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Posted: November 28th, 2007 at 2:12am By: Sorah Dubitsky
I recently showed the movie "Big Bucks, Big Pharma" in my Health Psychology class. One of the points the movie made is how the pharmaceutical companies are selling the benefits of medication by showing happy, peppy people in beautiful, tranquil surroundings. The medications' side effects are either scrolled rapidly as a sidebar or spoken quickly while images of clear skies, butterflies and flowering gardens dominate the screen. The message is clear: Medications — from Viagra to Lunesta to Claritin — will make your life better; any side effects are mere annoyances.
As my husband and I recently discovered, side effects are much more than mere annoyances. Larry's been taking Lipitor for about three to four years. His cholesterol was slightly elevated, and so the treatment of choice was Lipitor. For the past three to four years, too, Larry's been waking up several times at night with weird electrical shooting pains going through his legs, hips and arms. He attributed it to arthritis and just getting older. Last week, while researching the mechanism of statins, the class of drugs to which Lipitor belongs, I came across a description of side effects, one of which was the exact symptom Larry was experiencing. He went off Lipitor and hasn't had any pains since.
In doing more research, it turns out that statins can contribute to sexual dysfunction and performance problems.
It seems that the pharmaceutical establishment acts against itself and, in turn, acts against the interests of unsuspecting consumers. On the one hand, it touts the life-enhancing qualities of prescription and over-the-counter medications; on the other hand, it minimizes the life-diminishing qualities of the same medication. In the case of sexual dysfunction, the traditional pharmaceutical paradigm will prescribe another pill to counteract the effects of the first pill.
Forbes magazine has an enlightening slide show that depicts many of the health problems associated with sexual dysfunction. Among the problems listed are medications that can cause erectile dysfunction. These medications include diuretics, ACE inhibitors and anti-depressants.
Diminished sexual desire can contribute to marital dissatisfaction. But before seeking out medical help, ask yourself whether one or more of the medications you are already taking is the cause of the problem. In addition to the kinds of medications mentioned above, mild tranquilizers such as Valium or Xanax can delay or inhibit orgasm. Gastrointestinal medications and antihistamines can dampen arousal and desire.
I'm not suggesting that people stop taking necessary medications. I am suggesting that anyone who is taking medication for any reason should thoroughly research the side effects and potential drug interactions. For example, a recent Associated Press investigation cited in many articles reported that "natural" herbal sexual enhancers were dangerous for men who were taking nitrates for heart conditions. The combination of herbal medications and nitrates could cause heart attacks or strokes.
The discoveries of modern medicine are miraculous. There's a pill or procedure that can cure or comfort most of the world's medical maladies. Yet do we stop and ask whether the benefits of these cures outweigh the risks? Do we investigate the full spectrum of effects these pills or procedures will have on our lives?
If you're experiencing any sexual problems, from lagging libido to erectile dysfunction, check all medications you may be taking for their potential side effects. Consult your physician and scour the web. There may be alternative medications that don't have the same side effects, or there may be lifestyle remedies that would eliminate the need for some medications. The answers to sexual problems may be simpler than you think.
— — —
Dr. Sorah Dubitsky, Ph.D., is an author, speaker, teacher and healer. She conducts workshops and seminars on love, marriage, sexuality and spirituality as well as offers individual and couples counseling. She is also a fellow at Florida International University's Center for the Study of Spirituality. Her book "A Chorus of Wisdom" is available at Amazon.com and all major online and retail book outlets. Visit her website. Send an email to {email dr.sorah@drsorah.com}dr.sorah@drsorah.com{/email}. © Copyright 2007 by Dr. Sorah Dubitsky.
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I recently showed the movie "Big Bucks, Big Pharma" in my Health Psychology class. One of the points the movie made is how the pharmaceutical companies are selling the benefits of medication by showing happy, peppy people in beautiful, tranquil surroundings. The medications' side effects are either scrolled rapidly as a sidebar or spoken quickly while images of clear skies, butterflies and flowering gardens dominate the screen. The message is clear: Medications — from Viagra to Lunesta to Claritin — will make your life better; any side effects are mere annoyances.
As my husband and I recently discovered, side effects are much more than mere annoyances. Larry's been taking Lipitor for about three to four years. His cholesterol was slightly elevated, and so the treatment of choice was Lipitor. For the past three to four years, too, Larry's been waking up several times at night with weird electrical shooting pains going through his legs, hips and arms. He attributed it to arthritis and just getting older. Last week, while researching the mechanism of statins, the class of drugs to which Lipitor belongs, I came across a description of side effects, one of which was the exact symptom Larry was experiencing. He went off Lipitor and hasn't had any pains since.
In doing more research, it turns out that statins can contribute to sexual dysfunction and performance problems.
It seems that the pharmaceutical establishment acts against itself and, in turn, acts against the interests of unsuspecting consumers. On the one hand, it touts the life-enhancing qualities of prescription and over-the-counter medications; on the other hand, it minimizes the life-diminishing qualities of the same medication. In the case of sexual dysfunction, the traditional pharmaceutical paradigm will prescribe another pill to counteract the effects of the first pill.
Forbes magazine has an enlightening slide show that depicts many of the health problems associated with sexual dysfunction. Among the problems listed are medications that can cause erectile dysfunction. These medications include diuretics, ACE inhibitors and anti-depressants.
Diminished sexual desire can contribute to marital dissatisfaction. But before seeking out medical help, ask yourself whether one or more of the medications you are already taking is the cause of the problem. In addition to the kinds of medications mentioned above, mild tranquilizers such as Valium or Xanax can delay or inhibit orgasm. Gastrointestinal medications and antihistamines can dampen arousal and desire.
I'm not suggesting that people stop taking necessary medications. I am suggesting that anyone who is taking medication for any reason should thoroughly research the side effects and potential drug interactions. For example, a recent Associated Press investigation cited in many articles reported that "natural" herbal sexual enhancers were dangerous for men who were taking nitrates for heart conditions. The combination of herbal medications and nitrates could cause heart attacks or strokes.
The discoveries of modern medicine are miraculous. There's a pill or procedure that can cure or comfort most of the world's medical maladies. Yet do we stop and ask whether the benefits of these cures outweigh the risks? Do we investigate the full spectrum of effects these pills or procedures will have on our lives?
If you're experiencing any sexual problems, from lagging libido to erectile dysfunction, check all medications you may be taking for their potential side effects. Consult your physician and scour the web. There may be alternative medications that don't have the same side effects, or there may be lifestyle remedies that would eliminate the need for some medications. The answers to sexual problems may be simpler than you think.
— — —
Dr. Sorah Dubitsky, Ph.D., is an author, speaker, teacher and healer. She conducts workshops and seminars on love, marriage, sexuality and spirituality as well as offers individual and couples counseling. She is also a fellow at Florida International University's Center for the Study of Spirituality. Her book "A Chorus of Wisdom" is available at Amazon.com and all major online and retail book outlets. Visit her website. Send an email to {email dr.sorah@drsorah.com}dr.sorah@drsorah.com{/email}. © Copyright 2007 by Dr. Sorah Dubitsky.
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