Beta Blockers

[marco2007]

I just had an angiogram done which included installing a couple of stents in one of my main arteries. Now I'm on several new meds including Plavix and a beta blocker called Metoprolol. My doc said the beta blocker may cause erection problems. My SO said to not worry about that now. Naturally, I'm deeply concerned about it and can think of nothing else. My SO believes that taking viagra to compensate could cause serious medical problems.

Does anyone have any experience on knowledge that they can share?

[Jon54]

I'm on a Beta blocker myself, not the one you are on. Viagra hasn't caused me any problems. As I understand, it was originally developed as a blood pressure med when they found it worked better for other "things". Talk to your pharmacist but I doubt you will have any problems. I just wish the blue pills were cheaper!

[jaco22]

viagra will not cause serious medical problems unless you take it within a few days of sublingual nitroglycerin or oral nitrates, which could result in hypotension. Definitely don't stop the beta blockers or the aspirin and plavix for that matter. Unfortunately, sexual dysfunction is an unfortunate and fairly common side effect of beta blockers.

[SlowHand49]

Originally Posted by jaco22

viagra will not cause serious medical problems unless you take it within a few days of sublingual nitroglycerin . . .

*wonders what cunnilingual nitroglycerin would be like . . . *

[Carl]

You can also ask your cardiologist if there might be other anti-hypertension medications that could be substituted for the beta blockers, such as calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers. Not all anti-hypertension medications have equal adverse effects on erections.

[jaco22]

Originally Posted by Carl

You can also ask your cardiologist if there might be other anti-hypertension medications that could be substituted for the beta blockers, such as calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers. Not all anti-hypertension medications have equal adverse effects on erections.

There are certainly other antihypertension medications, however, beta blockers actually have proven mortality benefit in patients who have had heart attacks, depressed heart function. If you have neither of the above and do not have recurrent angina, your cardiologist should be able to make a substitution if you experience side effects.

[rednecksatyr]

My experience with beta blockers is that I am mostly limp. Cardiologist says no viagra for me. So, since you cant push a rope I have had some success by informing the provider of my problem in advance. The skilled ones found a way to make me happy.

[ducky321]

I have been on Metoprol ol 100mg two a day for over 3 years now and have not had any erection problem's.

[TexTushHog]

Metoprolis a generic name. Toprol, Lopressor, Betalocetc. is a trade name. Probably the most commonly prescribed blood pressure pill out there.

I've take it for nine years with no noticeable change in my ability to get an erection. Happens with some, not with all or even most. Try it and quit worrying. If you develop the side effect in question, go talk to your doc.

[marco2007]

Thanks for the valuable input guys. My doctor did provide me with sublingual nitroglycerin for use in emergency situations. So clearly I'll run a risk taking Viagra.

Although I'm not prepared to trade in my hobby shoes for a rocking chair, crossword puzzle and a bottle of port, I agree that the best course of action at this point is to have another discussion with my doctor before taking any other meds than the ones he has prescribed.

[TexTushHog]

Try the Toprol. Often it doesn't affect your erections.

[vnurse]

Good advice given here.

Some gentlemen may experience difficulties with erections while others won't notice any change at all.

The more you "worry" about it, the more likely you will have some issues. Difficult to not think about it but honestly, try your best not to.

Again, if you get with a lady who is understanding and thorough (? LOL!), you should do well.

Good luck to you AND your new meds. DEFINITELY don't change or add anything without checking with your doc though. We'd like you to stick around!