Expert: Eric Brandt - 2/21/2009

Question
I take so many medications I'm worried its doing me more harm then good.  Can you give me and herbal alternative to hopefully a few of these medications.

I'm a 39 yr old female
I have Severe Genetic Hypertension, PKD, (passing kidney tissue feels like kidney stones) Congestive Heart Failure, post surgical menopause (24 yrs old when occurred)

Potassium - Taken with Lasix
Celexya - Stress causing blood pressure to increase
Hydralazine - Blood pressure med
Zocor - High Cholesterol Levels
Lopid - High Cholesterol Levels
Bystolic - Blood Pressure
Prosed-Ds - Kidneys
Trazodone - Sleep
klonopin - Stress related blood pressure
Lasix - Fluid retention
Hydrocodone - Pain control
Robaxion - Muscle pain
Ditropan - Bladder spasms

I might of forgot a few.  I need to know my options.  I'm slowly poisoning myself they keep adding more medications.  It feels like I'm making a car payment for all these meds with insurance copays.

Thank You so much for any information you can give me


Answer
Hi Laurie,
This is not a simple task. I can give a few suggestions but you should see a naturopathic physician for more extensive consultation.
My suggestions: Oranges and bananas are a rich source of potassium that may be able to replace your potassium tablets.
St' johns wort is effective for mild depression.
Valerian root is effective in helping sleep and anxiety.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm