenolol, metoprolol and propranolol were first-line treatments for high blood pressure. But now data suggest atenolol may not be "a suitable drug for hypertensive patients" (Lancet, Nov. 6-12, 2004).

Never stop a beta blocker suddenly, since this could be dangerous. Do discuss this with your doctor, as your symptoms could be side effects of the medication.

We are sending you our Guide to Blood Pressure Treatment with more information about beta blockers and other medicines as well as nondrug options. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. B-67, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our www.peoplespharmacy.com.

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 www.peoplespharmacy.org