The media has exposed many common and dangerous frauds, however, there is a major medical con that is often overlooked. The active ingredient in many OTC drugs, including antibiotics, antihistamines, and decongestants, is often a derivative of yohimbine. Derived from yohimbe, these supplements are referred to as “yohimbine HCl” or “yohimbine hydrochloride.”
Yohimbine is a very common substance found in nature. It is often found in the bark of trees and has been used for centuries in Asia to treat numerous ailments. It is also commonly found in other parts of Africa and Latin America. Although yohimbine has been shown in clinical trials to be more effective than Viagra at treating erectile dysfunction, it is much more expensive.
Yohimbine is a very effective aphrodisiac, but there is a major risk of severe side effects if you take too much. The main side effect is an intense allergic reaction that can lead to anaphylaxis and death. This is why people with severe allergies or asthma should avoid yohimbine and its OTC counterparts.
Because yohimbine is so expensive, many people are resorting to using less expensive alternatives. Luckily, there are many over-the-counter (OTC) alternatives to yohimbine that look extremely similar and have been proven to have the same effects as yohimbine. The key is to know how to distinguish them from the real thing so that you can be sure that you are getting what you paid for and so that you don’t end up in the hospital because of an allergic reaction to one of these supplements.
Always Read The Labels
The main difference between the OTC supplements and the real thing is that the supplements do not have the regulatory agency’s approval number on the label. If you see this number, it means that the product meets the standards and specifications of the regulatory agency that oversees it. This ensures that the product is what it claims to be and is not a scam created to make a quick buck.
Look For Drugs That Have Been On The Market For Long
The more time that a drug has been on the market, the more chances there are for the patient to have encountered problems with it. This is why drugs that have been around for a while usually have very bad reputations and why you should always read reviews before purchasing them. OTC medications that have been on the market for a long time usually are considered safe and effective, however, even well-established medicines can be dangerous when abused. Some examples of long-established medicines with dangerous side effects are:
- Anafranil
- Amitriptyline
- Carteolol
- Dexmetoxifen
- Fluoxetine
- Imipramine
- Lithium
- Meloxi
- Nefazodone
- Phenytoin
- Quinidine
- Sertraline
- Tramadol
- Venlafaxine
If you are lucky enough to find a drug that has not been on the market long, you should still be weary of taking it because there could be risks that you have never heard of before. Even though it has not been around for very long, you should still do your research on the drug before using it because you might experience unexpected side effects. The safest thing to do is to go with what you know, and that is usually the OTC medications that have been on the market for years. However, even long-established OTC medications can have side effects that are not immediately apparent. If you do experience any side effects from any drug, you should consult your doctor immediately so that they can set you right.
Watch Out For Unnamed Compounds
Many medications and supplements contain an ingredient that is not disclosed on the label. These are usually peptides, proteins, or amino acids. Peptides and proteins are substances that are made of smaller molecules called amino acids. Certain amino acids have a proven effect on sexual functioning and can enhance libido and erectile function. An example of an amino acid with a proven effect on sexual functioning is arginine. One of the compounds found in arginine is NG-monomethylamine, also known as GMMA. This chemical is found in every human body and is produced by the body itself. It has a proven effect on several organs and tissues, but especially the genitals. Taking arginine pills will help to increase your male hormone levels which in turn will increase your sexual desire. Unfortunately, many companies that make these supplements also sell them as dietary supplements, and to make a quick buck, they sometimes do not disclose the actual compounds that they contain.
Watch Out For Combinations
Just like with any other medication or herbal supplement, combining different products can sometimes have unpredictable results. Sometimes, the compounds in the blend work together to produce a stronger effect, while other times, they cancel each other out. Before you try any new compound or combination, you should always do a little bit of research on what other people have said about them. Even though they might not be harmful, you do not want to find out that you are allergic to something when it is too late to remove the items you are allergic to.
Be Careful With Natural Products
Many people have decided to go the “natural” route and avoid drugStore incurable diseases, such as cancer, by taking natural products. Typically, these products are meant to be sold as dietary supplements and are sold without a prescription. While there is no immediate harm in taking these products, you should know that they are not regulated by the FDA and they could contain potentially dangerous contaminants.
Keep Track Of Your Expenses
When you are purchasing OTC medications or supplements, you will have to pay for them out of pocket because your insurance usually does not cover the cost of non-prescription medications or supplements. If you do not keep track of your expenses, you will not know how much you are spending and you might purchase more than you need. To ensure that you are not spending too much in one place, it is advisable to split the cost of these items with a partner or a spouse.
Even though OTC medications and supplements can be extremely useful and safe, you should still be mindful of the risks and follow the guidelines so that you do not experience any adverse effects. By identifying the differences between the genuine article and the cheap knock-off, you will be able to find the supplements that are worth purchasing and that will help you get the most out of your sexual encounters.