Expert: Eric Brandt - 6/15/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am being treated by a Dr. for Bell's Palsy. I recently started taking certain vitamins for help with the inflammation and to help heal facial nerves. They are: R-Lipoic acid, systemic enzymes, grapeseed, liquid b-complex and Omega twin with flax and borage oil. I noticed that I sometimes feel irregular heartbeats or palpitations since I started taking those extra vitamins. I will tell my dr at my next visit, but I was wondering now if any of those supplements could cause the palpitations. I was prescribed Valtrex for the virus that caused the Bell's Palsy, but I completed that  about a week before I started the vitamins. Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Tanya,
I do not see a correlation between the supplements you take and the palpitations.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: One more question. The Dr initially prescribed prednisone for the inflammation of the facial nerve. I did not take it at first because I already have osteo-arthritis of the spine and I was afraid of what it would do to my bones. That was why I started taking the vitamins for their anti-inflammatory properties. Anyway, I have made very little improvement, so on my last Dr's visit, she insisted that I start taking the prednisone. Are any of those vitamins I'm taking contraindicated with the prednisone? Is it ok to keep taking them when I start the prednisone?

Answer
Hi Tanya,
Prednisone is a wonderful drug for the short term treatment. When taking it you should also supplement with Calcium 500 mg 3 times a day and 1000 units of vitamin D to prevent bone loss. The other supplements you listed would not interfere with the treatment.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm