I just got back from the drug store to pick up my prescription. Guess what I discovered on the counter? Nature Made Rx Essentials Daily Supplements. There are five formulas. Each formula is designed to be "taken in conjunction with your Rx."

For example, one is "For people taking Zoloft, Lexapro, Prozac, Effexor XR." It reads: "Studies show that people suffering from depression may have lower blood levels of B6, B12, Folic Acid and Vitamin D, which are essential in maintaining emotional well being."

They are all a little different, but interestingly, all but the one for "People taking anti-inflammatory medications," have Vitamin B 12 in it.

The formulas include: statin medications, heartburn or acid reflux medications, depression medications, anti-inflammatory medications and diabetes medications.

I didn't notice the pricing. BTW, it seems to me that taking a B50 tablet and additional B12 would cover the great majority of Vitamin B needs.

These vitamins are somewhat conservative, in approach. But then NatureMade is a good company, and is going to walk the conservative line.

What is exciting about these vitamins, is that the TV advertising for them will really kick up a notch public awareness. Not all pharmacists are trained in this subject, and having a product to point to, helps with that lack as well.

The commercial is very good IMO. ANY movement forward is a good thing.
And yes they will cost. But then NatureMade is carried at Costco and also offers rebate incentives on their website. That helps to defray costs to some extent.

Very Interesting Concept..... That type of "tailored" supplement would not work for me, but I could see it helping others with no special vitamin/supplement needs....

These supplements are based on the research published regarding data that show drugs deplete nutrients.

The Reference which collected the MedLine/PubMed papers is called:
Drug Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook, 2nd ed, by Pelton and LaValle RPh.

The subject is quite large now, and the RX Essentials are just the beginning..a tip of the iceberg, in correcting what prescription drugs cause to rob the
patient in other health ways.

Another good book is The Side Effects Bible, by Dr. F. Vagnini MD.
His book is a little newer on the subject, but very similar.

Well...this is MOST interesting.
My doc put me on Topamax to treat migraines. I kept on saying (okay bellowing) that I was getting down in the dumps...with worsening symptoms each month. He kept on saying that many of his patients actually feel better taking this medication. Say what? I tell ya, that I was feeling MANY CRUMMY SIDE effects, one of which was the blues...)
Then he told me to take: A Multi B Tablet, Folic Acid, B12 and now Vitamin D. Oh...and Selenium. Well, it all could be a coincidence. There are other good reasons to take these supplements. AND, I might see if I can get the book you suggested Mrs. D. But now I'm wondering if Topamax or perhaps another medication I'm taking was causing vitamin deficiencies in a major way. Or perhaps I was already a little depleted and my meds made things so bad for me, that I went downhill fast. [I]I can tell you I feel significantly better since taking these supplements (Particularly the B's) and I am most grateful for this!!!!

of the side effects from Topamax comes from the acidosis it causes.

Anyone on this drug should have serum bicarbonate run, to see if it is low.
In that event you can supplement carefully with sodium bicarb. About 30% of people develop acidosis while taking Topamax.

However, topiramate does not have any nutrient depletions listed for it yet.

Since it is an anticonvulsant, some doctors suggest Vit D with it as well as folic acid, just in case its affected bone metabolism. The other vits are good in and of themselves...so
keep taking it.