What dose of Viagra should I buy for my impotence?

Viagra is available as a 25 and 50 mg pill. Unfortunately, not many people appear to respond to the 25 mg pill. For most men the 50 mg tablet does work, but one should try the 25 mg pill first.

The blue pill should be taken at least 15-30 minutes prior to anticipated intercourse and the effects will last up to 3 hours. If the first pill does not work, do not immediately take another pill. Sometimes the erections may be delayed by 60 minutes. Only take a second pill after 2 hours. In most men, the second pill does the trick. However, if the second pill, does not work, see your doctor. To get the best out of Viagra, do not take it with fatty foods, alcohol or other sedative medications. These substances can prevent absorption of Viagra and delay onset of erection. 

Elderly individuals who have difficulty achieving an erection may also benefit from Viagra.  However, it is recommended that elderly men always start out with the low dose pill.

Does Hydroxyzine (vistaril) help relieve generalized anxiety disorder?

Some physicians who are still practicing medicine from the 1970s and those who never keep up with current literature continue to prescribe Hydroxyzine (vistaril) for generalized anxiety. Vistaril was one of the first antihistamines developed in the 50s. It was once used as a sleeping aid and to decrease itching. It is very rarely prescribed today. As far as its effects on anxiety are concerned, the drug is absolutely crap. It should be relegated to the archives of the pharmacopoeia. As far as your doctor is concerned, you should dump him. With the currently available drugs, any doctor who prescribes Hydroxyzine today is an ignoramus baboon. Go see a real doctor and get either a benzodiazepine or an anti depressant for your anxiety

Are there any over the counter medications I can take for my bloating episodes?

Some people have frequent bloating episodes and feel miserable all day. For these people there are some over the counter medications.

BeanoTM contains enzymes that breaks down complex carbohydrates and vegetables. BeanoTM is said to decrease gas and belching but this does not always lead to a reduction in bloating. Less than 10% of individual benefit from this medication.

Other formulas to ease bloating include simethicone and activated charcoal. Both Gas X and Charcoaps are used to treat excessive gas and bloating but unfortunately do not always works. Charcoaps is hard to consume and makes most people feel worse than the bloating sensation

Some people swear that probiotics can help erase bloating. However, less than 10% of people surveyed claim that probiotics help. 

I take zomig for my migraines and have noticed that I feel quite sad afterwards. Is this related to the drug?

Sure, Zomig has several side effects including mood disturbances. The mild side effects  include dry mouth, weakness, drowsiness or dizziness. In most people these side effects are well tolerated. In rare cases, Zomig can also cause muscle pain, weakness, slurred speech, confusion, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, irregular heart rate, left arm pain, depression or a persistent cough. If these symptoms persist, one should seek immediate medical attention. Fortunately, the mood changes that you develop are reversible once you discontinue zomig. If the depression persists, then it is recommended you speak to your doctor.

I seem to get a headache every time I use Viagra. What should I do?

You have two choices- stop Viagra or take an aspirin 30 minutes beforehand and that should do the trick. Other mild side effects of Viagra include facial flushing and stomach upset- these side effects are mild and do not occur in everyone. 

Can you tell me if edegra is as effective as Viagra?

There are many generic brands of Viagra- the majority are made in china and India. Historically, pharmaceutical products made from these two countries have been found to be fakes and counterfeits. Moreover, many non-pharmaceutical online stores appear to be selling this product and most are just waiting to get your credit card number. While the product may be slightly cheaper than the real Viagra, there is no telling if it will work. Best advice, avoid such products. However, if you cannot resist the temptation of having a cheap erection, only buy a few pills at first. Note that you will have to give out your credit card number. If you do not get an erection with edegra, then you will at least get to know what it feels like to be suckered.

I have been prescribed elavil for my depression. Can you tell me if this drug can cause weight gain?

Unfortunately, almost all antidepressants cause weight gain. Other side effects of elavil include nausea, difficulty sleeping, weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, dry mouth, sweating, or constipation. For dry mouth, one can suck on hard candy or drink ample water. Since elavil can cause weight gain, it is important to enter into an exercise program or eat less. In rare cases, Elavil side effects include worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, nervousness, tremors, libido and headaches. Men who take elavil often report of inability to have an erection. The only treatment for this is Viagra which helps relieve the problem in about 20% of individuals.

My doctor has prescribed me Elavil for pain. I am 31 and have had back pain for many years. Does this medication help?

