Drug dysfunction erectile medication daily news.

How can I save money on prescriptions?

Generic medications are less expensive
copies of brand-name medications. Ask your doctor if you can take a
generic equivalent for the brand-name medication that
you take now. Generic equivalents are made according to the same strict U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards as brand-name drugs and therefore
have the same quality, strength, purity, and stability as their more expensive
counterparts.

Unfortunately, generic equivalents are not available for every
brand-name medication. If there is not an equivalent, ask your doctor if there
is a similar medication in the same class that may be less expensive or that
has a generic equivalent. For example, Flomax, which is used to treat an
enlarged prostate, is a relatively expensive medication that does not have a
generic equivalent. However, another medication that also is used for enlarged
prostate, Hytrin, does have a less expensive generic equivalent.

Always shop around for the best deal on
medications. The retail cost of medications can vary widely from pharmacy to
pharmacy. While finding a good deal is important, it’s also important that your
pharmacist (or pharmacists) knows your medical history, including all the
drugs-both prescription and nonprescription, as well as dietary supplements and
herbs-you take, even if they are not dispensed at that particular pharmacy.
That way he or she can provide valuable advice about any potential for drug
interactions, side effects, or other problems.

Also, compare costs of buying medications online. Some large
drugstore chains have Web sites that offer savings. See a complete list of Web
sites on the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) site at
http://www.nabp.net/vipps/consumer/search.asp. Look for Web sites that display
the NABP VIPPS (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) seal, which means
they have met state and federal requirements.

The U.S. Medicare Web site, http://www.medicare.gov, has a useful
tool for comparing prices of hundreds of prescription drugs and generic
equivalents at pharmacies near you and also available by mail order. You can
access this information by answering “Yes” to the question “Do you have
Medicare?” and entering your Zip code. The Web site requires that you answer
several screens of questions and have some familiarity with computers. People
who have difficulty can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to receive lists
of prices for the drugs they use.

Pill splitting is another strategy that
can help you save money without losing drug or safety. Some
tablets are available at double the dose and at the same or almost the same
cost as lower doses. By splitting the larger dose, you can essentially get two
doses for the price of one. However, many medications are not suitable for pill
splitting, including timed-release pills and capsules. The chart below lists 10
commonly prescribed medications that researchers have determined can be split
safely and effectively with significant cost savings.²

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of your prescription
medications are sold at higher dosages and if it’s possible to split them. Talk
to your pharmacist about how to split pills with an inexpensive, easy-to-use
pill
splitter.

Buying prescriptions in bulk can also
save you money. Ask your doctor to write a prescription for several months’
supply of medications that you take consistently. Mail-order services can often
save you money on large orders.

Are prescription medications always necessary?

There may be an over-the-counter alternative for your
prescription medication. For example, nonprescription Aleve is a fraction of
the cost of the prescription equivalent Naprosyn. (Generic versions of
over-the-counter medications can save you even more money.) Often
nonprescription equivalents of prescription medications come in lower
strengths, so get instructions from your doctor on how to take them.

In the case of antibiotics, recent research has found that
antibiotics are not always necessary. For example, up to 80% of ear infections
get better without antibiotics.³ Your doctor might
recommend that you take a wait-and-see approach before buying expensive
antibiotics. Likewise, randomized trials show that 69% of people who had
sinus infection recovered without any antibiotics.⁴

Can I save money by purchasing prescription medications from Canada? Is it safe?

The answer to the first question is “Yes.” You can buy most
prescription medications, either over the Internet, by mail order, or in
person, for less money from Canadian pharmacies than from their U.S.
counterparts. Whether it is legal to do so remains .

The FDA warns that the safety of drugs bought from other
countries cannot be ensured. However, many doctors acknowledge that Canada also
demands safety and efficacy for medications, and they would rather their
patients buy medications from Canada than have to skip doses because they can’t
afford their medications. U.S. citizens have been buying medications in Canada
for years, although officially federal law prohibits the practice. Currently,
the U.S. Customs Service allows Americans to bring a 90-day supply of
prescription drugs across the Canadian borders for personal use.⁵

Talk to your doctor if you decide to import your medications, and
be sure to buy only from licensed Canadian pharmacies and wholesalers.

How can my doctor help?

