glowing4

We spent over eight hours in the ER on Saturday as my husband had a severe reaction to Viagra. He lost ALL of his memory (did not know where we lived, phone number, pets, president, friends, experiences, etc. etc.) and was totally disoriented. Frightening, frightening experience! We have since learned that this syndrome is called Transient Global Amnesia. I first suspected a stroke which was most scary. He had a CAT scan, EKG, heart monitor, blood pressure check, etc. all done in the ER and all came back fine and negative. I knew I was missing a link somewhere. How could a perfectly healthy, intelligent man suddenly lose his memory. There had to be a clue somewhere. The Viagra came into my head after many hours and was dismissed by the ER physician. However, the doctor who was called in the following morning totally agreed with my assessment after reviewing all of the tests, examining him, and speaking with both of us. His feeling is that the Viagra caused a drastic drop in blood pressure thus setting off this syndrome. Let me add that he has taken Viagra before, and is not taking any heart medicine at all.

Fortunately, Transient Global Amnesia is self limiting and after 6 hours his memory began to return. There are no lasting effects. However, this is not an experience either one of us wish to repeat. It is not a side effect listed on the drug site or in the literature, however I have found it on several sites unrelated to the manufacturer.

It is not my intent to scare anyone. However, it is important to pass this information along. It might prevent someone from being as scared as we were.

glowing4