Dear Pharmacist,

I attended an American Idol concert and I got so excited to see my favorite, Adam Lambert, that I developed cardiac arrhythmias.  I went to the ER, the doctor called it “A-fib” and I was sent home with medications.  What do you suggest so that this scary thing doesn’t happen again?

--J.S. Ocala, Florida

Q: You've convinced me I need more vitamin D, so I told my doctor that I want to increase my daily dosage. He mentioned that he would consider putting me on something called a vitamin D analogue when there is more research available on them. What exactly is a vitamin D analogue, and should I wait to take one instead of just increasing my dose of the vitamin D supplement I'm already taking?

Q: Working in my garden in the evening, I end up covered in bug bites. What can I do to relieve the inflammation?

Dear Pharmacist,

My grandfather moved in with us last year.  He is 86 years old and relatively healthy.  He does not take any medication but says that eating asparagus is his “medicine.”  He asks my wife to cook some every day but this is rather annoying.  I know some foods have health benefits, does asparagus? 

--C.Y. Nashville, Tennessee

Q: My daughter was recently diagnosed with depression. I hate to see her suffer, but am concerned about the serious side effects of prescription drugs. Is there anything else we can try?

Question: How beneficial is a Brita water filter?

I am wondering what the benefit or harm there is in using a Brita water filter for tap water. Does it have any effect on filtering the fluoride from tap water?

Dear Dr. Mirkin,

Are artificial sweeteners a good alternative for weight loss?

Dear Pharmacist,

I take medications for blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis, five drugs in all.  My doctor is happy with my progress but my wife is urging me to take fish oils to lower my blood pressure. I am not a vitamin type of person, but I don’t like some of the side effects I’m experiencing on the medications. What should I do?  

--G.S. Tampa, Florida

Q: Is there anything that can be done to restore hair color?

Dear Pharmacist,

I read you in my local newspaper and find your columns very interesting and refreshing in a sea of misinformation about drugs and supplements.  I know you are a pharmacist, but sometimes I think you’re anti-medicine. Suzy is that true?

--J.E. Gainesville, Florida