To enlist your doctor’s help, tell him or her that your
prescription medication bill is a financial burden. Ask for drugs that are less
expensive but just as effective. Often, several medications can be used to
treat the same condition, and your doctor may be able to prescribe the one that
is the most economical. For example, researchers have found that older, less
expensive antibiotics such as amoxicillin work better than newer antibiotics
for children who need treatment for middle ear inflammation.⁶

Often, drug companies give doctors medication samples free of
charge. You might ask your doctor if he or she has medication samples,
especially when you are trying out a new medication to see whether it will
work.

How can my insurance plan help save me money?

Take time to find out about how your medical insurance or
managed health care plan covers medication costs. Some insurance companies
cover only generic medications if they are available. With some insurance
plans, you may have to pay more for medications that are not on the plan’s list
of preferred medications. Some insurers cover medications that are bought only
at participating pharmacies. Your insurance company also may not pay for
certain medications such as weight-loss and hair-growth drugs. Ask the customer
service representative whether your medications are covered, whether you need
to buy at participating pharmacies, and about your copayment. Many insurance
companies also list this information on their Web sites.

If you have a choice between plans, check what your copayment for
prescription drugs will be, the maximum amount the plan will pay in a year, and
other particulars. Choose the plan that best suits your needs. When buying
medications, find out which payment option will be the least expensive. Some
factors to consider include whether there is a generic version of a preferred
medication, and whether an over-the-counter equivalent is cheaper than your
copayment. Remember, having the right information can save you time and
money.

What about the Medicare drug program?

Beginning in January 2006, a new Medicare drug program-the
Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit-will begin. For the most current
information about what the Medicare Part D Act means for you, go to
http://www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Your doctor, pharmacist, or
social worker may also be able to help you understand
your Medicare benefits.

What other resources are available?

See whether the pharmaceutical company that makes your
medication has a patient assistance program. Many pharmaceutical companies
offer free or discounted drugs for people who cannot afford them. These
companies often require that your doctor contact them first about your case. In
any case, your doctor will need to be involved, and the application process can
be complex. You may need to provide to verify your income. The
nonprofit organization RxAssist provides doctors and other health care
providers with the information they need to access these programs. You can find
out more at http://www.rxassist.org. This Web site
also lists state programs for seniors and disabled and low-income people.

If you have a rare disease, you may be eligible for the National
Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) medication assistance program. This
program helps people with rare diseases whose income is too high to qualify for
Medicaid but too low to pay for their prescribed medications. For more
information, visit http://www.rarediseases.org/programs/medication.

Most veterans know that the Veterans Administration offers
prescription drug coverage for retired veterans. But many people don’t know
that the same service is available for their families and survivors. Call the
VA Health Benefits Service Center toll-free at 1-877-222-VETS (8387), or go to
http://www1.va.gov/health_benefits/.

Some organizations offer special discounts on prescription drugs
for their members. For example, members of AARP save 17% on brand drugs and at
least 50% on generic drugs. Also, many pharmacies offer some form of a discount
plan for seniors.

• During a
  relapse, to make the attack shorter and less
  severe.
• Over a long period of time, to alter the natural course of
  the disease (disease-modifying therapy).
• To control specific
  symptoms as they occur.

Controlling a relapse

Medications can shorten a sudden relapse and help you recover
more quickly. Temporary treatment with medications called
corticosteroids is the most common treatment used to
control a relapse. These medications have not been shown
to affect the long-term course of the disease or to prevent disability.

Altering the course of MS using disease-modifying treatment

Strong evidence suggests that MS is caused by the
immune system causing
inflammation and attacking the myelin-the coating
surrounding the nerve and nerve fibers. Medications that change the activity of
the immune system can reduce the number and severity of attacks that damage the
protective myelin.

Currently, interferon beta (Avonex and Rebif, and Betaseron),
glatiramer acetate (Copaxone), and mitoxantrone (Novantrone) are the only
medications that have been approved for this purpose. For people with
relapsing-remitting MS, these medications can reduce
the number and severity of relapses and can result in fewer brain lesions. They
may also delay disability in some people. Betaseron and Novantrone may delay
disease progression in some people with
secondary progressive MS.

Currently, there is no effective disease-modifying treatment for
primary progressive MS.

