by Frank Sherosky

Created on: December 29, 2008

RESEARCH AUTHOR INVESTIGATION:

How many people really pay attention to their medicines? Unless breathing is directly affected, most simply put up with side effects. One could change medicines, but that could lead to another round of different side effects. After all, solving the original problem the medicine was scripted to address is the main desire.

It is surprising how many side effects are complicated when it matches a pre-existing condition. And that is further exacerbated if the medicine has been taken for a longer period of time. In other cases, side effects are often masked by patients themselves who justify it with the price of increasing age. One such case is with Metoprolol and its association with arthritis.

Metoprolo, also known as Toprol XL, is taken for the control of blood pressure. As a research author and a user of the drug for the last 3 years, I did an extensive web search. Not surprising, I found it is generally well-tolerated; and I concur. Nevertheless, I was quite surprised to see an association with arthritis; and my back aches from supposedly old hockey injuries now make me wonder. Even more surprising, I had to search very deep to even see any association with arthritis, because it is considered very rare.

Now, rare to one person does not mean they may not have that particular problem. If you perceive that you may have a problem with the drug, I would suggest talking it over with your doctor; but I bet he or she will tell you that any association with arthritis is rare, just like the web search indicated.

Whether you take this drug or one similar to it, joint aches will occur. They may or may not be associated with the drug. In my case, I chose to remedy the situation with natural supplements that are non-combative to the drug. Here are two that work for me:

1) FISH OIL: My own research indicates that high-dose fish oil, preferably pharmaceutical grade, is ideal for treating the effects of arthritis. It acts on regulating the body's own mechanism to control inflammation.

2) MSM: Methylsulfonylmethane is another natural supplement that helps control inflammation. It is readily available in health and vitamin outlets. While it is often combined with glucosamine and chondroitin, some researchers indicate that glucosamine is all that's needed. Besides, chondroitin may negatively affect bowels with excessive gas.

Regardless what the cause of arthritis symptoms may be, degeneration or drug induced, natural treatments without side effects are available. If you desire to read more about general health and aging, please read my ebook, "Awaken Your Body to Healthy Aging," at www.AuthorFrank.com (Hit the ebook link.) You will find free reviews and articles to other health authors as well. - Stay Healthy and Enjoy Life!

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