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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Mark H. on April 5, 2005, at 9:45:09
I saw my psychiatrist yesterday, and he handed me an article (I thought for a moment that it might be an April Fools joke) that there are now 14 documented cases of men who have been blinded by the use of Viagra. Apparently all had atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
I mention this here because some of us need Viagra to offset the effects of our psych meds. Has anyone else heard of this? Would the risk likely extend to Cialis as well? I realize that 14 out of ??? is extremely rare.
Many thanks,
Mark H.
Posted by Larry Hoover on April 5, 2005, at 21:17:55
In reply to Men's Health Issue: Viagra Causing Blindness?, posted by Mark H. on April 5, 2005, at 9:45:09
> I saw my psychiatrist yesterday, and he handed me an article (I thought for a moment that it might be an April Fools joke) that there are now 14 documented cases of men who have been blinded by the use of Viagra. Apparently all had atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
>
> I mention this here because some of us need Viagra to offset the effects of our psych meds. Has anyone else heard of this? Would the risk likely extend to Cialis as well? I realize that 14 out of ??? is extremely rare.
>
> Many thanks,
>
> Mark H.It's rare, and all cases (so far) have been in men with the risk factors for developing this eye disorder (called NAION), specifically hypertension, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia.
This effect is also seen with Cialis.
It may be more of a case or pre-existing vulnerability being brought to an acutely symptompatic state by the drug. The vision loss was not always permanent, by the way. The abstract I read said that one man returned to 20/20 vision. Usually only one eye was affected.
Only you (and your doctor) can properly assess your individual risks.
Lar
Posted by Mark H. on April 6, 2005, at 15:45:10
In reply to Re: Men's Health Issue: Viagra Causing Blindness? » Mark H., posted by Larry Hoover on April 5, 2005, at 21:17:55
Many thanks, Larry. Somehow it seems less of a concern when you put it in that perspective.
Best wishes,
Mark H.
Posted by Larry Hoover on April 7, 2005, at 9:03:58
In reply to Re: Many Thanks » Larry Hoover, posted by Mark H. on April 6, 2005, at 15:45:10
> Many thanks, Larry. Somehow it seems less of a concern when you put it in that perspective.
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Mark H.You're welcome. Sorry to be picky, but the situation is perhaps less frightening, but of equal concern. You still have to weigh the benefits against the risks, based on your health history.
Lar
Posted by Larry Hoover on April 9, 2005, at 10:34:25
In reply to Re: Many Thanks » Larry Hoover, posted by Mark H. on April 6, 2005, at 15:45:10
> Many thanks, Larry. Somehow it seems less of a concern when you put it in that perspective.
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Mark H.....if the tone of my earlier reply came across as testy. I was not in the best frame of mind when I wrote it. So, sorry about that.
Lar
This is the end of the thread.
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