Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

Will Horny Goat Weed Solve Sex Problem?

Q. My husband has suffered from high blood pressure and high cholesterol for years. HCTZ and fosinopril (Monopril) control his hypertension and Vytorin has lowered his cholesterol.

Since starting the drugs, he’s had trouble with impotence. He refuses to see a urologist but takes an herb called Horny Goat Weed instead.

I don’t trust this herb, but he thinks it will help. What effect would this herb have on his other medication?

A. Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium) may have a suggestive name, but clinical data to support its effectiveness for erectile dysfunction or low libido are limited. What’s more, products being sold as Horny Goat Weed vary tremendously. They don’t all contain the same ingredients.

This herb might interact with blood pressure medicines. Side effects could include dizziness from low blood pressure, nausea, dry mouth or respiratory difficulties.

Some of your husband’s medications could be contributing to his sexual issues. Here is a link to a FREE Guide to Drugs That Affect Sexuality.

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
4- 3 ratings
About the Author
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to consumers. His best-selling book, The People’s Pharmacy, was published in 1976 and led to a syndicated newspaper column, syndicated public radio show and web site. In 2006, Long Island University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the country's leading drug experts for the consumer.”.
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.