Relieving symptoms

Treating specific symptoms can be effective, even if it does not
stop the progression of the disease. Symptoms that can often be controlled or
relieved with medication include:

• Fatigue. Medications to reduce fatigue
  or help you sleep better may include amantadine (Symmetrel), modafinil
  (Provigil), or fluoxetine (Prozac).
• Muscle stiffness
  (spasticity) and tremors. Medications that may reduce muscles spasms or
  stiffness include baclofen (Lioresal), tizanidine (Zanaflex), dantrolene
  (Dantrium), gabapentin (Neurontin), diazepam (Valium), or clonazepam
  (Klonopin). Sometimes a combination of these medications works best to reduce
  your muscle symptoms.
• Urinary problems and constipation.
  Medications used to reduce frequent urination may include propantheline
  (Pro-Banthine), oxybutynin (Ditropan), or tolterodine (Detrol). Medications
  sometimes used to relieve constipation include bulk agents such as psyllium
  (Metamucil) or daily use of laxatives.
• Pain and
  abnormal sensations. Depending on the severity of the pain, both
  prescription and nonprescription medications may be tried. Prescription
  medications commonly used to reduce pain associated with MS include baclofen
  (Lioresal), carbamazepine (Tegretol), or gabapentin (Neurontin).
  medications may include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen
  sodium.
• Depression. Antidepressant medications may be used to
  reduce depression that often occurs as a result of having MS.
  often tried include tricyclic antidepressants-such as amitriptyline (Elavil),
  desipramine (Norpramin), or imipramine (Tofranil)-or selective serotonin
  reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)-such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft)
  among others.
• Sexual difficulties. Medications used
  to relieve sexual difficulties that can be associated with MS include
  sildenafil (Viagra) for both men and women. Yohimbine and clomipramine may also
  be given to improve
  erectile dysfunction.

MS can affect many parts of the nervous system and produce a wide
range of symptoms. The choice of medications depends on your symptoms.
Medication may be used only some of the time or regularly, depending on how
severe or constant a particular symptom is. Changes in diet, schedule,
exercise, and other habits can also help manage some of these symptoms. See the
Home Treatment section of this topic.

Medication Choices

Symptom management

Medications used to treat symptoms of an attack of multiple
sclerosis (MS) and help you recover more quickly from a relapse include:

• Corticosteroids (such as
  methylprednisolone).
• ACTH (adrenocorticotropic
  hormone).
• Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or
  plasma exchange (neither is used frequently).

Relapsing-remitting MS

Medications used specifically for relapsing-remitting MS to
reduce the number and severity of relapses and possibly delay disability
include:

• Interferon beta (Avonex, Rebif, and
  Betaseron).
• Glatiramer acetate
  (Copaxone).
• Mitoxantrone (Novantrone) for relapsing-remitting MS
  that is rapidly getting worse.

Secondary-progressive MS

Medications used to treat and possibly delay the progression of
secondary progressive MS that is also relapsing include:

• Interferon beta-1b (such as
  Betaseron).
• Mitoxantrone (Novantrone).

MS

No medicines have been clearly proven to help, and none have
been approved for primary-progressive MS. Some of the newer and experimental
medications, such as
immunosuppressants and
other medications and biological chemicals (derived
from or identical to substances produced by the body) are being tested for
primary-progressive MS.

Medications being studied

A variety of
immunosuppressants and
other medications and biological chemicals (derived
from or identical to substances produced by the body) have been tried as
therapy for MS. While none have been clearly proven beneficial and none have
been approved for treatment of MS, these medications may be used when standard
therapy fails.

Several medicines are currently being tested in
clinical trials. People with MS who have not responded
to standard therapy sometimes choose to participate in these trials. To learn
more about clinical trials, talk to your doctor or contact the National
Multiple Sclerosis Society at http://www.nationalmssociety.org.

What To Think About

Long-term treatment with interferon beta and glatiramer acetate
can improve the quality of life for some people who have relapsing-remitting MS
by making relapses less frequent and less severe. Some evidence suggests that
these medications may also reduce or delay future disability caused by this
form of the disease.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends that treatment
with interferon beta or glatiramer acetate be started as soon as it is clear
that you have MS. Most
neurologists support this recommendation and now agree
that permanent damage to the
nervous system may occur early on, even while symptoms
are still quite mild. Early treatment may help prevent or delay some of this
damage. In general, treatment is recommended until it no longer provides a
clear benefit.

