AboutEric Brandt Expertise I am a practicing pharmacist.On my drug information website, I have answered hundreds of questions to date. The articles posted on my site include Parkinson`s disease. depression, menopause, diabetes, sleep and aging, congestive heart failure, calcium channel blockers, thyroid hormone replacement therapy, ADHD, multiple sclerosis an more.
Experience I have experience in retail as well as hospital pharmacy pracice. Currently working in a hospital pharmacy. I am experienced in drug information. Over the last 6 years I have developed a successful web site for drug information.
The addressfor my drug information website is http://www.druginformation.bc.caThere you can read articles on varios areas of health interest. You can also leave me questions which I will personally answer. I also have a free health information newsletter called The Caplet. To subscribe send e-mail to
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Question QUESTION: I am a 32 yr old male with an Anxiety disorder. I have recently (August2008) been prescribed Lexapro 10mg and Lorazepam 1mg three times daily. In the last few months I have noticed that my hands and forearms turn very red when standing or sitting up and they are below my heart. Could this be related to the meds or is this just natural? My Primary Dr. says it is just normal blood vessel dialation and/or blood pooling when they get more purpleish. Please help as my anxiety tends to make me worry about.
ANSWER: Hi Robert,
This is not related to the medications you take. Normally whwn your harms hang in the normal position they should not turn red or puprle or swell up significantly. Sure gravity send blood down but we are made up in such a way that the blood returns. In cold weather they would turn purple. There is a condition called Reynaud's which causes symptoms similar to what you describe. It is a circulation problem that is treatable. Ask your doctor to check you out for that.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: It was my understanding that Raynauds Disease causes more of a blue color or white discoloration of the fingers or hands. My color is mostly red ans seems to be progressing. Is it possible vascular dialation? I have spoken to my dr and he doesnt seem concerned but I feel pretty strange turning redd like that in front of people. Are there any other possibilities you could suggest?
Answer Hi Roberts,
You are right. A blue or white discoloring is more typical of Reynaud's. Nevertheless you still have a circulation problem that is not likely medication related and you should have it checked out.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincrerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm
