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Will Horny Goat Weed Solve Sex Problem?

Q. My husband has suffered from high blood pressure and high cholesterol for years. HCTZ and 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. We would like to send you two Guides to solving sexual problems along with a CD of an hour-long interview with a leading expert on sexual dysfunction. Others who want this information should send $18 in check or money order: Graedons’ The People’s Pharmacy®, No. YP-561, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

We urge your husband to discuss this issue with his doctor, who might prescribe medication that does not interfere with your love life.

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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