Oil of wintergreen is common pain reliever

Q. Long ago, when I was in high school, my baseball coach provided "oil of wintergreen" for our sore muscles. Is this approach still considered valid? Now that I'm pushing 80, I have a few aches and pains.
A. Oil of wintergreen, also known as methyl salicylate, is a time-honored rub or liniment used for sprains, strains, aches, pains and arthritis. The odor is distinctive.
You will find this compound in products such as Ben-Gay Original Formula, Icy Hot Cream, Musterole Deep Strength Rub, Mentholatum Deep Heating Lotion and Thera-Gesic Creme. Such products stimulate pain receptors for heat or cold and interfere with pain messages from sore muscles or joints. They also increase circulation.
Q. I have considered taking fish-oil supplements to lower my triglycerides, but I have read somewhere that it may raise blood glucose. I have pre-diabetes, so now I'm afraid to take it. Do you have any information on this?
A. Studies of people with type-2 diabetes have shown that fish oil can help bring down triglyceride levels and reduce their risk of heart attack without throwing their blood sugar out of control.
A review in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association (March 2005) concluded that people with pre-diabetes could benefit by cutting down on the amount of saturated fat in their diet and increasing the amount of omega-3 fats such as those in fish oil. Making such dietary changes might help delay the development of actual diabetes.
Q. Every year about this time I start sliding into depression. Doctors have diagnosed this as seasonal affective disorder and prescribed a variety of antidepressants from Zoloft and Effexor to doxepin and Lexapro. These drugs help to a degree, but they have also caused weight gain and sexual difficulties.
My doctor is now suggesting Wellbutrin, but I would like to know more about this drug before trying it. I am tempted to go for a more natural approach such as St. John's wort or a light box. What do I need to know?
A. Wellbutrin can be an effective anti-depressant and is less likely than many others to cause weight gain or sexual side effects. Some people taking Wellbutrin experience tremor, dry mouth, insomnia or agitation.
There are several studies showing that St. John's wort works as well as prescription anti-depressants for mild to moderate depression. Other research, however, shows that it is no more effective than a placebo. Sexual side effects or weight gain are uncommon. Do not combine St. John's wort with strong light exposure, as it might cause damage to the eyes.
Sunlight or a light box can be helpful against the winter blues. Exercise is also beneficial.
XIn their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of The Vindicator or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
& copy; 2005 King Features Syndicate Inc.