People's Pharmacy: Side effects of bladder drugs, CT scans

Q. I read with interest an article you wrote about bladder drugs causing cognitive decline.

My husband is taking Detrol LA. I have noticed increasing confusion, such as what day it is, not remembering conversations and not being able to keep the checkbook balanced.

He is 73 and takes a number of medicines for his other medical problems. I'd appreciate any information you can provide about medicines that cause confusion.

A. Bladder drugs are notorious for causing memory problems or confusion in older people, but they are not the only ones. Many other medications, including some antidepressants (amitriptyline, imipramine, paroxetine), antihistamines (Benadryl, diphenhydramine, loratadine), heartburn drugs (cimetidine, ranitidine, metoclopramide) and heart drugs (diltiazem, furosemide, nifedipine) also may cause trouble (Archives of Internal Medicine, March 10, 2008).

We are sending you our newly revised Guide to Drugs and Older People for a discussion of medicines that may be inappropriate for seniors. 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. O-85, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

No one should ever stop medicine without consulting a physician.

Q. I have really smelly underarms. I've tried using normal deodorants, changing my diet and also applying deodorant crystal stones. Nothing works.

I have read about experimenting with milk of magnesia. Has anyone had success?

A. Milk of magnesia contains magnesium hydroxide. It has been used as a laxative for more than 100 years.

We first heard about using milk of magnesia as an underarm deodorant in 2006 from a reader who learned this trick while traveling in Brazil.

Since then we have heard from many readers who find that dabbing it on is effective in stopping underarm odor.

Q. I have seen some reports linking CT scans and cancer. This news has really bothered me, since I've had a couple that I really didn't think I needed.

What is your perspective on it? What can be done to avoid unnecessary radiation?

A. CT scans are useful for diagnosing hidden problems, but they can entail a lot of radiation (about equivalent to as many as 400 X-rays). That is why overuse may increase the risk of cancer.

The best approach is for each patient to ask questions when a CT scan is recommended. People need to understand if it is necessary and how it will change the treatment plan.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them c/o King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St., 15th floor, New York, NY 10019, or via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.org