Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Performance Anxiety — Has Cialis or Viagra Impacted Your Tinnitus?

[ErnieMassri]

Hello,

I'm a tinnitus sufferer, and a few months ago I reached 44 years old. Even though I don't consider myself old, I wanted to know how people who have reached older age and, more concisely, erectile dysfunction, are able to manage as it is known that many ED pills can cause tinnitus. Like many tinnitus sufferers, I'm an extremely anxious person, and that contributes to issues of performance anxiety which of course makes things worse. I'm not overweight, and I'm relatively in good shape.

I'd like to know from those who take this kind of medication (Cialis, Viagra), what dose they take and how it has impacted their tinnitus. Whether it's is good or bad, I'd really like to know.

Of course, I understand each person should make their own decision with their Doctor's advice. However, most people will post their negative experiences with the medication, but I'd like to hear both sides of the story, doses, type of medication, and their effects on their tinnitus.

Any experience will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Bart]

My experience with Cialis (I take it recreationally sometimes) is that it can sometimes make your tinnitus louder, but it's temporary if you don't freak out too much about the possible temporary spike.

I have asked several doctors and ENTs and they all pretty much say the same thing, that it can in some cases cause a temporary spike but nothing permanent. My GP said that she prescribes these drugs almost daily and she has never heard anyone complain about tinnitus. Take it for what it's worth of course.

Moreover they actually did a study about vardenafil for the treatment of tinnitus because many people said their tinnitus was actually better when taking this drug. It showed no benefit but none got worse during the study either and participants were given high doses daily for a month: Evaluation of vardenafil for the treatment of subjective tinnitus: a controlled pilot study

I would like to add that a tinnitus expert once said that if you are an anxious person, or you are anxious when taking the drug, you probably should not. Not because the drug will make your tinnitus permanently worse, but because your anxiety about it will make it a self-fulfilling prophecy. Each drug has its risks though but if used responsibly and in low doses of 5 or 10 mg, it should be fine - in my opinion at least. Ask your prescribing doctor about it.

 

[ErnieMassri]

My experience with Cialis (I take it recreationally sometimes) is that it can sometimes make your tinnitus louder, but it's temporary if you don't freak out too much about the possible temporary spike.

I have asked several doctors and ENTs and they all pretty much say the same thing, that it can in some cases cause a temporary spike but nothing permanent. My GP said that she prescribes these drugs almost daily and she has never heard anyone complain about tinnitus. Take it for what it's worth of course.

Moreover they actually did a study about vardenafil for the treatment of tinnitus because many people said their tinnitus was actually better when taking this drug. It showed no benefit but none got worse during the study either and participants were given high doses daily for a month: Evaluation of vardenafil for the treatment of subjective tinnitus: a controlled pilot study

I would like to add that a tinnitus expert once said that if you are an anxious person, or you are anxious when taking the drug, you probably should not. Not because the drug will make your tinnitus permanently worse, but because your anxiety about it will make it a self-fulfilling prophecy. Each drug has its risks though but if used responsibly and in low doses of 5 or 10 mg, it should be fine - in my opinion at least. Ask your prescribing doctor about it.

Thank you so much for the information Bart. Yes, I'd use it at a very low dose. Probably even less than the minimum.

 

[Bart]

Thank you so much for the information Bart. Yes, I'd use it at a very low dose. Probably even less than the minimum.

You are welcome.

My take on it is that life with tinnitus is already hard enough at times that you should not refrain from things that will give you pleasure, even if you risk a temporary spike.

I am no medical doctor though and just speak from my own experience.

 

[momus]

Sex in itself raises blood pressure. So while the sex enhancing drugs gives us better performance and heightens the experience, they come w/ a price tag, and not just monetarily. Of course, when you're busy like that, who hears it? But afterwards, yikes! It goes down though. I have seen some evidence online that these drugs work for some women too, so that's good news.

 

[Stuart-T]

I tried Viagra just the once - curiosity - in my mid 40s. It did nothing for me except a headache.

 

[Marko Nakovski]

My experience with Cialis (I take it recreationally sometimes) is that it can sometimes make your tinnitus louder, but it's temporary if you don't freak out too much about the possible temporary spike.

@Bart, I have had a horrible tinnitus spike for 2 weeks after taking 70-80 mg of Sildenafil. For how long did your spikes usually last? I'm scared that this new level will remain permanently...

 

[Johnny Karate]

Switch to TriMix. Zero worry about it affecting your ears.

 

[ErnieMassri]

@Bart, I have had a horrible tinnitus spike for 2 weeks after taking 70-80 mg of Sildenafil. For how long did your spikes usually last? I'm scared that this new level will remain permanently...

Sorry to hear that Marko. Has your tinnitus improved afterwards?

 

[Matchbox]

Switch to TriMix. Zero worry about it affecting your ears.

Isn't that an injection or is it a cream? How in hell would one get that?

 

[Joey72]

Isn't that an injection or is it a cream? How in hell would one get that?

They have a gel. It's not topical though, you have to use a tool to insert the gel into your penis.

 

[Johnny Karate]

Isn't that an injection or is it a cream? How in hell would one get that?

It is a shot. You would have to go to a urologist or your regular doctor I would assume?

 

[Stuart-T]

I bought 4 x 10 mg generic Cialis pills as I am in a relationship and I am having some issues maintaining an erection. I had the same problem in 2021 with someone I met. In my 19 year marriage which ended in 2020 I had no issues.

What size dose is correct? I though of splitting a pill and taking 5 mg.

As I reported earlier in this thread, I tried Viagra 10 years ago - curiosity - and had no benefit from it - just a headache. Now that I actually need to use something, I am hoping it will work.

 

[ErnieMassri]

I bought 4 x 10 mg generic Cialis pills as I am in a relationship and I am having some issues maintaining an erection. I had the same problem in 2021 with someone I met. In my 19 year marriage which ended in 2020 I had no issues.

What size dose is correct? I though of splitting a pill and taking 5 mg.

As I reported earlier in this thread, I tried Viagra 10 years ago - curiosity - and had no benefit from it - just a headache. Now that I actually need to use something, I am hoping it will work.

Stuart, I'm in the same situation you are. I suffer from performance anxiety. Have you had any issues with the smaller Cialis dose?

 

[Stuart-T]

Stuart, I'm in the same situation you are. I suffer from performance anxiety. Have you had any issues with the smaller Cialis dose?

I'm sorry you too have this problem. Damned embarrassing.

I don't have Cialis. I have Tadalafil 10 mg and, to be honest, I have not tried it yet. Afraid of tinnitus spike.

 

[Yosemite]

The FDA has approved the first ever OTC erectile dysfunction topical gel.

See here:

FDA Approves First-Ever OTC Erectile Dysfunction Gel

I wonder if it's less risky for tinnitus sufferers. Hmmm...

Apparently it's already available in Europe. Does anyone have any experience with it?

 

[Nick47]

Stop being paranoid freaks. Viagra increases nitric oxide which increases blood vessel dilation. Just like physical exercise can cause tinnitus spikes, so might this.

Pull yourselves together and live your best life.

 

[Yosemite]

Stop being paranoid freaks.

It's not about being paranoid. Read the leaflet of Viagra. Tinnitus and hearing loss are known side effects as well as risk factors.