Unwanted Erection
(Priapism)

An unwanted erection is not like a normal one which usually occurs as a result of either psychological or physical stimulation... or both. No, an unwanted erection, otherwise medically known as priapism, is a prolonged, persistent erection of the penis that is not caused by arousal or sexual stimulation (or which persists even after stimulation).

In addition, it is usually (though not always) very painful and can last for hours. As a rule of thumb, if it lasts for longer than four (4) hours then that definitely warrants an immediate trip to the emergency room... do not pass "Go", do not collect $200". Now if a prolonged or persistent erection (an episode of priapism) lasts for less than four hours, this is still a problem that needs to be brought to the attention of your doctor or other primary healthcare provider. You may need to receive treatment to prevent future episodes from happening.

Priapism is not a condition that you can treat on your at home, so I have no pointers to suggest. Therefore, without much ado here is a list of drugs that can cause this side effect.

Drugs That Cause Priapism

• Alprostadil (Caverject, Caverject Impulse, Edex, Muse)
• Aripiprazole (Abilify)
• Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban)
• Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
• Citalopram (Celexa)
• Clozapine (Clozaril, Fazaclo)
• Coumadin (Warfarin)
• Diazepam (Diastat, Valium)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Selfemra)
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox CR)
• Heparin (Hep-Lock)
• Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril)
• Lithium (Lithane, Lithobid)
• Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
• Papaverine
• Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
• Prazosin (Minipress)
• Risperidone (Risperdal)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio)
• Tadalafil (Adcirca, Cialis)
• Testosterone (Androderm, Androgel, Android,Delatestryl, Depo-Testosterone, Striant, Testim)
• Trazodone (Desyrel)
• Vardenafil (Levitra)
• Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)

Substances of Abuse That Can Cause Priapism

• Alcohol (in excess)
• Cocaine
• Ecstasy
• Marijuana

They are called wonder drugs because
you wonder if they will work.



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July 2, 2009

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