Apomorphine for Erectile Dysfunction

Published: 2025-10-21

Updated: 2025-10-21

4 mins

ED (erectile dysfunction) is a health condition that not only affects your physical experience during sex, but it can also be connected to your mental health. It’s not uncommon for men of any age to occasionally have problems getting or maintaining an erection during traumatic points in their lives.

Psychological ED occurs when ED is caused by psychological factors rather than physical health complications. Psychological ED is often connected to depression, anxiety, and intense bouts of stress in your life.

Health experts are exploring whether or not apomorphine is an effective treatment for psychological ED. While some studies show promising effects, research is still limited on whether it can be more commonly used for ED.

What is Apomorphine?

Apomorphine is an FDA-approved prescription medication most commonly used to treat the neurological condition Parkinson’s disease. It’s available under the brand names Kynmobi, Onapgo, and Apokyn. Apokyn is the only brand-name version of the medication available in the U.S.

Healthcare providers may prescribe apomorphine to help those with Parkinson’s disease manage symptoms when the effectiveness of other medications gradually wears off. It can be administered by placing the medication under the tongue (sublingual) or using an injectable version. You can use apomorphine on an as-needed basis if approved by your healthcare provider.

How Does Apomorphine Work?

Apomorphine may remind you of the name of the popular painkiller morphine. That’s because apomorphine is a synthetic version of morphine. However, apomorphine works completely differently. Apomorphine works by activating dopamine receptors in the brain. Dopamine in the brain can activate pleasure centers, including sexual arousal. When dopamine receptors are activated, it can help men get an erection. 

Is Apomorphine Effective for ED?

The effectiveness of apomorphine may vary depending on your ED symptoms and any preexisting health conditions you may have. One study found that apomorphine was relatively effective for men with diabetes or a history of prostate removal surgery. 

Generally, apomorphine is still not a popular medication prescribed for ED. It still hasn’t received approval from the FDA for erectile dysfunction treatment specifically. More research is still needed to determine if apomorphine is effective for most men with psychological ED.

Studies so far have shown that PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra (sildenafil) are more effective than sublingual apomorphine.

What are the Risks of Taking Apomorphine for ED?

Apomorphine may not be safe for men with low blood pressure or health conditions affecting the heart. It may also negatively interact with certain medications, like ondansetron (Zofran).

As with any other medication, it’s possible to experience side effects while taking apomorphine. Apomorphine may cause the following side effects:

• Nausea

• Drowsiness

• Runny nose

• Swelling

• Itchiness

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Redness

If you experience more severe side effects, like a painful erection that won’t go away or an irregular heartbeat, reach out to a healthcare provider right away. Be careful not to use more than the recommended dosage from a licensed healthcare provider.

Other ED Medications to Consider

Unlike other ED medications, apomorphine does not affect physical ED symptoms like issues with blood flow. Some men may not see any big improvements to their ED from taking apomorphine, especially if their ED is caused by more physical symptoms.

PDE5 inhibitors are the most effective forms of ED medication. They work by increasing blood flow in the penis to help you get an erection that lasts longer. The PDE5 inhibitors Cialis (tadalafil) and Viagra (sildenafil) have been proven to be effective in treating ED. 

Sildenafil and tadalafil are both available as oral pills. Typically, healthcare providers recommend taking medication around 30 minutes before having sex.

Where Can I Learn More About ED Treatment?

If you’re worried about cost, telehealth platforms like Rex MD offer generic and brand-name versions of ED treatment. Generic sildenafil and tadalafil can provide the same benefits as their brand-name counterparts.

Rex MD offers quality, affordable ED treatment from the comfort of your home. Get the ball rolling on improving your sexual health by filling out a short questionnaire about your health history and symptoms. Get started today by taking control of your sexual health.