Young Women Who Are Alcoholics
Alcohol has been consumed for centuries, either for pleasure or to relieve tension. However, alcoholic abuse is a major problem in this country and many heavy drinkers are seeking ways to quit.
A subgroup of alcoholics is made up of young women. Those in the work force drink because it’s the thing to do at a business lunch or dinner. The ones who stay at home with young children join their husbands for a few drinks after his hard day at the office and her equally difficult day with the children.
The majority of these women are intelligent and concerned when they perceive that drinking is becoming a problem. They usually seek advice from physicians who advise them to stop drinking (naturally) and prescribe a benzodiazepine (Valium, Tranxene, Librium) as a replacement for the alcohol. Many women stop drinking and believe they can manage without taking any drugs. They develop signs of alcohol withdrawal even within a few hours of their last drink. These symptoms include tremors, sweating, irregular heartbeat, agitation, nausea and insomnia. If they were heavy drinkers, they run the risk of seizures.
That’s why it’s best to have the benzodiazepine prescription filled and take the drug as ordered by the physician. The risk, however, is that the benzodiazepine itself could become a habit. The woman who becomes addicted to a benzodiazepine often reverts to drinking. The combination can be lethal.
Women who stop drinking and develop withdrawal symptoms in spite of taking benzodiazepines may still exhibit hand tremors and sometimes arm tremors. They revert to drinking, just as men do, because they know the tremor will lessen if they take a drink. Catapres (generic name clonidine hydrochloride), a drug used to treat high blood pressure, may be prescribed to relieve tremors, irregular heartbeat and sweating. Tenormin, a beta blocker, has also been found helpful.
Question: During a recent physical exam at work, my blood pressure was found to be high. The doctor prescribed Inderal. I have taken it as directed and a check with the nurse showed that my blood pressure is down. However, since my pressure has gone down, I cannot sleep, and when I do, I have nightmares, which I cannot stand. It has gotten to the point that I will have to let my blood pressure rise again by not taking the drug so I will be able to have a good night’s sleep. What should I do?
Answer: In some sensitive individuals, Inderal (generic name propranolol) can cause insomnia and nightmares. Before you stop taking it, talk with your physician and request a prescription for another drug that will not have these unwanted side effects.
Q: I am 45 years old and was just diagnosed as having glaucoma. The doctor told me not to worry, that he was giving me a prescription drug called Timoptic and it would take care of the glaucoma. I am placing the drops in the eye, but I feel very down. I do not take any other drugs except Premarin and aspirin and they have not given me any problems. I do not want to go blind, but I do not want to feel the way I do. It must be the drops, but how?
A: Timoptic (eye drops) is a beta-blocker drug. Placing the drops in the eyes also allows their absorption into the general blood circulation. The depression you are experiencing is most likely from the Timoptic. Call your eye doctor and explain the problem.