Elavil is a great anti depressant medication and has been around for more than half a century. The only problem with Elavil is that it has many undesirable side effects. However, besides depression Elavil is used to treat many types of pain disorders, anxiety and is also a great sleeping pill. In children, Elavil is often administered for bed-wetting. Other off label uses of Elavil includes treatment of shingles, bulimia and neuropathic pain. As far as back pain is concerned, less than 10% of patients benefit from Elavil. Even among these, the drop rates are high because of side effects. 

You may try it for pain relief but its benefits often take several weeks. 

I have just been started on byetta for my diabetes and am consistently developing a headache. IS this a side effect of the drug?

Mild side effects of Byetta include nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache or constipation. Byetta is a relatively safe drug but since it is combined with other anti diabetic drugs, low blood sugar can occur. Symptoms of low sugar include sweating, fast heart rate, abdominal pain, tremors, confusion, chills, drowsiness, fainting, headache or tingling. IF these symptoms do occur, one must immediately drink a glass of orange juice. It is recommended that all diabetics carry candy or a sugar pill. if you develop consistent headaches, you must measure your blood sugars to ensure that you do not have hypoglycemia. If your sugars are fine, and you still develop a headache, it is time to see your doctor. The only way to tell if the headaches are related is to stop the drug and seeing what happens.

I am a 47 year old type 2 diabetic and have just been started on Byetta. What is the most effective way to use this drug?

Byetta should only be taken as directed and is only for individuals with type 2 diabetes. The medication is administered as a subcutaneous injection either in the abdomen, upper arm or thigh. Byetta is injected twice a day before morning and evening meals. The drug should not be injected after a meal as it loses its effectiveness. Because of drug interaction, it is important not to combine Byetta with other drugs at the time of injection. Preferably, take the other drugs 60 minutes after the injection of Byetta. Byetta should be injected in an area where skin in not broken. Byetta comes in a pen like injectable device that is relatively easy to use. Learn how to use the device from a health care professional if you do not understand.

The dose of Byetta is based on your blood sugar and response. Byetta must be taken at the same time everyday for best results. The dose of Byetta should not be increased without first consulting with your physician.  

Does Zyprexa cause weight gain?

Unfortunately, all anti psychotic drugs do cause weight gain. Other mild side effects of zyprexa include dry mouth, cough, constipation, drowsiness and fatigue. All these side effects persists for duration of the therapy. However, the side effects are tolerable. In rare cases, Zyprexa can also cause mood changes, abnormal body movements, muscle pain, depression,  weakness, numbness or trouble walking.

To avoid weight gain, there is no great solution except eating less and walking more

I have bipolar disorder but my physician is treating me with zyprexa. Is this okay?

Even though zyprexa is approved for use in schizophrenia , it is also useful in the treatment of bipolar disorder

The drug works by restoring the chemical balance in the brain. Zyprexa can help relieve symptoms of delirium, hallucinations and paranoia in patients with schizophrenia. Zyprexa has also been used to treat agitation and paranoia in individuals with dementia and other behavior related problems. For bipolar disorder , zyprexa initially works well but because of the side effects compliance is an issue.

I have been on wellbutrin (bupropion) for my depression for a few days and yet have not seen an improvement in my mood. Do I need to change my medication?

Just be patient. Almost all anti-depressants take at least 2-4 weeks to work. You will start to see an improvement in your mood gradually. Wellbutrin is supposed to be taken 3 times a day with each dose separated by at least 6  hours. To avoid sleeping difficulties, do not take the medication close to bed time. Wellbutrin must be taken at the same time every day for several weeks or months to work. Do not change the dose of Wellbutrin without first consulting with your physician.  If after 6 weeks you see no improvement in your mood, then you may need a change in your medication. However, do speak to your doctor.

I have been started on wellbutrin (bupropion ) for my depression. Does this drug cause dry mouth?

Wellbutrin or bupropion has several side effects some of which include  nausea, dry mouth, cough, constipation, sweating, joint pain, blurred vision, strange taste or dizziness. In most cases, these symptoms subside with time. However, the dry mouth can  be treated by ample drinking water or sucking on hard candy.

In rare cases, Wellbutrin can also cause mood changes, muscle pain worsen depression, irregular heart rate, headache, or uncontrolled movements. 