Despite the recommendation, however, some people find it
difficult to decide whether to begin disease-modifying therapy, especially when
their symptoms have been fairly mild. Some may not want to bear the risks and
flu-like side effects of interferon therapy when they are not sure they need
it. Some may want to see whether their disease worsens before starting therapy.
A small percentage of people diagnosed with MS may never have more than a few
mild episodes and may never develop any disability, but the disease is
unpredictable. For more information, see:

Should I have disease-modifying therapy for
MS?

If you decide not to try disease-modifying therapy at this time,
work with your doctor to monitor your health through regular checkups and
periodic MRI scans to evaluate whether the disease is progressing. If new
lesions are developing or existing lesions are growing, you may want to
reconsider your decision and begin treatment.

Treating symptoms and relapses

The need and desire for medication vary. If your symptoms are
mild, you may choose to manage them without any medication. If you have
specific symptoms that are causing problems, certain medications may help you
keep them under control. Or you may want to use medication only during a
relapse.

You may also want to consider:

• The possible side effects of using steroids
  or other medications to treat symptoms or control a relapse. Some people have
  only minor side effects, but others may have side effects that concern them
  more than their MS symptoms.
• The costs of treating symptoms and
  controlling relapses. In some cases, using medication to control symptoms and
  relapses may reduce the need for hospital stays.
• Other personal
  issues that you face at work or at home.

Also keep in mind that it can be hard to tell whether
medication is helping. Multiple sclerosis is a disease with spontaneous
remissions, which means that your condition can improve on its own, without any
treatment. Just because your symptoms improve after treatment does not mean
that a treatment is working.

• Keep your blood sugar as close to normal as
  possible. The American Diabetes Association recommends a
  hemoglobin A_1c
  (HbA_1c) level of less than 7%. Some people may be
  able to achieve a normal level of less than 6%.² The
  lower the A_1c, the lower the chance of s.
  The A_1c level is a measure of your blood sugar over the
  past 2 or 3 months.
• Eat a diet that spreads
  carbohydrate throughout the day.
• Get
  regular exercise.
• Take your prescribed insulin either by injection
  or through an
  insulin pump.
• Do not smoke.

For more information, see the Home Treatment section of the topic
Type
1 Diabetes: Living With the Disease.

Other measures to care for and protect yourself depend on which
complication you have.

Heart and large blood vessel disease

Even if you don’t have heart and blood vessel problems, you are
at risk for them.

• Don’t smoke. Smoking increases your risk of a
  heart attack or
  stroke, and makes many health problems
  worse.
• Take your blood pressure medicine, if
  prescribed.
• Take aspirin daily, if advised by your health
  .
• Drink alcohol in moderation. This means no more than
  1 drink a day for women and no more than 2 drinks a day for men. Discuss with
  your health professional whether you should drink alcohol.

Eye disease (diabetic retinopathy)

Call your eye specialist if you notice any changes in your
vision. Vision changes may mean worsening of diabetic retinopathy. Early
detection and treatment can help prevent vision loss.

If you have severe vision loss from diabetic retinopathy,
vision aids can help. Your local or state organization
for the visually impaired can help you find these aids.

For more information, see the topic
Diabetic .

Kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy)

• Take your
  blood pressure medications, if prescribed. Your blood
  pressure should be less than 130/80 mm Hg. Ask your health professional if you
  need to monitor your blood pressure at home.
• Get no more than 10%
  of your daily calories from protein foods if you have small amounts of protein
  in your urine (microalbuminuria).²
• Limit
  salt in your diet because it makes your body retain fluid and can increase your
  blood pressure.

For more information, see the topic
Diabetic Nephropathy.

Foot problems

Daily care of your feet is very important. Because
diabetic neuropathy and diabetic damage to the blood
vessels in your legs can lead to severe infections and deformities of your
feet, seek treatment for any foot problem, no matter how minor it seems. Even a
small foot injury can lead to serious .

For more information, see

Foot care for people with
diabetes

Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy)

If it affects your ability to feel (peripheral
neuropathy):

• Turn your water heater down, and use a bath
  thermometer or have someone test your bath water to make sure it is not too
  hot.
• Don’t go barefoot. Always wear shoes, even in the
  house.
• Don’t use an electric blanket.
• Arrange your
  furniture so that the walkways through your house are free of clutter.

