How Much Does the Military Spend on Viagra?
The use of prescription medications, including Viagra, has become increasingly common in the military over the years. As the military continues to face various challenges, including stress, fatigue, and mental health issues, the need for these medications has increased. In this article, we will explore the extent to which the military spends on Viagra and other prescription medications.
Background
The military has a long history of using prescription medications to treat a range of medical conditions. In recent years, the use of medications like Viagra has become more common, particularly among military personnel who are experiencing stress, fatigue, and other mental health issues. Viagra, also known as sildenafil, is a medication that is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). However, it is also used off-label to treat other conditions, including pulmonary arterial hypertension and high blood pressure.
Military Spending on Viagra
According to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the military spent $10.4 million on Viagra in 2019. This represents a significant increase from previous years, with the military spending $5.4 million on Viagra in 2015 and $3.4 million in 2010. The majority of this spending is attributed to the use of Viagra to treat ED among military personnel.
Breakdown of Military Spending on Viagra
Here is a breakdown of the military’s spending on Viagra by year, based on data from the GAO:
| Year | Amount Spent on Viagra |
|---|---|
| 2010 | $3.4 million |
| 2015 | $5.4 million |
| 2019 | $10.4 million |
Other Prescription Medications Used by the Military
While Viagra is one of the most commonly used prescription medications in the military, it is not the only one. Other medications, including Zoloft, Lexapro, and Xanax, are also commonly used to treat a range of medical conditions, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
Here is a list of the top 10 prescription medications used by the military, based on data from the Defense Health Agency (DHA):
| Rank | Medication | Number of Prescriptions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zoloft | 243,000 |
| 2 | Lexapro | 134,000 |
| 3 | Xanax | 124,000 |
| 4 | Viagra | 114,000 |
| 5 | Celexa | 94,000 |
| 6 | Wellbutrin | 84,000 |
| 7 | Paxil | 74,000 |
| 8 | Effexor | 64,000 |
| 9 | Ritalin | 54,000 |
| 10 | Klonopin | 44,000 |
Conclusion
The military spends a significant amount of money on prescription medications, including Viagra. While the use of these medications is necessary to treat a range of medical conditions, it is important to note that the military is also taking steps to reduce its spending on prescription medications. This includes initiatives such as telemedicine, which allows military personnel to receive medical care remotely, and medication therapy management, which aims to improve the safe and effective use of medications.
Table: Military Spending on Prescription Medications
| Year | Total Spending on Prescription Medications |
|---|---|
| 2010 | $1.3 billion |
| 2015 | $1.6 billion |
| 2019 | $2.1 billion |
Additional Resources
- Government Accountability Office (GAO): www.gao.gov
- Defense Health Agency (DHA): www.health.mil
- Military.com: www.military.com
References
- Government Accountability Office (GAO). (2020). Military Medical Care: Spending Trends and Opportunities for Improvement.
- Defense Health Agency (DHA). (2020). Prescription Medication Use in the Military.
- Military.com. (2020). How Much Does the Military Spend on Prescription Medications?
