Dear Dr. Gott: For the past several months I have been experiencing burning sensations in different areas of my body.

They may occur on the top of my foot, near my shoulder, the back of my hand, chest or other areas.

I went to my nurse practitioner, who wasn't sure what was causing this. She called in the physician whose office she works in, explained what I was complaining about and he just shook his head.

I've had osteoarthritis for years, for which I take Celebrex twice a day. I also take Celexa for depression, Nexium for reflux, multivitamins, vitamin C, calcium and omega-3.

Would you have any idea what is causing the burning sensations? They're very uncomfortable, even though they last only a few minutes at a time.

Dear reader: Let's review some of your medications. Celebrex can cause constipation, diarrhoea, gas, headache, heartburn, nausea, stuffy nose and more.

Severe reactions to the drug can cause chest pain, swelling of the hands and legs, rash, hives and itching.

Nexium can cause drowsiness, shortness-of-breath, hives, tremor and more. Severe reactions include gastrointestinal infection.

I recommend you read the ingredient panel of your multivitamin. What is the recommended daily dose — one pill, two pills?

Will you then consume 100 percent of the Recommended Daily Allowance of the listed vitamins? Does it contain vitamin C, calcium and omega 3?

If the answer is yes, you can eliminate these last three supplements. If the answer is no, you might switch to a better multivitamin that contains what you need.

Return to the prescribing physician for a review of your Celebrex and Nexium. If he or she feels you might be suffering from unwanted side effects, request a change to another product that might provide the relief you are looking for.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Consumer Tips on Medicine".

Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, No. 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: A few years ago, I had a bout of ill health and was prescribed potassium pills. I took a few and found I couldn't swallow them. I then requested potassium in liquid form.

I was advised by the pharmacist the taste would be terrible, and he was right. The first dose was the worst.

I tried a few methods and came up with taking bad tasting medication followed with an ice cube. I let it melt in my mouth, and the bad taste disappears instantly. Pass this remedy along to your readers and patients.

Dear reader: Done. While I admit your remedy is a bit unusual, you've hit on something that works for you.

Have you tried diluting your potassium with four ounces of water, tea or juice? This approach might be easier than waiting for the ice cube to melt

For those who have difficulties swallowing pills, try placing applesauce on a teaspoon and burying the tablet or capsule within the sauce for ease of ingestion.

Doctor Gott is a retired physician and the author of the book "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet," available at most chain and independent bookstores, and the recently published "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook." Write directly to Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th fl., New York, NY 10016.