NDRI.com

Impairment of Olfactory Function Such as Nasal Congestion, Odor / Smelling Disorder for Viagra (Sildenafil)

Sexual health and function are important determinants of quality of life. As Americans age, disorders such as erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence are becoming increasingly more important. Because this subject is discussed widely in the media, men and women of all ages are seeking guidance in an effort to improve their relationships and experience satisfying sex lives.It is more common in men older than 65, it can occur at any age. An occasional episode of erectile dysfunction happens to most men and is normal. As men age, it's also normal to experience changes in erectile function. Erections may take longer to develop, may not be as rigid or may require more direct stimulation to be achieved. Men may also notice that orgasms are less intense, the volume of ejaculate is reduced and recovery time increases between erections.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Viagra in 1998, and it became the first oral medication for erectile dysfunction on the market. Since then, Levitra and Cialis have been approved, providing more options for oral therapy.The clinical trials found Viagra to be so effective, the FDA approved it only six months after submission, and without consulting an advisory committee of outside experts because there were no troubling questions and no significant side effects.

The most common side effects of VIAGRA are headache, facial flushing, and upset stomach. Less commonly, bluish vision, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light may briefly occur.

In rare instances, men taking PDE5 inhibitors (oral erectile dysfunction medicines, including VIAGRA) reported a sudden decrease or loss of vision. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to these medicines or to other factors. If you experience sudden decrease or loss of vision, stop taking PDE5 inhibitors, including VIAGRA, and call a doctor right away.

Although erections lasting for more than 4 hours may occur rarely with all ED treatments in this drug class, to avoid long-term injuries, it is important to seek immediate medical help.

Healthcare professionals advise cautious optimism when considering using Viagra. Although data from the clinical trials are very promising, prospective patients must have realistic expectations. The drug is not an aphrodisiac, and does not change libido or desire. Viagra does not directly cause penile erection, but affects the response to sexual stimulation.

Higher doses of Viagra (sildenafil) may impair the ability to smell, which is possibly related to an increase in nasal congestion, German researchers report in The Journal of Urology.

A team led by Dr. V. Gudziol at the University of Dresden Medical School studied 20 healthy, young male volunteers who received Viagra, at a 50- or 100-mg dose, or inactive "placebo" and then were exposed to an odor-dispensing device.

The researchers tested the subjects' odor detection threshold, odor discrimination and odor identification ability.

They found that the 100-mg dose caused a drop in smelling or "olfactory" ability, specifically odor discrimination and odor threshold, compared with placebo. The 50-mg dose, by contrast, had no effect on olfactory function.

"In our subjects, the most likely reason for impaired...olfactory function was nasal congestion" brought on by Viagra, the authors write. They note that, while it was not evaluated in this study, previous reports have linked Viagra with a drop in nasal airflow.

The FDA recommends that men follow these general precautions before taking Viagra:

If you are taking medicines that contain nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, you should not use Viagra. The two taken together can lower blood pressure too much.
Viagra should not be used by women or children.
Have a complete medical history and physical examination to determine the cause of your erectile dysfunction.
Men with medical conditions that may cause a sustained erection such as sickle cell anemia, leukemia or multiple myeloma, or a man who has an abnormally shaped penis may not be able to take Viagra.
Tell your physician about all the medications you are taking -- including over-the-counter ones -- because there are medications known to interact with Viagra.
Viagra's use in combination with other ED treatments has not been studied, therefore, its use in combination with other treatments is not recommended.

If you are older than age 65, or have serious liver or kidney problems, your doctor may start you at the lowest dose (25 mg) of VIAGRA. If you are taking protease inhibitors, such as for the treatment of HIV, your doctor may recommend a 25-mg dose and may limit you to a maximum single dose of 25 mg of VIAGRA in a 48-hour period.

If you have prostate problems or high blood pressure for which you take medicines called alpha-blockers, your doctor may start you on a lower dose of VIAGRA..Don't expect these medications to fix your impotence immediately. Dosages may need adjusting. Or you may need to alter when you take the medication. Before taking any medication, make sure to discuss with your doctor its potential benefits and side effects.