If it affects your body’s internal functioning (autonomic neuropathy):

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals that contain
  less fat and fiber, if you have
  gastroparesis or other digestive
  problems.
• Drink more fluids each day, if you have urinary problems
  or profuse sweating. This will prevent urinary tract infections and
  dehydration.
• Try a device for erection
  problems or a lubricating cream for vaginal dryness, if you have sexual
  problems. Talk to your health professional about medication for erection
  problems (Cialis, Levitra, Viagra). For more information, see the topic
  Erection Problems.
• Check your blood sugar
  level frequently during the day and during the night occasionally, if you have
  unawareness.

If it affects one nerve (focal
neuropathy):

• Wear a joint splint, if your health
  professional advises.
• Take breaks during activities that require
  repetitive movements.
• Make sure your work area has appropriate
  support for the affected joint.

For more information, see the topic
Diabetic Neuropathy.

A sexual problem, or sexual dysfunction, refers to a problem during any
phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents the individual or couple from
experiencing satisfaction from the sexual activity. The sexual response cycle
has four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution.

While research suggests that sexual dysfunction is common (43% of women and
31% of men report some degree of difficulty), it is a topic that many people
are hesitant to discuss. Fortunately, most cases of sexual dysfunction are
treatable, so it is important to share your concerns with your partner and
doctor.

What Causes Sexual Problems?

Sexual dysfunction can be a result of a physical or
problem.

• Physical causes: Many physical and/or medical conditions can cause problems
  with sexual function. These conditions include diabetes, heart and vascular
  (blood vessel) disease, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, chronic
  diseases such as kidney or liver failure, and alcoholism and drug abuse. In
  addition, the side effects of certain medications, including some
  antidepressant drugs, can affect sexual desire and function.
• Psychological causes: These include stress and anxiety,
  concern about sexual , marital or relationship problems, depression,
  feelings of guilt and the effects of a past sexual trauma.

Who Is Affected by Sexual Problems?

Both men and women are affected by sexual problems. Sexual problems occur in
adults of all ages. Among those commonly affected are those in the geriatric
population, which may be related to a decline in health associated with
aging.

How Do Sexual Problems Affect Men?

The most common sexual problems in men are disorders, erectile
dysfunction and inhibited sexual desire.

What Are Ejaculation Disorders?

There are different types of ejaculation disorders, including:

• Premature ejaculation: This refers to ejaculation that occurs before or
  soon after penetration.
• Inhibited or retarded ejaculation: This is when ejaculation is slow to
  occur.
• Retrograde ejaculation: This occurs when, at orgasm, the ejaculate is
  forced back into the bladder rather than through the urethra and out the end of
  the penis.

In some cases, premature and inhibited ejaculation are caused by
psychological factors, including a strict religious background that causes the
person to view sex as sinful, a lack of attraction for a partner and past
traumatic events. Premature ejaculation, the most common form of sexual
dysfunction in men, often is due to nervousness over how well he will perform
during sex. Certain drugs, including some anti-depressants, may affect
ejaculation, as can nerve damage to the spinal cord or back.

Retrograde ejaculation is common in males with diabetes who suffer from
diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage). This is due to problems with the nerves in
the bladder and the bladder neck that allow the ejaculate to flow backward. In
other men, retrograde ejaculation occurs after operations on the bladder neck
or prostate, or after certain abdominal operations. In addition, certain
medications, particularly those used to treat mood disorders, may cause
problems with ejaculation.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Also known as impotence, erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to
attain and/or maintain an erection suitable for intercourse. Causes of erectile
dysfunction include diseases affecting blood flow, such as atherosclerosis
(hardening of the arteries); nerve disorders; psychological factors, such as
stress, depression, and performance anxiety (nervousness over his ability to
sexually perform); and injury to the penis. Chronic illness, certain
medications, and a condition called Peyronie’s disease (scar tissue in the
penis) also can cause erectile dysfunction.

What Is Inhibited Sexual Desire?

