Nutritional Supplements and Prescription Medications
By Dr. Hyla Cass

An interview with Dr. Hyla Cass, nationally acclaimed physician and board-certified psychiatrist and expert in integrative medicine. She has incorporated nutrition and natural health techniques into her practice for more than 20 years.

Our staff had the privilege of asking Dr. Cass a few questions about the importance of taking supplements with prescription medications.

Dr. Hyla Cass Says...

Q. Is it necessary to take nutritional supplements with prescription medications for the following conditions? If so, what supplements would be most beneficial for each condition and why?

A. If you take certain medications, your body may be lacking essential nutrients. Low nutrients may lead to problems down the road. Here are commonly depleted nutrients and suggestions for how to minimize the effects:

Diabetes: If you are on prescriptions such as Metformin, Glucophage and Glucovance, you may be depleting your body’s levels of B vitamins and folic acid, which is vitamin B9. Sufficient levels of folic acid, B6 and B12 vitamins are helpful in reducing homocysteine, which is important in maintaining a healthy heart. B vitamins also needed to maintain energy and mood, and deal with stress, Folic acid is needed to prevent cervical dysplasia and birth defects, among other condition. Consider supplementing with B vitamins including folic acid.

High Cholesterol: If you are on prescriptions such as Lipitor, Zocor and Pravachor, you may be depleting levels of CoQ10, B vitamins and folic acid. Cholesterol-lowering drugs can block formation of COQ10, an essential antioxidant for normal heart function. Vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid help reduce homocysteine, contributing to optimal heart health. Consider supplementing with CoQ10, B vitamins and folic acid.

Arthritis: If you are on prescriptions such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen and Aspirin, you may be depleting levels of vitamin C, D and folic acid. Low levels of vitamin D reduce the body’s ability to absorb and maintain adequate levels of calcium which is important for maintaining bone health. Also, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs like aspirin or acetaminophen) may interfere with folate (folic acid) absorption.(see above re folic acid) Consider supplementing with vitamin C, D and folic acid.

Depression: If you are on antidepressants such as Zoloft, Lexapro, Prozac and Effexor XR, you may be depleting levels of folic acid, vitamins B and D. Adequate levels of folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12 are important for maintaining energy levels and emotional well-being. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining emotional well-being and muscle function. Consider supplementing with folic acid, vitamins B and D.

One solution I suggest to my patients is Nature Made Rx Essentials, a complete line of supplements tailored to provide essential nutrients.

Q. What are the most common medications where overdoses occur?

A. Tranquilizers and sleeping pills, sometimes accidentally mixed with other drugs such as antidepressants puts an overload on the liver which is unable to break it all down and can be fatal, eg. Heath Ledger’s case; Anna Nicole Smith. Surprisingly, Tylenol can be a killer – may overload the liver and lead to liver failure. Most liver transplants are due to Tylenol overdose - which is inadvertent as people don’t realize how dangerous it can be, especially in our toxic environment where the liver is already trying to detox all the chemicals – such as pesticides and other toxins— in the air, water and food supply.

Q. What are the dangers of exceeding recommended doses of prescription medications or supplements?

A. One should never exceed the recommended dose of a doctor prescribed medication. Risks of doing so include unwanted side effects and place you at risk for further nutrient depletion, which can intensify the negative elements of your condition.

Q. What is the earliest age a person should start taking supplements?

A. Nursing mothers should take supplements to nourish herself and baby; even infants need essential fatty acids especially omega 3s (found in fish oil). It is now added to formula. Use child-size vitamins made especially for various ages; read the label; check with your doctor.

Q. What nutrients and supplements are most important for infants and youngsters?

A. All of them! Wholesome diet—fresh fruits and veggies, organic whenever possible, since kids are affected more than adults by pesticides because of their immature systems, and simply, their size/weight. Take a children’s multi for insurance, plus fish oil (see above). Minimize sugar and junk food—we need to give our children the best opportunity to grow healthy bodies and minds.

Q. What is the most common age group for overdoses of prescription medications?

A. Young adults are most at risk because of depression, suicide attempts or inadvertent OD by experimenting.

Q. What are your views on the effectiveness of herbal and holistic medicines?

A. I am a firm believer of holistic medicine and see this as an essential component to anyone’s lifestyle. This does not mean I’m against prescription medications, as they are often necessary. Many consumers are unaware of holistic alternatives and I feel it’s my role as a medical professional to do what’s best for my patients, and I always prefer holistic approaches first and foremost. They work with the body’s chemistry to give us what we need to function optimally.