Viagra or Not?

This is the question GPs ask themselves many times. Ever since Viagra was
allowed on prescription we have had to follow a set of rules as to whether
we can prescribe Viagra on the NHS or not. It is one of the few medicines we
have to do this for yet we are allowed to prescribe thousands of other
medicines with no such rules.
Only this week I saw a young man doing very well in getting over his
depression. He also had an erectile problem which had been long standing. I
had done some preliminary tests to ensure his erection problems were not
caused by other illnesses and it was at this stage that I felt he would
benefit from Viagra usage in the short term.
However he cannot have it on the NHS as he does not fit into these fairly
rigid rules. I had to issue him with a private prescription for which he has
to pay over 20 pounds for 4 tablets.
He was so obviously going to benefit from the tablet and possibly it would
speed his recovery up from his depression if he could get back to some
normality with his sex life.
The government puts these rules in place and I sometimes wonder whether
those in positions of power truly understand the ramifications of their
actions by limiting certain drugs.
I will be seeing this chap in a few weeks to see how he is getting on so I
hope he will be much better by then.

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