As Viagra was the first oral treatment for erectile dysfunction with perceptible effect in men, it takes the lion’s share of media coverage around the world. But, is it the only medication for the ED problem?
Actually, there are many known medications for the ED problem, such as Tadalafil (Cialis) which developed by Lilly-ICOS and Vardenafil (Levitra) which developed by Bayer. These two medications share the way of working with Viagra, since they are inhibitors of the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) enzyme which is responsible of turning off erection. These three medications are not the only medications for ED, but since many topics are talking about them in details, we will talk about some other oral treatments that have different characteristics.
Trazodone
In fact, Trazodone is an anti-depressant medication, but it has prolonged erection (priapism) as a side effect in approximately 1/10,000-20,000 users. Although there is no clear evidence of the effectiveness of it on ED problems, it has been used to treat these problems, also, it is not clearly known what is the mechanism used by trazodone to treat the ED since its main effect is stimulating the serotonin receptors in the brain. This medication has been used as doses of 50-200 mg each night at bed time without a relationship to sexual activities. In spite of the high effectiveness of trazodone according to some researches (60%), the its use was reduced by the arrival of Viagra. The side effects of trazodone are different in men, 31% of them have drowsiness, 1% suffer from dry mouth, and 19% feel fatigued. According to the Sexual Medicine Program at New York Presbyterian Hospital, it is not allowed to combine trazodone with Viagra.
Phetolamine
Phentolamine works as blocker for the action of adrenaline in the penis, the adrenaline in the penis inhibits the erection process. According to trials, phentolamine shows better results than placebo in men that have mild erectile dysfunction problems. Recently, it has received recognition as Vasomax.
Yohimbine
Yohimbine is extracted from a tree bark, it stimulates area in the brain which is believed to be involved in sexual function, but, there is no good evidence of its effectiveness for treating ED, but it is used in men that have low ED. The side effects of this medication is serious, especially in people with cardiovascular disease, it may causes high blood pressure and palpitations.
Apomorphine
Apomorphine was approved in a number of countries primarily as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease; it was taken by pills or injection, it stimulates dopamine receptors in the brain which cause the erection. It was approved by TAP Pharmaceuticals for erectile dysfunction with the trade name Uprima in 1996. It was shown by trials that it may be effective in men who have mild and moderate ED and who have ED for a short period of time. Its effect may takes places in 5 minutes, where the effect in 70% of men that use Uprima for erection starts within 20 minutes. It may be taken with food since it is given under the tongue. 5% of men who use Uprima suffer from dizziness, nausea, and headache.
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