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Urology (Expert Forum)
impotence from drugs
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
impotence from drugs
by rimshot, Apr 10, 2004 12:00AM
I am a 47 year old male. blood pressure 120 /80 last physical was 8 months ago and rectal exam showed no sign of prostate problem. I did not have a psa check done though.
8 months ago I began having some severe stomach problems (sever diareha) to which the doctors haven't found the cause yet. The only reason I am mentioning this is because somehow it possibly could be related to my impotence problem. I was put on nexium for 12 weeks and then bentyl along with prilosec. I had a severe alergic (allergic) reaction with angioedema which I needed emergency care to stop the swelling. I was given a high dose of benadryl then sent home. The angeoedema continued and I had to continue with taking antihistamines. I didn't get much releif from allegra or claritin so I went to my allergist and he put me on cimetidine ( I think it was twice a day 150 mg) which I took for 2 months along with benadryl 50 mg twice a day. I then was experiencing erection problems and did some research on my own and found it could be from the cimetidine, so I stopped taking it and continued with the benadryl only. It has been 3 months since I stopped taking the cimetidine and 6 weeks since I quit taking the benadryl.(by the way no more hives) I just read an article stating that benadryl can cause impotence, so here lies my concern. I am only taking protonix right now (40mg once a day) for my digestive related problems and am on no other medication.
I have had a very active sex life with my wife up until the stomach problems started 8 months ago. It concerns me because it wasn't a gradual slow done in my sexual dysfunction but rather abrupt. I notice now my penis feels cold often,is much smaller flacid, and it never did before my stomach problems started. I never experienced problems achieving an erection before my stomach problems started either. Sex has been an important part of my marriage and I am very frustrated and would appreciate help with this problem.
My questions are: What do you think is the cause? Do you feel that the medicine could be the cause? If it is from the medicine will I get back to normal and how long should it take if that is the case. Is there anything I can do on my own to help speed up the recovery ( supplements etc)?
Sorry for the length of this post but I am very upset about this situation and am concerned with how it is effecting my marriage. Thanks for giving people with problems like mine a forum for discussion.
Rimshot
8 months ago I began having some severe stomach problems (sever diareha) to which the doctors haven't found the cause yet. The only reason I am mentioning this is because somehow it possibly could be related to my impotence problem. I was put on nexium for 12 weeks and then bentyl along with prilosec. I had a severe alergic (allergic) reaction with angioedema which I needed emergency care to stop the swelling. I was given a high dose of benadryl then sent home. The angeoedema continued and I had to continue with taking antihistamines. I didn't get much releif from allegra or claritin so I went to my allergist and he put me on cimetidine ( I think it was twice a day 150 mg) which I took for 2 months along with benadryl 50 mg twice a day. I then was experiencing erection problems and did some research on my own and found it could be from the cimetidine, so I stopped taking it and continued with the benadryl only. It has been 3 months since I stopped taking the cimetidine and 6 weeks since I quit taking the benadryl.(by the way no more hives) I just read an article stating that benadryl can cause impotence, so here lies my concern. I am only taking protonix right now (40mg once a day) for my digestive related problems and am on no other medication.
I have had a very active sex life with my wife up until the stomach problems started 8 months ago. It concerns me because it wasn't a gradual slow done in my sexual dysfunction but rather abrupt. I notice now my penis feels cold often,is much smaller flacid, and it never did before my stomach problems started. I never experienced problems achieving an erection before my stomach problems started either. Sex has been an important part of my marriage and I am very frustrated and would appreciate help with this problem.
My questions are: What do you think is the cause? Do you feel that the medicine could be the cause? If it is from the medicine will I get back to normal and how long should it take if that is the case. Is there anything I can do on my own to help speed up the recovery ( supplements etc)?
Sorry for the length of this post but I am very upset about this situation and am concerned with how it is effecting my marriage. Thanks for giving people with problems like mine a forum for discussion.
Rimshot
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Apr 12, 2004 12:00AM
, Apr 12, 2004 12:00AM
There are many medications that can result in erectile dysfunction - most common are beta-blockers as well as antidepressants (such as Zoloft and Prozac). I am not aware of Benadryl causing erectile dysfunction. You are correct in that Cimetidine can cause erectile dysfunction.
As to the cause, you may want to inquire about a testosterone level as well as studies to evaluate vascular flow to the penis. This can be done via an ultrasound.
Time time it takes for erections to return after medication cessation would vary from patient to patient.
If all the tests are negative, you may want to consider if a medication like Viagra or Levitra can be considered in your case. I am not aware of any over-the-counter supplements that have been proven in helping erectile dysfunction in large clinical trials.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
As to the cause, you may want to inquire about a testosterone level as well as studies to evaluate vascular flow to the penis. This can be done via an ultrasound.
Time time it takes for erections to return after medication cessation would vary from patient to patient.
If all the tests are negative, you may want to consider if a medication like Viagra or Levitra can be considered in your case. I am not aware of any over-the-counter supplements that have been proven in helping erectile dysfunction in large clinical trials.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Member Comments
by jackpudd, Apr 17, 2004 12:00AM
To: Sexual Dysfunction
0
by jackpudd, Apr 18, 2004 12:00AM
To: Sexual Dysfunction
0
