I was recently diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. I occasionally get headaches. What is the safest pain medicine for people with cirrhosis?

I am a smoker with mild depression. I take a low dose of Zoloft (sertraline) and have been feeling better. I had tried Zyban (bupropion) but had side effects. I really want to quit smoking. Can I take Chantix (varenicline)?

I have an underactive thyroid gland. For years, I took the same dose of Synthroid. Recently my doctor increased my dose. But my repeat TSH blood test is still high. What's going on?

The number on my pain prescription bottle shows 7.5/325. What does the 325 mean?

I spent too much time in the sun when I was younger, without sunscreen. Now my skin is paying the price. What's my best chance of repairing the damage or at least stopping my skin from aging any faster?

I used to have acid reflux. But I rarely get heartburn now. I had a scope to look at my esophagus one year go. My esophagus was inflamed. I was told to take the medication Aciphex indefinitely. Do I really need to take this medicine forever?

What is the latest treatment for ankylosing spondylitis? Would using lasers to remove the osteophytes be a possible way of restoring flexibility to the spine?

How long should a person taking antidepressants for depression stay on the medicine?

Is there a specific age at which you consider using adult medicine dosing for a child? My daughter is a normal 14-year-old and weighs 114 pounds.

I recently had a severe reaction to amoxicillin. I had to go to the hospital, where I was given Benadryl and cortisone through an IV. My doctor tells me that I now have "serum sickness." I have joint pain, fatigue and headaches. What exactly is “serum...

My husband is getting severe back spasms in his lower back, possibly as a result of twisting wrong while doing sit-ups. He is getting no relief from ibuprofen. Is there an over-the-counter alternative?

My doctor has recommended an antidepressant, but there are so many. Is there any way to know which to try first?

I read that oral-to-vaginal contact may cause a change in normal vaginal discharge. Is this a yeast infection? Can it be treated with Monostat?

How well does the drug varenicline work for people who want to stop smoking?

I’ve been on antacids for 2 years. I have a lot of gas and my stools are not properly formed. What’s happening?

I’ve been taking temazepam nightly for three months. My doctor is afraid I’ll become dependent. Do you have any suggestions?

I’ve been reading mixed reports about testosterone for depression. Is it a good treatment for depressed men?

I heard that there are 2 new prescription diet pills available? Do they work? Are they safe?

I have high blood pressure. I am taking pills to reduce the pressure and they keep it pretty well under control during the day. However, I wake up in the morning with much higher pressure.

My 70-year old sister has had dermatomyositis for more than a year. Her muscles, joints, skin and lungs have been affected.

Does Viagra work for women who have sexual problems caused by an antidepressant?

Is the antidepressant escitalopram (Lexapro) different from citalopram (Celexa)? Does it have any advantages?

I take two different pills for high blood pressure. Recently, I have had less interest in sex. How can I tell if it is one or both of my pills?

Are sweats, flushing or a fever associated with passing a kidney stone?

I have a heel spur – and I’m on medicine for the pain from my doctor. I want to start exercising again. I especially like yoga. Any suggestions?

Is it OK to have a daily teaspoon of Metamucil?

I am 65-year-old female. I was diagnosed with a blood clot in my leg while taking the hormone patch Alora for hot flashes. I had to stop Alora. The hot flashes came back. I tried gabapentin with no relief.

I am 55 years old and had a hysterectomy at age 40. I have taken Estrace (1 tablet every other day) for the past 15 years.

I have genital herpes. I rarely have an outbreak -- maybe once a year or less, but of course I have no idea when an outbreak will happen. Should I be on Valtrex to prevent transmission of the disease?

I used to take pseudoephedrine (standard Sudafed) for nasal congestion. But I have an enlarged prostate and find that it restricts my urine flow. Is there an alternative over-the-counter decongestant that will not affect the prostate and restrict urine...

I was recently diagnosed with 2 Tarlov cysts on the S1 section of my back. I get sciatica nerve pain constantly. Meloxicam stops my pain for a few days. But as soon as I stop the medicine, the pain restarts.

I have Hepatitis C. My viral load did not respond to treatment with ribavirin and interferon. What else can I do?

Is it possible to cure Type 2 diabetes?

I have been suffering from a skin rash for about 10 years. A large patch of my skin constantly itches, and the skin is thick and feels like leather. I have gone through almost every ointment on the market, and none works.

When I am under great stress, my blood pressure sometimes shoots up to 200/120 for a short time but then quickly goes down to 120/80 or lower and stays there. One doctor told me that spikes like these are normal and not to worry about them. Another...

I’ve been taking 10 mg of Prilosec daily for several years. The over-the-counter product says you should limit proton pump inhibitors to a maximum of 14 days. Is there a reason for limiting who long you take it?

What home blood test is used to monitor warfarin dose? Is it a simple capillary blood clot test? Or a more complicated prothrombin time procedure which calls for equipment and expertise?

I fell during skating last year. Since then, I have daily low back pain. I was offered a steroid shot at the ER, but declined it. Should I have gotten the shot? Is this something I should ask for now?

Should an 83-year-old female get cortisone (for bursitis)? Or can this influence memory?

My husband was told he may have both Lyme disease and babesiosis? Can this really happen? What is the best treatment?

I have diabetes. My doctor gave me a prescription for Lisinopril 5mg. It’s my understanding that this is to help protect my kidneys. Is this a generic? What does it do?

During intercourse, I can’t maintain an erection. I have high blood pressure and take two different blood pressure pills. My blood pressure has been great. I am otherwise in good health and exercise regularly.

I have read different recommendations for how much calcium and vitamin D I should take. What do you recommend?

My 15-year-old daughter was recently diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (left-sided). She was prescribed Asacol® to treat the inflammation. She has tolerated the dosage (three times a day) so far.

I noticed that ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers seem to be prescribed for the same condition. Which is better for me, Lisinopril or the costly Avapro? I have intermittent, slightly high blood pressure with hereditary risk factors.

Can prolonged thrush on the tongue get into the esophagus or cause a chronic dry cough?

I was just diagnosed with orthostatic tremor. Clonazepam (Klonopin) does not seem to help. Are there any other effective medications?

My orthopedist informed me of a treatment for my chronic knee problem. He suggested Synvisc (hylan) instead of cortisone. Can you tell me if this injection is more effective than cortisone?

I am a 75-year-old woman in good health. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis at age 68. I have been taking Fosamax for the past 7 years. I read that there are risks in taking these types of drugs for more than 5 years. What should I do?

I take Coumadin for atrial fibrillation. Would taking Viagra be dangerous?

In addition to calcium supplements, can foods that contain calcium lower the effectiveness of thyroid prescription medication?

I recently had a miscarriage. How soon before I am able to have intercourse again? Also, should I use birth control for a month before my husband and I try to have a baby again?

When I shower, my skin itches, sometimes uncontrollably. I use a moisturizing lotion. I have tried a variety of soaps. I don't think it is dry skin. Could it be nerve-related?

Are there any medications a pregnant woman can take to control a cough?

I have low vitamin B12 and Vitamin D levels. Is there any condition that would cause low levels of both with a normal diet?

Are there times when an otherwise healthy person should not get a flu shot? I have shingles. Is it okay for me to get a flu shot now?

Is the combination therapy of lisinopril and amlodipine effective in treating high blood pressure for the diabetic patient?

What is the best treatment for chronic laryngitis?