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Experimenting with drugs is better left for the vet

Web posted May 5, 1998

By Joe and Teresa Graedon
Special

Q: People are too pill-happy. I was shocked to read the question from the fellow who wanted to give his depressed dog Prozac. That is not natural.

When our golden retriever was moping after our daughter went to college, we gave him St. John's wort. It worked very well. Herbal remedies are better for animals as well as people.

A: While we are pleased that your dog improved on St. John's wort, we cannot recommend home remedies for depression, even in animals.

Veterinarians tell us animals that appear lethargic or depressed should be examined. Underlying health problems often cause such symptoms. Simply giving an antidepressant, whether herbal or pharmaceutical, could delay a proper diagnosis and might cause side effects.

There is a growing movement to treat pets with complementary therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbs and homeopathy, regimens that are reaching the mainstream. Jane Brody, health writer for The New York Times, reported that her arthritic dog benefited from glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.

Rather than experimenting at home, we encourage people interested in natural remedies to seek a vet knowledgeable in such treatments.

Q: My son's into bodybuilding. He works out every day and takes a lot of supplements. He recently added creatine to his list of vitamins. Is it safe?

A: Creatine has become popular among athletes and bodybuilders, who use the natural compound to build muscle.

The safety of long-term creatine use is uncertain.

A case report in the April 25 issue of Lancet describes a young man whose kidney problems worsened when he took creatine.

Three college wrestlers who were using creatine died, but whether the supplement contributed to their deaths remains unclear.

Until the controversy is settled, we urge your son to be cautious in his use of creatine.

Write to Joe and Teresa Graedon at Graedon's People's Pharmacy, P.O. Box 52027 Durham, NC 27717-2027, or e-mail to PHARMACY@mindspring.com