Wellbutrin can also induce an allergic reaction that may present with a skin rash, itching, dizziness or trouble breathing. In such cases, one should seek immediate medical attention

I am on welbutrin (bupropion) for depression and I have heard that it prevents weight gain. Is this true?

It is true that wellbutrin does prevent weight gain, but this is only seen in less than 5% of depressed patients. More important is that this weight loss with bupropion is only seen in the first few weeks after starting the drug. Unfortunately, the weight is immediately regained over the ensuing months. There is no antidote to weight gain caused by wellbutrin except for exercise and eating less.

Are there any prescription weight loss pills that actually work?

The two available prescription diet pills that do work include meridia and orlistat. These drugs are not magic pills and must be taken for over 2-6 months to obtain weight loss. Most people can lose anywhere from 6-10 pounds in 3 months. These pills are usually recommended for men and women who are unable to achieve any type of weight loss through exercise and diet. Other criteria for these pills include a body mass index greater than 25 and presence of medical problems like diabetes or sleep apnea.

Unfortunately, these medications  work in less 20-30 percent of individuals. Common side effects of these medications include diarrhea, dry mouth, headache, abdominal cramps and greasy stools. These  pills also do not come cheap. A month’s supply can cost anywhere from $150-$300 and there is no guarantee that they will work. Best advice, walk more, eat less and stop looking for a magic bullet.

Is there a non-prescription pill for weight loss?

In fact there are two over the counter pills for weight loss. One is called Alli and the other is adipex. Adipex has been around for decades and is only for short term use. This medication can help both men and women lose weight but the problem is that regaining of weight is common if you do not make changes in your diet and life style.

Alli is “half strength” of the prescription drug, xenical, and works only if you combine it with an exercise program and changes in diet. With both  these diet pills you can expect to lose 1-3 pounds a month, but both have unpleasant side effects like dry mouth, diarrhea and greasy stools. Often individuals who take Alli soil their underclothes, which is not a very pleasant experience, especially when you are trying to look sexy and trim. Final point-both these pills only work in less than 10% of people and they are expensive

How effective is Quinine for my muscle cramps?

Quinine is a very old medication but it is quite good at relieving muscle cramps. Muscle cramps can occur at any time and can be a real pain in the rear. Most physicians really do not know what medication to give for cramps and usually end up recommending fluids and mineral replacement. Sometimes valium and or flexeril are given. However, probably the best drug for muscle cramps is quinine. Some studies have shown that a combination of theophylline with quinine is more effective than vitamin E and xylocaine injections. The recommended does of quinine for muscle cramps is about 200-500 mg/day and can be used as needed. So next time you develop cramps, ask your doctor for a quinine script. Mind you Quinine does have a few side effects like diarrhea and ringing in the ears.

Is hydroxyzine (atarax) good for my anxiety?

Hydroxyzine is an older anti-histamine and was once used as a sleeping aid and to treat symptoms of the common cold. Some older physicians do prescribe it for anxiety, primarily because it is cheap. Until recently no firm data were available on its effectiveness as an anti anxiety agent. However, analysis of studies by Cochrane Review reveals that hydroxyzine was better than the sugar pill but no better than the available benzodiazepines or SSRIs. More important-Hydroxyzine was associated with many more side effects like excess sleepiness and lethargy.

Therefore hydroxyzine can be relegated to the archives of the pharmacopeia. The drug is only useful as a sleeping aid -It is definitely not recommended as a reliable or effective drug for anxiety.

How can I prevent weight gain with risperdal (risperidone)?

Recent studies indicate that perhaps switching anti psychotic medication may help improve side effects like weight gain, blood sugar and cholesterol. Weight gain is a problem with older anti psychotics. The only way to prevent this weight gain is with lifestyle changes, diet and exercise. Now, research shows that perhaps switching to another class of anti psychotics may help. the latest studies indicate that switching to quetiapine (Seroquel) or aripiprazole (Abilify) may help some people avert weight gain. Switching the drugs does not affect the mental state or control of the psychotic symptoms. However, before you start to switch your drugs, speak to your doctor.

Many of the studies were poorly done, and were often sponsored by the drug companies. When studies are sponsored by drug companies, you only hear good news. Unscrupulous physicians have a habit of reporting everything as great and hiding all the negative data.

Is loss of libido common with Risperidol?

