OTC Meds for Impotence Issues: Are They Better Than PDE5 Inhibitors?
When a male gets older, his body gets affected by multiple conditions that he did not know of before. Unfortunately, erectile dysfunction is just one of them, yet its severity is beyond any doubt. Erections depend on the interaction of neural and psychological, endocrine and vascular factors. When any of them is damaged, a problem occurs.
Males with weak erections always seek for a drug or tool that could help them out. When any type fails, they start looking for alternative treatment options and often OTC meds become their choice. But is it wise? We’ve gathered some reliable information on the use of such meds for erectile dysfunction treatment to help you learn what’s true and what’s not.
List of Potential OTC (Over-the-counter) Treatments
- L-arginine
There are rare reports that this remedy is able to treat mild impotence issues by improving the flow of blood to the penile area. The possible drawbacks of this sort of treatment are nausea and mild cramping.
Some researchers suggest combining L-arginine with effective erectile dysfunction medications. The question is what for? ED meds are effective without any additional chemical support. However, L-arginine has also been reported as a successful treatment option for improving hormone levels and treating those, who have metabolic alkalosis.
A profound research must be done to make sure whether or whether not this treatment option deserves any attention, when it comes to the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
- DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone, in other words, is found in some soy products or yams. It is proven to show positive and always safe results, if administered in low doses. This OTC is often added to the treatment course prescribed for Alzheimer’s disease or when it comes to building up the muscle strength. Lately, it has also proven its reliability in cases of ED (the national Institutes of Health).
Being effective for cases of male’s dysfunction DHEA is a reliable choice, when it comes to increasing low libido in females. The human body fails in the natural production of this compound. And though there are many products that claim to be with natural DHEA contained in them, this fact is far from being true.
- Yohimbe
It is said that yohimbe has a very positive influence on erectile dysfunction in males. However, the scientists from the National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine assure that as for now there is no such evidence. It remains unclear where this idea came from. The only thing that is evident is that yohimbe is associated with a number of adverse reactions. Increased heart rate and high blood pressure are in the list.
- Ginseng
Though there was a research conducted on the ability of ginseng to treat male impotence, it was a very limited one. Still ginseng has shown several positive effects during human studies. This OTC proved to be generally safe, if administered for a limited period.
The above mentioned supplements aren’t FDA approved. They aren’t prescription meds, so we warn all users as to their administration. They haven’t been well-studied in terms of efficacy and safety. They may show improvements as secondary treatment options, not as the first-hand remedies.
OTC Meds for ED and Their Advantages
Over the counter pills for erection enhancement can affect male’s sexual strength to some extent. In some cases they may have more advantages over prescription drugs for impotence treatment.
Firstly, these are herbs, which means that they are generally safe for any male, whatever his age or condition is. All prescription meds like Generic Viagra or Generic Cialis, require a doctor’s approval, while OTC drugs can be administered without a professional prescription to remain safe. Why is approval needed when it comes to PDE-5 inhibitors? The matter is that these drugs always interact with other medications, while herbs can be used whatever chemicals and drugs you consume.
Secondly, over the counter pills for ED are more affordable than synthetic Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. While a male generally spends around $50 on a single Viagra pill (the cost depends on the country he’s from), the cost of OTC pills is ten time less.
Risks of OTC Meds for Erectile Dysfunction
There are certain FDA warnings as to the use of OTC medications to treat erectile dysfunction issues in males. Such drugs always spark controversy among researchers and specialists. The FDA warns about the so-called hidden risks of pills that are offered for impotence treatment in online stores.
Lately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have published the list of twenty-nine over the counter meds or dietary supplements that must be avoided. All these supplements are viewed as dangerous due to the harmful ingredients that they contain.
So, as to the risks and dangers related to OTC, they include:
- Hidden ingredients
It is true that some over the counter meds are really effective for cases of erectile dysfunction treatment in males. Yet still, most of them are never safe. There are numerous dietary supplements with ingredients and chemicals not listed on the label. Some hidden ingredients are extremely dangerous for males, who take them regularly, especially if these males have a history of serious health issues.
- Harmful side effects
Getting back to ingredients that aren’t listed, they cause harmful adverse reactions in most regular users. Besides, rare pills do interact with other medications.
It is forbidden to take these meds with nitrates, blood pressure pills and those for diabetes treatment, if you want to escape:
- Heart/liver/kidney problems and issues;
- Dizziness and nausea;
- Migraines;
- High blood pressure;
- Allergic reactions;
- Diarrhea.
It is true that today most ED sufferers turn to effective PDE-5 inhibitors instead of OTC meds. Viagra, Kamagra, Cialis or Levitra are always effective, when taken in prescribed doses. Yet, it doesn’t mean you should underestimate the use of OTC pills. Some of them may become secondary or additional treatment options for males with the most severe cases of impotence.
