Older drug may show new promise for insomnia

I take zolpidem (Ambien) for insomnia. It helps me fall asleep but not stay asleep, and it gives me a dry mouth. My doctor suggested I try melatonin instead to prolong the time I stay asleep. Does that sound reasonable?

The studies on melatonin are mixed. A double-blind French study published this summer in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found no benefit. It appears to be more useful for jet lag, according to a report in the September issue of Current Treatment Options in Neurology.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved an old drug, doxepin, in a new low-dose, long-acting formulation to help people stay asleep. Initial reports, published last year in Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapeutics, were favorable. You and your doctor may wish to discuss this option, brand-named Silenor. But be forewarned: The drug may be expensive.

I am 68 and have taken antacids since I was 16. I have taken everything from Tagamet to Nexium, which I have been on for the past four years.

After reading about people having success with almonds, I tried it. I’m astounded at how effective this is. On my first try, I went for eight days without Nexium just by eating two or three almonds before meals. Now I need Nexium only after a spicy meal.

We don’t know why this seems to work, but we have heard from many readers that eating a few almonds right after a meal can ward off heartburn. Thanks for letting us know that the almonds may be eaten before the meal as well.

Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist, and Teresa Graedon is an expert in medical anthropology and nutrition. https://www.peoplespharmacy.com.