Q. I have heard that premature ejaculation is a common problem. I suffer just the opposite: delayed ejaculation. It can take me 20 or 30 minutes and this is far too long for my wife.
This has become an issue since I started taking Effexor for depression. I suspect that the drug is responsible but I don’t want to give it up because it works well to improve my mood. Would Viagra or one of the other pills for erections overcome this problem?
A. Your suspicion is well founded. Antidepressants like Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft and Effexor can delay orgasm for both men and women. One small study demonstrated that Viagra could reduce ejaculatory delay in some men (Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, June, 2003). In general, however, drugs like Viagra, Levitra or Cialis work for erectile dysfunction but do not improve libido or hasten climax.
Q. My feet are a mess. I was diagnosed with onychomycosis (nail fungus). The doctor prescribed Sporanox, which I took for weeks. It did not work very well considering the high cost.
I do not want to go through another round of expensive treatment but I would like a good way to deal with nail fungus and bad foot odor. I would like to try a home remedy but need directions.
A. Readers have shared a variety of strategies for both problems. The most recent involves soaking the feet daily in Listerine (original formula). The alcohol and herbal oils (thymol, eucalyptol, methyl salicylate and menthol) have anti-fungal activity. They might also help against foot odor.
Other options include dilute vinegar soaks, vitamin E oil, Vicks VapoRub and tea tree oil. For severely affected nails, prescription strength urea paste (40 percent) can be used with medical supervision. It dissolves diseased nail, leaving healthy nail intact.
For more information we are sending you our Guides to Nail Care, Solutions for Smelly Feet and Unique Uses for Vicks. Anyone who would like copies, please send $4 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. HFV-3276, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
Q. What can people do who are allergic to aspirin and think they are having a heart attack?
A. Always call 911 immediately if you think you are having a heart attack. The ambulance may carry a clot-busting drug that would be even more effective than aspirin.
Prior skin reactions (itchy hives), breathing difficulties or anaphylactic shock are the kind of allergic reaction that would preclude use of aspirin even in an emergency. Stomach upset is not. An allergist can verify whether you are truly allergic. Desensitization is possible for those who must take aspirin.
Q. Are bipolar and bisexual the same thing? The “bi” confuses me.
A. “Bi” just means two. The term bisexual refers to people who are attracted to both men and women.
Bipolar disorder has nothing to do with sexual preference. It used to be called manic depression and refers to extreme mood swings, from euphoria to despondency.
Q. When I was in England this summer I used something called Oruvail Gel for my tennis elbow. It was great but I cannot find it in my drug store. Is it available?
A. This is ketoprofen gel. It is an anti-inflammatory drug used topically. Ask a compounding pharmacist to make it for you.
