By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:

My husband has recently started taking a new medication.  It has drastically changed his personality.  It helps his medical problems, but it takes away his interest in spending personal or intimate time with me.  Our marriage is suffering.  I can tell he is uncomfortable when I mention the subject. We are too young to be in this situation (late 40s).  Help!

-S.W.

Dear S.W.:

If he is taking blood pressure or diabetes medicine, this is a common side effect and can often be remedied by simply changing the prescription.  Some acid reflux medications are also hard on a man in this way, as are anti-depressants.  Please encourage him to discuss it with his doctor right away.  Quite often, it’s as easy as trying a new medication.  If it turns out that there are emotional issues at hand, consider counseling so you can get to the bottom of it before it becomes a bigger problem.  It’s in your best interest to start the conversation.  Don’t delay. Allowing resentment to settle into your marriage is a mistake.  I wish you a smooth outcome. Let me know if you need any further guidance.

-Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She offers personal coaching services relating to all types of issues and concerns. This is a letter she received from an anonymous reader. To send a question to Danice, email her at straighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com.