Inhibited desire, or loss of libido, refers to a decrease in desire for, or
interest in sexual activity. Reduced libido can result from physical or
psychological factors. It has been associated with low levels of the hormone
testosterone. It also may be caused by psychological problems, such as anxiety
and depression; medical illnesses, such as diabetes and high blood pressure;
certain medications, including some anti-depressants; and relationship
difficulties.

To treat erectile dysfunction (ED), you have to lower your blood pressure
first. Some people are able to do that through lifestyle changes alone. Others
need help from prescribed blood pressure medication.

A problem for many men, however, is that some types of blood pressure
medicines can actually cause erectile dysfunction. That may make it
difficult to stay on your medication, especially if your high blood pressure
never caused any symptoms before. An estimated 70% of men who have side effects
from blood pressure medicine stop taking it.

Many drugs used to treat high blood pressure have been linked to erectile
dysfunction. But some are much less likely than others to cause problems.
Certain of the blood pressures drugs may even improve erectile
dysfunction for some men.

It’s known that diuretics (or water pills, like hydrochlorothiazide) and
(like Atenolol) can cause erection problems. These are also the
first drugs that a doctor is likely to prescribe if you are not able to lower
your blood pressure through diet and exercise.

If you’re taking a diuretic, you should stay on your medicine until your
blood pressure is under control. If your erection problem persists, or your
blood pressure goes back up, then your doctor might switch you to a drug that’s
less likely to cause erectile dysfunction. Or, a of
might work better to control your blood pressure and reduce the risk of
erectile dysfunction.

If you take a beta blocker you may also want to ask your doctor if it might
cause erectile dysfunction. You might be better off on a medication less likely
to cause a problem.

Erection-Friendly High Blood Pressure Drugs

Some families of high blood pressure drugs rarely cause erectile dysfunction
as a side effect:

• ACE inhibitors
• Alpha-blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• ARBs

ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors — such as Lotensin, Capoten,
Zestril, Prinivil, etc. — widen blood vessels and increase blood flow.
Erectile dysfunction is rarely a side effect, occurring in less than 1% of
patients. There are several different medications in the category. This seems
to be true of all of them.

There are also medications known as calcium channel blockers, such as
Diltiazem, Verapamil, or Amlodipine. As a group, they rarely cause erectile
dysfunction. But erection problems may be less common with some individual
drugs within that group than with others. Your doctor can tell you which.

In general, alpha-blockers do not often cause erection problems either. In
one study published in the journal Hypertension in 1997, a small
number of men actually had a 100% improvement in their erectile dysfunction
after two years on the alpha-blocker Cardura.

Drugs known as ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers, like Losarten) are
not only unlikely to cause erection problems, but they may actually
improve sexual function in men with high blood pressure.

A 2001 study published in the American Journal of the Medical
Sciences looked at the drug Cozaar, an ARB. At first, just 7% of men and
women in the study said they felt sexually satisfied overall. After 12 weeks of
Cozaar, about 58% said they were sexually satisfied. The percentage of men who
reported having erectile dysfunction dropped from 75% to 12%.

Another study compared the drug Diovan, an ARB, with Coreg, a .
The study, published in the American Journal of Hypertension in 2001,
compared the effect of the two drugs on blood pressure and frequency of sexual
intercourse.

The drugs controlled blood pressure equally well. But people who took the
ARB reported having sex more often during the 16 weeks of treatment. They said
they had sex about eight times a month before, and 10 times a month after.
People taking the beta-blocker had sex much less often: eight times a month
before, and four times a month after.

Steps to Take If Your Medicine Causes Erection Problems

Tell your doctor if you think your blood pressure medicine may be causing
problems with your erections.

If it is your medication, and not just your high blood pressure,
switching to another may solve the problem. Never stop taking your
medicine without your doctor’s OK.

But high blood pressure itself still could be to blame for your erectile
dysfunction. In that case, ask about trying an erectile dysfunction drug like
Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra.

You should only take these drugs once your blood pressure is under control.
They are not safe for men with untreated high blood pressure. They are also not
safe for men taking alpha-blockers, or men taking nitrate drugs for heart
disease.

