I took Lipitor for more than a year, and I thought I was doing great. My cholesterol levels dropped significantly with no side effects.

Then I began having problems remembering names. Sometimes it took me till noon to gather my scattered thoughts enough to work. I couldn’t put a complete sentence together, and I began avoiding situations that required meeting with people. I’m in the advertising and marketing business, but I avoided clients and preferred to work by e-mail.

After reading one of your articles that linked Lipitor to memory problems, I jumped up and shouted, “This is what I’m feeling; I’m not burned out by my career.” I immediately contacted my doctor, and he agreed to a holiday from Lipitor.

It took a few months, but my memory has returned. Memory problems should be listed as a side effect of Lipitor.

When we checked the prescribing information for Lipitor we found that “amnesia” is listed as an infrequent side effect. “Memory loss” is noted as a potential side effect of other cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Lescol, Mevacor, Pravachol and Zocor.

Although this seems to be rare, we have heard from readers who had difficulty with names, numbers and concentration while taking one of these. Some have reported episodes in which they could not remember their address, spouse or occupation.

I’ve had rosacea for years and used many antibiotics, but none worked. My doctor finally suggested something new permethrin cream, 5 percent, which is usually prescribed for scabies.

I use it on my face twice a day. It has worked wonders, and I don’t have to worry about interactions with dairy products or birth control pills as I did with the antibiotics. Permethrin cream costs $5 for a tube that lasts three months. My dermatologist said this cream kills mites on the skin. He said rosacea might be an allergic reaction to mites.

Rosacea causes redness and pimples as well as broken blood vessels on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. Doctors usually prescribe oral antibiotics and topical treatments such as MetroGel or Noritate.

Preliminary research has shown that permethrin, derived from chrysanthemums, might be helpful for some cases of rosacea. Permethrin is one of the primary ingredients in lice shampoos and prescription creams (Acticin, Elimite) used to treat scabies, an itchy skin condition caused by mites.

My husband has a heart problem for which he takes Lanoxin, Lasix, Coumadin and Cardizem. On top of those drugs he takes low-dose aspirin, Extra Strength Tylenol and an occasional Aleve for back pain. For heartburn he takes either Zantac or Tagamet, almost every day.

The pharmacist has warned that some of these drugs are not good together, but his doctors seem unconcerned. How can I learn more?

Your husband needs an immediate evaluation of all his medications. There are several potentially life-threatening interactions on this list. He shouldn’t stop anything suddenly, but his doctors must coordinate their prescribing.

We are sending you our book, “The People’s Guide to Deadly Drug Interactions,” so you can ask informed questions. This book is available in libraries or can be purchased by calling (800) 732-2334 ($10.95 including shipping).

Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 235 E. 45th St., New York, N.Y. 10017, or e-mail them via their Web site, www.peoplespharmacy.com.