Sometimes medications are necessary to stabilize severe cases of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or inadequate blood sugar control. These medications should be used after all attempts are made to correct diet and physical inactivity.
 
Prescription medications can cause depletion of important nutrients, interact negatively with other prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs, and produce a wide range of side effects.

The following is a list of commonly used drugs to treat the cluster of symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome:

• Weight-loss drugs. Commonly used appetite suppressants include Sibutramine (Meridia^®) and orlistat (Xenical^®).
• Insulin sensitizers. Thiazolidinediones and metformin (Glucophage^®, Glucophage XR^®) decrease insulin resistance.
• Aspirin. Your doctor may prescribe aspirin to reduce your risk of heart attack.
• Medications to lower blood pressure. The major types of medications used to control high blood pressure include diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and beta blockers.
• Medications to regulate cholesterol. Medications such as niacin, statins, and fibrates can improve your good cholesterol levels and lower your bad cholesterol levels.¹⁰ Statins, such as the top-selling Lipitor^® and Zocor^®, interfere with the body’s production of Coenzyme Q₁₀. CoQ₁₀ is a popular heart medication in Japan. Interestingly, the highest concentrations of the antioxidant CoQ₁₀ are found in vital organs such as the heart and the pancreas.¹¹ CoQ₁₀ which is produced naturally by the body, diminishes with increasing age, and many healthcare professionals recommend a C0Q10 supplement when taking statin drugs, particularly for older patients.

Additional Information about Metabolic Syndrome:

1. Metabolic Syndrome Overview
2. Common symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome
3. Common causes of Metabolic Syndrome     
4. Natural and alternative treatments for Metabolic Syndrome  
5. Dietary and lifestyle recommendations that may help in the treatment of Metabolic Syndrome
6. Cited Sources and Additional Reading for Metabolic Syndrome

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Article ID: 251