Yes, the majority of anti psychotic drugs can cause loss of libido. These medications lead to both a loss of sexual desire and also affect performance. There is no anti psychotic drug that does not cause loss of libido. The only option is to take a pill like Viagra to restore erectile performance. This option is only available for men. Unfortunately, Viagra does not help all individuals on anti psychotic medications. Stopping the anti psychotic is not a great option, otherwise symptoms of your schizophrenia will return.

Who should not take cialis pills?

Both adult males and even elderly men can use cialis pills. However, individuals who have diabetes, high blood pressure, a history of stroke or a previous heart attack, should not take cialis before speaking to the doctor. Moreover when you buy cialis, do tell the pharmacist if you have any allergies or take any nitrate pills. The combination of cialis with nitrates can cause dangerous lowering of blood pressure and chest pain. Cialis should only be taken as prescribed by your doctor and one should never take more than what has been prescribed. 

What are side effects of cialis?

Cialis has very similar side effects like viagra. The most common side effects of cialis include headache, nasal congestion, stomach cramps and facial flushing. These side effects are usually well tolerated and subside with time. In very rare cases, cialis may cause a prolonged painful erection. This painful erection is devoid of any sexual pleasure and one should immediately cease sexual activity and seek medical assistance.

Is there a difference between Viagra and Cialis?

While both pills work in the same way, there are some differences between Cialis and Viagra. Cialis tends to work in 15-20 minutes after ingestion whereas Viagra may take about 20-30 minutes. Another difference is that cialis is said to last longer than Viagra. With Viagra the erection tends to last 2-4 hours, whereas cialis has been reported to last 12-30 hours. This is a slight exaggeration and the truth is that cialis probably lasts 8-12 hours. Cialis is also slightly more expensive than viagra.

Both Cialis can Viagra can be taken with or without food. It is important not to take these pills with fatty food, alcohol, sedatives or other prescription drugs at the same time. 

Can one go blind after using Viagra?

All men who use Viagra should understand that while the pill is very safe it does have a few side effects. Viagra can cause a headache, facial flushing, nasal congestion, dizziness or an upset stomach. These mild changes are well tolerated and often disappear with time. 

Reports of blurred or impairment of vision after use of Viagra are exaggerated and so far no link to the pill has been associated. However, Viagra can cause dizziness and chest pain, especially if you are a diabetic, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or have heart disease. Thus before you buy Viagra you must speak to a doctor to determine if the pill is safe for you.

In rare cases, Viagra can also cause a prolonged painful erection that may last hours. If this ever happens, you must stop having sex and seek immediate medical attention. Rarely, Viagra may cause decreased hearing or a ringing sensation in the ears.

Is there a medication one can take to dissolve gallstones?

Sure, there is but it sucks. This medication known as ursodeoxycholic acid (Actigall) is only useful for very small cholesterol gallstones. The medication tastes like crap and has to be taken for months or even several years to work. Actigall is made from bile acids obtained from a bear’s gallbladder. If you have been diagnosed with gallstones which do not bother you, leave them alone. If you have gallstones that have caused problems like pain and fever, then surgery may be a better option than Actigall. There are some reports where medications to dissolve gallstones have been inserted via a needle in the gallbladder. However, this is only an option for the very sick patient who is not able to tolerate surgery. All the currently available medications to dissolve gallstones only work on very small stones- for anything larger than 1 cm you will be wasting your time and money. Actigall has been around for more than 40 years and the reason people do not know about it is because it sucks.

Can Viagra increase the size of my penis?

Only if you believe in Father Christmas!  Do not believe all the B.S. on cyberspace. Many online sites that sell Viagra falsely advertise that Viagra can be enhance the penile size because it increases blood flow.

Unfortunately, Viagra does not increase size of the penis no matter how long it is consumed. The erectile ability of Viagra are transient and the medication must be consumed on a regular basis to maintain the erections. Anyone who wants to have a bigger penis by taking Viagra is only going to get a lot of disappointments. There is no pill, tablet, lotion, potion, cream, herb or paste that can increase the size the penis.

Can Viagra be used to treat any other medical disorder besides erectile failure?

Yes, the smooth muscle relaxing effects of generic Viagra also have been utilized to treat several other medical disorders besides impotence. There are some individuals who develop narrowing of blood vessels in the lung and are unable to get oxygen. These individuals with pulmonary hypertension benefit enormously from Viagra. The medication acts by generating nitric oxide, which relaxes the blood vessel and allows blood to flow into the lungs where it can be oxygenated. 

