Viagra Increases Release Of Key Reproductive Hormone

The little blue pill may do more than get blood pumping. Sildenafil the generic name for Viagra also increases release of a reproductive hormone in rats, according to a new study.

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison report this month that sildenafil increases amount of oxytocin released by stimulation of posterior pituitary gland, a small structure directly underneath brain that regulates hormone levels in response to neural signals.

The finding is the first indication of a chemical mechanism through which erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra may have physical effects besides increasing blood flow to sexual organs, says study author Meyer Jackson, a physiology professor at UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health.

Sometimes called " love hormone " or " cuddle chemical, " oxytocin plays several important roles in social interactions and reproduction, including triggering uterine contractions and lactation. It's also released during orgasm and has been linked to sexual arousal.

Oxytocin release is regulated by an enzyme that acts like a braking system, limiting hormone release by dampening neural excitation of the cells. This same enzyme, phosphodiesterase type 5, also limits blood flow by contracting muscles around blood vessels.

In both places, sildenafil works by blocking this enzyme, essentially releasing brakes, explains Jackson. In blood vessels, relaxing smooth muscle increases blood flow, which corrects erectile dysfunction, and in the posterior pituitary, cells become more responsive. " The same stimulation will produce more [oxytocin] release. '

He says, " I think this is a missing link in terms of trying to sort out issues around whether there are additional effects of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, " which include Viagra, Levitra and Cialis.

The new report was published online Aug. 9 and appears in an upcoming issue of Journal of Physiology .

In study, the scientists measured oxytocin released from rat pituitaries in response to neural stimulation. When pituitaries were treated with sildenafil, they responded to stimulation by releasing three times as much oxytocin as they did without drug.

Importantly, drug had little if any effect on hormone release in the absence of stimulation, Jackson says.

" Erectile dysfunction drugs do not induce erections spontaneously, they enhance the response to sexual stimulation, " he says. " The same thing is happening in posterior pituitary - Viagra won't induce the release of oxytocin on its own, but it'll enhance amount of release you get in response to electrical stimulation. '

Though he does not think his findings raise any significant safety issues related to Viagra use, he does think it provides strong rationale for studies of additional effects and new potential uses.

" A big question raised by our study is, will sildenafil do same thing to nerve terminals that release oxytocin [in the brain]? " he says. The cells that supply oxytocin to the pituitary come from a brain structure called the hypothalamus, which also sends hormones throughout brain.

Though sildenafil's effects on these pathways are still unknown, work by other researchers has shown that oxytocin-sensitive cells in the brain play a role in the neural control of erectile responses, suggesting that Viagra and its kin may work through multiple channels.

The famous blue pills could have other uses as well. Oxytocin has been linked to ability to make strong social bonds, while sildenafil was recently shown to improve hamsters' abilities to adjust timing of their internal clocks to overcome simulated jet lag.

" This is one piece in a puzzle in which many pieces are still not available, " Jackson says. " But it raises the possibility that erectile dysfunction drugs could be doing more than just affecting erectile dysfunction. '

The study was co-authored by Zhenjie Zhang and Vitaly Klyachko. Funding for the research came from the National Institutes of Health.

University of Wisconsin-Madison 500 Lincoln Doctor , 27 Bascom Hall Madison, WI 53706 United States http: //www. wisc. edu

The right way for being beauty

How Strattera may help us.

uses of Strattera

Strattera is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) . It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain ( neurotransmitters ) . It may help to increase the ability to pay attention, concentrate, stay focused, and stop fidgeting.

how to use of Strattera

Read Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before we start using Strattera and each time you get a refill. If we have any questions regarding information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Strattera may be taken with or without food. Take Strattera as prescribed, usually either as a single daily dose in morning or divided into two doses in morning and late afternoon/early evening; or as directed by your doctor.

Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Don't increase your dose or take it more frequently than prescribed.

Use Strattera regularly in order to get most benefit from it. Remember to use it at same time ( s ) each day.

Inform your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen.

side effects of Strattera

See also Warning section.

Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, loss of appetite, dry mouth, dizziness, trouble sleeping, menstrual cycle changes, or mood changes may occur while use Strattera. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed Strattera because he or she has judged that benefit to you is greater than risk of side effects. Many people using Strattera don't have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

Strattera may rarely cause serious problems such as heart attacks or stroke. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of following:

Strattera has very rarely caused very serious liver problems. If we notice any of the following highly unlikely but very serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention: yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, severe stomach pain, " flu-like " symptoms ( e. g. , fever, chills, unexplained fatigue ) . If we experience any of these symptoms ask your doctor about whether or not you should ever take Strattera again.

Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur.

A very serious allergic reaction to Strattera is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if we notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If we notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

precautions of Strattera

Before taking Strattera, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're allergic to it; or if we have any other allergies.

Strattera shouldn't be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have:

Before using Strattera, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

Strattera may make we dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.

To minimize dizziness or fainting, get up slowly from a lying or seated position ( especially when we first start using Strattera or if your doctor changes your dose ) .

Caution is advised when using Strattera in elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially dizziness.

Caution is advised when using Strattera in children because it may have a minor effect on weight, growth rate, and final height. Monitor your child's weight and height and consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Strattera should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.

It's not known whether Strattera passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

interactions of Strattera

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Certain medications taken with Strattera could result in serious, even fatal, drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors ( e. g. , furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine ) within 2 weeks before or after treatment with Strattera. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information.

Before using Strattera, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products we may use, especially of:

Check labels on all your medicines ( e. g. , cough-and-cold products, diet aids ) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about safe use of those products.

This document doesn't contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Strattera, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all products we use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share list with your doctor and pharmacist.

overdose of Strattera

If overdose of Strattera is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: unusually fast heartbeat, severe headache.

notes of Strattera

Don't share Strattera with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests ( e. g. , pulse and blood pressure, liver function tests ) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

If we have heart disease, your doctor should perform certain heart tests ( EKG, echocardiogram ) before we start taking Strattera.

Keep all medical appointments with your doctor.

missed dose of Strattera

If we miss a dose Strattera, use it as soon as you remember. If it's near the time of the next dose, skip missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double dose of Strattera to catch up.

storage of Strattera

Store Strattera at room temperature at 77 degrees F ( 25 degrees C ) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F ( 15-30 degrees C ) is permitted. Do not store Strattera in bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Properly discard Strattera when it's expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

warning of Strattera

Studies have shown that a small number of people ( especially children/teenagers ) who take Strattera for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) may experience worsening of their condition, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it's very important to talk with doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication ( especially for children/teenagers ) .

Tell doctor immediately if you notice worsening of your condition/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes ( including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts ) , or other mental/mood changes ( including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, hallucinations, delusions, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech ) . Be especially watchful for these symptoms when you first start Strattera or when dose is changed.

Strattera with EU delivery

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