US - He was just 20 when his friend offered him the pill during a night
abroad.
The man, who only wanted to be
known as Daniel, said he and his friends had been drinking heavily, but wanted
to take girls back to their room.
Daniel, who is in the music
industry, worried that he would not be able to perform to the best of his
abilities, and hence decided to accept the pill.
A single pill quickly turned into
an addiction. Now Daniel says he has been hooked to Viagra for the last 12
years.
In an interview on This Morning,
a daytime programme broadcast on British TV network ITV, he said he now spends
more than £1,000 (S$1,965) a year on Viagra.
But he said he has never suffered
from erectile dysfunction, Daily Mail reported.
He told the TV programme: "I
had never really had problems as such. But when you're under the influence, and
with the life I lead... you meet women who will come back with you and expect
something."
"You need to fulfil that
(their expectations) and now it's sort of become like a normal thing," he
told the host.
He used to take a lot more, but
now it depends on the situation and how he feels.
Fears of disappointing his partner
If he is intoxicated, he said, he
will definitely need it. Fears about pleasing his partners prevent him from
quitting.
He said without the pills at
hand, he will feel uncomfortable. "Whenever we go away we take a
stockpile," he said.
Daniel says he is not the only
one. Among his friends, mostly in their twenties and thirties, it is very
common to have a reliance on Viagra, he said.
This Morning's medical expert, Dr
Robert Hicks, said that it's very common for men to have difficulty getting an
erection when they are tired, stressed or under the influence of alcohol.
To counter that, it's best to
maintain a healthy lifestyle, reduce stress and get more rest.
However, that's just where
Daniel's problems lie. He said that while he has all the intentions in the
world to change his lifestyle and stop taking Viagra, it is just what comes
with his life and the industry he is in.
In addition, the temptation is
never far away as the pill is readily available through online sources, friends
and even service stations.
Dangers
Dr Hicks warned that even though
Viagra is a safe drug and it can help many men and save marriages, taking any
medication without them being prescribed by the doctor comes with risks.
Daniel said that when he takes
the pill, he can hear his heartbeat and feel palpitations.
"There's a ringing in my
ears too.
"I'm not sure if it comes
from the loud music I'm always around or the Viagra, but it always comes after
I take the tablets."
Added Dr Hicks: "Hearing
loss is a possible side effect, although it is a rare one. The truth is, when
used correctly, it is a very safe drug."
The doctor added that Daniel
should also be careful of some herbal alternatives he obtains without a
doctor's prescription, as they may contain dangerous drugs in them.
He advised Daniel not to use
Viagra anymore, as his relationships will be more fulfilling and his health
protected.
"Honestly, what really works
is leading a healthy lifestyle, have a nice romantic evening, and things are
likely to go to plan," he said.
His final piece of advice? If you
have a problem, visit the GP before reaching for the pill.
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