Will Viagra slow him down?

Q. My husband does not have problems getting or sustaining an erection, but sometimes he gets so excited that he reaches orgasm before I do. When that happens, I cannot achieve release. Whenever I watch the ads for drugs such as Viagra or Cialis on television, I wonder whether they would help my husband last longer.

A. A double-blind study conducted in 80 men found that Levitra (vardenafil) was helpful. The time to ejaculation nearly doubled, from 48.5 seconds to 82.5 seconds (BJU International online, Sept. 7, 2010). That might not be long enough for you. There are, unfortunately, no prescription drugs approved for this problem. Doctors occasionally prescribe local anesthetics or SSRI antidepressants such as Prozac or Zoloft (European Urology, May 2010). The best approach might be for the two of you to see a sex therapist. This provider could offer behavioral counseling that should help.

Q. I take zolpidem for insomnia. It helps me fall asleep but not stay asleep, and it gives me a dry mouth. My doctor suggested I try melatonin instead to prolong the time I stay asleep. Does that sound reasonable?

A. The studies on melatonin are mixed. A recent double-blind French study found no benefit (BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, June 22, 2010). It appears to be more useful for jet lag (Current Treatment Options in Neurology, September 2010). We are sending you our Guide to Getting a Good Night’s Sleep for more information on using melatonin, magnesium and light against insomnia, as well as details on drugs like zolpidem, Sonata and Rozerem. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. I-70, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our website: www.peoples-pharmacy.com.

Q. I am having a problem with swollen legs and feet. About two months ago, the doctor changed my hypertension medications. I was on Hyzaar, and he changed this to losartan and Lasix. About a month before this, he had increased my nifedipine (Procardia) from once a day to twice a day because my blood pressure was elevated. Recent blood work shows that I am dehydrated and have a urinary-tract infection. I have stopped taking Lasix, and I am only taking nifedipine once a day. I have never been bothered with swollen legs as I am now. Could the losartan be responsible?

A. It is much more likely that the nifedipine is the culprit. About 10 percent of people taking nifedipine in clinical trials developed swollen legs and feet. In clinical trials, about 1 percent of people taking losartan developed swelling, but just as many people on placebo had this problem. Don’t stop any of your blood-pressure pills on your own. Get in touch with your doctor soon.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of The Vindicator or e-mail them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

2010 King Features Syndicate Inc.