Viagra can also used by individuals who climb mountains and live at high altitudes. Because oxygen concentrations are low at high altitudes, Viagra acts by opening up the blood vessels in the lung and allows maximum blood to be oxygenated. However, Viagra must be taken daily to obtain the medical benefits and it can be costly.

 

Can depressed people with decreased libido benefit from Viagra?

Yes, Viagra can help some individuals with depression. Both depression and anti depressant medications can diminish libido. Thus, Viagra can help augment an erection. Unfortunately, Viagra does not work in all depressed individuals and the reason for this is unknown. Moreover, Viagra may work initially and then stop working in most individuals.

Other medical uses of Viagra include treatment for high altitude sickness. Some individuals who climb mountains or hike up hills, often develop altitude sickness which is marked by shortness of breath and cough. These individuals can benefit by taking Viagra for the duration of the trip.

Is Silagra as good as Viagra for erectile failure?

Ever since the patent on Viagra expired, a number of generic versions of Viagra have been developed- majority of these products come from India and China. 

First the fact- Indian pharmaceutical products have historically been known to contain fakes. India sells hundreds of pharmaceutical products, primarily because they are cheap-but in the majority of cases these products are worthless crap. 

Silagra is supposed to be the same as Viagra and works in the same way but is a lot cheaper. It is widely available from many online pharmacies. Unlike Viagra, you do not even need a prescription to buy silagra.

My best advice is avoid all generic products from the orient. There are countless reports on cyberspace that these pills do not live up to expectations. If you have erectile failure and want to have satisfying sex, then you will have to spend the money to get the “real deal” from an American pharmacy. Beware many British & Russian sites do sell generic Viagra and Silagra, but most of these are scam artists who only want your credit card.

My Viagra does not appear to work for impotence. Why?

Viagra is only meant for people who have erectile failure. Viagra is not an aphrodisiac and will not work if you have a psychological cause for your erectile dysfunction. 

When you take Viagra, it should start to work in about 20-45 minutes. Of course, your penis has to be stimulated-spontaneous erection does not occur with Viagra. Moreover, avoid taking Viagra with fatty foods or alcohol. Both these substances delay the onset of erection or you may not get an erection at all. Never take Viagra with other sedative medications. 

Despite all the hype, Viagra only works in about 50-70 percent of men with erectile failure.

Can I use two pills of Viagra to increase the potency of my erection?

It is safer to start with one pill and then wait at least 45-60 minutes to develop an erection. If after this time, you fail to develop an erection, then you may take another Viagra. However, if the second pill does not work, then you have either been sucked into buying some crap cheap stuff online or your erection problems can’t be fixed with a pill. 

You have to understand that Viagra only works in 70% of men. However, it has been observed that individuals who do not respond to  Viagra appear to respond to levitra or cialis. Again, a word of warning- you need to buy these pills from bona fide stores and not some scam online pharmacies.

I am a 47 year old male and smoke. Can I use Viagra?

Both Viagra and levitra can be taken by men of all ages, and that includes elderly males. However, individuals who have a history of heart disease, angina, stroke or chest pain should first speak to their doctor before taking Viagra like pills. In addition if you have had allergy to Viagra, you should not take any of these impotence medications.

The only caution is that you should buy your pills from a reputable pharmacy. There are many fake impotence pills on the market.

If you decide to buy online, always buy a few pills initially and try them out. Further avoid all the generic pills from India and China- it is unlikely they will give you an erection, but more likely give you a major headache and lots of frustration.

Are the proton pump inhibitors safe for long-term use?

You can rest assured that the PPIs are safe. While many drugs have side effects, this cannot be said about the proton pump inhibitors. these drugs have been used all over the globe for many years and so far nothing disastrous has been reported. PPIs are probably one of the safest drugs on the market.

Inside the packaging of PPIs there is a warning about cancer. However, this was only seen in a few rats and has never been reported in humans. Most experts feel that this complication has nothing to do with PPIs and more to do with the genetic strains of rat used in the studies. So far, there has been no increase in human cancer following PPIs usage.

Some people may develop a mild headache. Other rare side effects after long-term usage include decreased absorption of vitamin B12 and iron. When the drugs are used continuously for two or more years, there are reports that one may develop fractures of the spine and hip. This has only been seen in people who take extremely high doses of prilosec.

People who take PPIs for long periods should get levels of iron and vitamin B12 measured periodically. Do not waste your money buying extra vitamin supplements- just eat fresh fruit on a regular basis.