Question: My father has had trouble getting his blood pressure under control. His doctor has him on atenolol, reserpine, Accupril, Norvasc and hydrochlorothiazide. Dad is terribly depressed and can barely drag himself out of bed. As a result, his doctor prescribed Lexapro. Isn't this too much medication?

Answer: Reserpine is notorious for causing severe depression. Treating it with an antidepressant like Lexapro is not logical.

A recent meta-analysis of atenolol in The Lancet (Nov. 6, 2004) "cast doubts on atenolol as a suitable drug for hypertensive patients." It may cause fatigue, dizziness or depression in some patients. But such blood pressure medication should never be stopped suddenly!

Your father should discuss his symptoms with his doctor. He should be able to control your dad's blood pressure without severe side effects like depression or fatigue.

We are sending you our Guide to Blood Pressure Treatment for information about medications and nondrug options for lowering blood pressure. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. B-67, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

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In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 888 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10019, or e-mail them at pharmacy@mindspring.com or via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.org. Their latest book is "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies" (St. Martin's Press). © King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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