(October 15, 2015) – Former NBA star Lamar Odom continues to fight for his life in a Nevada hospital. TMZ reports he is not showing any signs of improvement. The two-time NBA champion was found unconscious Tuesday at a Nevada brothel.
Workers there say Odom used cocaine and herbal Viagra supplements during his stay.
The tragedy surrounding Odom has raised questions about the substances he allegedly used. What is herbal Viagra, and is it safe?
“When you take herbal drugs you don’t know what you’re getting and god knows what can happen to you,” said Dr. Gabriel Rosenberg of Total Performance Medical Center.
Rosenburg says the word “herbal” is broad and holds no value that makes the drug better or safer for you. In fact it’s the opposite. “Where is it coming from? It could come from Mexico, from India. It can come from anywhere in this world and you certainly don’t know what’s in it.”
Even Viagra’s website speaks out against the so called “herbal” version often found online. Rosenberg says men should only take erectile dysfunction drugs that are FDA approved and cleared by a doctor. Many of those drugs can cause heart problems or a sudden drop in blood pressure.
And as for mixing drugs like Viagra with other substances, Rosenburg says that’s a recipe for disaster.
“Nothing goes with cocaine, heroin it’s all lethal drugs and then to go ahead and mix it with a herbal whatever and you don’t know whatever is, it’s craziness. You’re gambling with one’s life.”
According to Viagra’s website, the little blue pill is one of the most copied drugs on the market.
