I continue to get calls from people suffering from stress related to the attacks of 9-11 and the subsequent world situation. That's understandable and perhaps unavoidable. As with all other ailments, the trick is to treat appropriately in both timing and intensity of treatment. You may have tried a number of stress-reducing tactics, including homeopathic remedies and Bach Flower Remedies. If you're still finding yourself off balance, it may be time to try allopathic treatment so that you can get on with enjoying your life.

As many of you may know, I'm in favor of appropriate allopathic treatment for mental health problems. It might not surprise you that I consider drugs appropriate for serious, debilitating, or genetic mental and emotional illness. However, you might not know that I also advocate using anti-depressants if your life has been difficult to enjoy for any prolonged period of time. The attacks of 9-11 have caused many people to feel profoundly unhappy and anxious, and I do believe that well-considered, well-prescribed, and well-adjusted drugs may be the answer for many people. Please consider that option if you're having difficulty finding the joy in life on any regular basis for any reason. I'm happy to discuss the options with you if you would like help in that matter.

I'm enclosing two articles for you. One addresses the effect of the stress of 9-11 on those living close to the attacks. The same symptoms have been seen in people throughout the country regardless of their proximity to bombings. If you're having the symptoms of severe stress, your location is not important. Your well being is the issue. The second article talks about mixing substances that have an impact on Serotonin levels, and it's an important issue. As people try to deal with their own level of discomfort, many have mixed natural and chemical substances. I'm all for feeling better and getting help to do that, but I want everyone to be aware that there are decided risks to mixing things. If you're going to seek help, do it in a conscious and clear manner so that you can feel better without damaging your health.

Nearly 40 percent of the people living near the World Trade Center site have had symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder - including emotional numbness, depression and sleep loss - since the Sept. 11 attacks, according to a city study released Friday.

Interviews with more than 400 residents of the neighborhood near the collapsed towers also indicated that about half had physical ailments, such as nose, throat and eye irritation.

The ailments, most likely short-term effects that are expected to dissipate, were linked to the fires that burned for weeks at the site. The cleanup and search for bodies there has continued around the clock since Sept. 11.

The city Health Department, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, conducted the study at the end of October. Residents were questioned by workers going door to door.

According to the study, nearly 40 percent of those interviewed said they had symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder: emotional numbness, sleep loss, depression, anxiety, feelings of intense guilt, irritability or outbursts of intense anger.

Doctors already suspected potential problems could arise from combining drugs that affect the brain chemical called Serotonin. And now there are reports of severe headache and even stroke from combining some very popular drugs.

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston reported on three people who developed a sudden, very severe headache and brain changes after taking two or more drugs that affect Serotonin levels.

Serotonin is an important chemical messenger found in the brain and throughout the body. Some drugs -- such as antidepressants -- work by increasing levels of Serotonin, while others cause the chemical to rise as a side effect.

Increased levels of Serotonin in the body are known to cause the blood vessels to narrow. When this narrowing occurs in the brain, it can lead to headaches and even strokes from a lack of oxygen and nutrients.

Newer antidepressants called "SSRIs" -- selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (examples are Celexa, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft)

Migraine medicines called "triptans" (examples are Amerge, Axert, Imitrex, Maxalt, and Zomig)

Diet pills

Amphetamines

St. John's Wort -- an herbal supplement commonly used to treat depression

Illicit drugs, including ecstasy (MDMA), cocaine, and methamphetamine (speed, crank, ice, crystal)

The researchers also caution about the affect of combining any of these substances with other drugs that can cause narrowing of blood vessels, such as the decongestant pseudoephedrine -- found in many over-the-counter cold and allergy remedies.

The researchers are not saying that you should absolutely not take two or more of these medications at the same time. But they do suggest discussing with your doctor any potential side effects from taking a combination of the drugs. In addition, if you experience a sudden, unexplained headache, your doctor should consider a combination of these drugs as a potential cause.