As part of the initial evaluation, your health professional
may:

• Review your risk factors for an erection
  problem. For more , see the What Increases Your Risk section of this
  topic.
• Ask
  questions about your sexual function.
• Do a
  complete physical of the abdomen, penis, prostate, rectum, and
  testicles.
• Do laboratory tests for:
  • Testosterone.
    A low testosterone level may reduce sexual desire, leading to an erection
    problem.
  • Prolactin. A
    high level of prolactin () may indicate a small tumor in the
    brain, which can affect other hormone levels in the body. When hormone levels
    are affected, an erection problem may result.
  • Thyroid hormone. Either a high or low level of thyroid
    hormone may cause problems with sexual desire or erections.
  • Blood glucose. Elevated blood sugar (glucose) levels
    may indicate the presence of
    diabetes, which can contribute to
    erection problems.

At this point, oral medications such as
Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis are often recommended
unless an easily treated cause (such as a medication side effect or
testosterone deficiency) has been identified. If oral medications do not work
or your doctor feels more testing is necessary, he or she may recommend:

• Specific tests for erection problems, such as a
  nocturnal penile tumescence testing (rigidity test) and an intracavernosal
  injection test. These both help determine whether physical or psychological
  factors are causing your erection problem.
• A psychological
  evaluation, if a psychological issue is suspected.

An
ultrasound may be done if your doctor suspects you
have a circulation problem (peripheral arterial disease). Even if
the blood vessels cannot be repaired, it may be helpful to know if you have
this condition because it may indicate you have a risk for other blood vessel
(vascular) problems. In very rare instances, you may have angiography-an X-ray
test of blood flow through an artery. Its usefulness is limited because
treatment to repair the blood vessels that supply blood to the penis is
appropriate for very few men.

In the 1970s, parents worried that their longhaired, bell-bottomed teenagers were getting drunk or smoking marijuana. Today, dangers also come in the form of prescription medicines — from opioid pain relievers such as OxyContin to ADHD drugs such as Ritalin.

drug abuse appears to be on the rise in this country. Wilson Compton, MD, director of the division of epidemiology services and prevention research at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), says the reasons aren’t clear.

But he suspects that increasing numbers of prescriptions written for certain drugs, such as ADHD medications, afford greater opportunity. “A certain portion of those will be diverted for abuse purposes,” he says.

Compton also says that in the current environment it seems almost normal to pop pills. “All of the for pills may play a role in our willingness to try them.”

Roughly 6.3 million Americans report that they’re currently using prescription drugs for nonmedical reasons, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Prescription drug abuse knows no age. The elderly are vulnerable because they’re more likely to take many medications, often long term. Also, women may be as much as 55% more likely as men to be prescribed drugs that can be abused, such as narcotics and tranquilizers; therefore, their risk is greater, according to the NIDA.

Teens and Prescription Drug Abuse

Abuse is most common among young people, Compton says. “Prescription drug abuse — like most drug abuse — tends to peak in the teens and 20s,” he tells WebMD.

Almost one in five teens — roughly 4.5 million — has tried getting high with prescription drugs (typically with pain relievers such as Vicodin or OxyContin, or stimulants, such as Ritalin and Adderall). That’s according to a recent national study on teen abuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs by the nonprofit Partnership for a Drug-Free America.

The study also found that teens’ abuse of prescription and over-the-counter medicines is equal to or higher than abuse of drugs such as cocaine and crack, Ecstasy, , and heroin.

Some teens say that prescription medicines are much safer to abuse than illegal drugs. But just because prescription drugs aren’t cooked up in someone’s garage doesn’t mean that they’re safe. According to Compton, the main risk for many drugs is addiction.

“As people try these substances, some of them will find that they really like them,” he says. “They take more of them and they continue to take them, even when they no longer want to. And that’s the hallmark of addiction. It creeps up on people in very subtle and unexpected ways. No one starts out taking a drug, saying, ‘I want to be an addict.’”

Besides addiction, prescription drug abuse can bring on a host of health problems, such as irregular heartbeats, seizures, hostility, and paranoia — even infections with HIV or other agents if someone dissolves and injects pills to get a quick high. Overdoses can be fatal. To combat the potential for abuse, some drug companies have marketed newer, versions that are harder to misuse.

It’s important to remember that most people can reap benefits from prescription drugs without problems. But a minority will run into trouble. “Using these substances outside of a doctor’s prescription is already a red flag and a warning,” Compton says.

Which drugs are commonly abused? Who’s most susceptible? How could they be endangering their health? Here’s the rundown.