Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Central effects of sildenafil (Viagra) on auditory selective attention and verbal recognition memory in humans: a study with event-related brain potentials

  • Published:
World Journal of Urology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess possible central side-effects of sildenafil (Viagra) on attention and memory functions. Sildenafil and placebo were administered in young male subjects in a double-blind balanced cross-over design. Behavioral patterns and event-related brain potentials (ERP) were recorded in a spatial auditory attention and a visual word recognition task. While behavioral patterns did not reveal any overt effects of sildenafil, auditory ERPs were indicative of an enhanced ability to focus attention (amplitude enhancement of Nd-effect) and to select relevant target stimuli in the sildenafil condition (P3 component). In the memory task, CNS-effects of sildenafil were evident in a reduction of a negativity in the 150–250 ms range. No overt effects on behavior were observed. Nevertheless, the data reveal CNS-effects of sildenafil necessitating further studies.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, Hannover Medical School, Germany, , , , , , DE

    D. Schultheiss, C. G. Stief, N. Schlote & U. Jonas

  2. Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Germany, , , , , , DE

    S. V. Müller, W. Nager & S. Johannes

  3. Private Urologic Practice, Athens, Greece, , , , , , GR

    C. Asvestis

  4. Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Otto-von-Guericke University of Magdeburg, Lennestrasse 6, 39112 Magdeburg, Germany e-mail: Thomas.muente@medizin.uni-magdeburg.de Tel.: +49-391-6714835; Fax: 49-391-6714815, , , , , , DE

    T. F. Münte

Authors
  1. D. Schultheiss
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. S. V. Müller
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. W. Nager
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. C. G. Stief
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. N. Schlote
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. U. Jonas
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. C. Asvestis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. S. Johannes
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. T. F. Münte
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Schultheiss, D., Müller, S., Nager, W. et al. Central effects of sildenafil (Viagra) on auditory selective attention and verbal recognition memory in humans: a study with event-related brain potentials. World J Urol 19, 46–50 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00007092

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00007092

Search

Navigation