LINK BETWEEN MARIJUANA USE AND SPERM COUNT IS STILL CONTROVERSIAL

Question: My fiance smokes marijuana regularly. I heard that it can
lower a man's sperm count, and I am worried that his habit will
affect our chances of having children. Is this side effect real.

Answer: The relationship between marijuana and fertility remains
controversial. Preliminary studies suggested that heavy marijuana use
might reduce testosterone levels and sperm counts. But there is now
some question about the significance of this early research. The
effect on sperm counts seems reversible once marijuana is
discontinued, and infertility does not appear to be a significant
risk. You need to discuss your concerns with your fiance. Drug
dependency can affect a relationship and might have consequences for
fetal development, even if it's the father who's exposed.

* Q: My 75-year-old father is starting to show signs of Alzheimer's
disease, such as forgetfulness, depression, disorganized thinking and
agitation. He also complains of dizziness and dry mouth.

He takes Coumadin, Lanoxin and HCTZ for his heart, Ditropan for
overactive bladder, Tofranil and Zoloft for depression, and diazepam
to get to sleep. He also takes Tagamet for heartburn. Could any of
these be interacting.

A: You are right to be concerned. Have all your dad's medicines
reevaluated immediately. Ditropan can make some older people dizzy,
confused, drowsy and give them a dry mouth. Zoloft increases levels
of Tofranil, which could also lead to dry mouth, dizziness and
disorientation. This interaction could be very serious.

Diazepam (Valium) can also contribute to confusion or dizziness,
especially in an older person. Tagamet (cimetidine) could increase
Coumadin, Tofranil and diazepam toxicity and make matters much worse.
HCTZ can deplete the body of potassium and make Lanoxin more
dangerous.

* Q: My wife is kicking me out of bed, literally. When she falls
asleep, she starts to kick, and I end up with bruises on my calves
and shins. Is there anything we can do to keep her from kicking.

A: Maybe your wife has restless leg syndrome. Have her check with her
doctor. If this is the diagnosis, a medication called Mirapex
(pramipexole) might help. This drug, which is normally prescribed for
Parkinson's disease, has been found to be surprisingly effective for
restless legs, even though the Food and Drug Administration has not
approved it for this purpose.

* Q: What can you tell me about valerian root.

A: Valerian is an herbal sedative with a long history of use against
insomnia. The standard dose is 15 to 20 drops of tincture or 450
milligrams of extract at bedtime. Side effects are rare but might
include headache. Do not combine valerian with alcohol or any other
sleeping pill.