What You Should Know About Viagra
Viagra (sildenafil) is an oral medication that treats erectile malfunction in men. It works by blocking certain naturally occurring enzymes in the body, causing blood vessels to dilate and improve blood flow to the penis.
It takes about an hour to take effect — but it only helps with an erection if you’re sexually aroused and stimulated. It must be taken on an unfilled stomach as a fatty food can slow down the drug’s absorbtion.
Dosage
There are many medications used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), but Viagra is unique among them because it works only when you’re sexually aroused. The medication increases blood flow in the corpora cavernosa, which helps to increase the muscle movements required to create and maintain an erection.
It begins to work about an hour after taking the tablet. However, it can take longer or less time depending on what you eat. You typically only take Viagra once a day, and it works best when taken about an hour before sex.
Most likely, your doctor will start you out on 25mg Viagra. This is the lowest dosage that most people can tolerate. It’s also the lowest dosage that’s been proven to be effective in clinical trials. The lower dose may help reduce the risk of side effects, such as visual disturbances and a blue haze. It’s also a safer option if you have health conditions or take drugs that interact with Viagra.
Side effects
Viagra helps men relax blood vessels in the body. This can help heart conditions such as angina pectoris. Angina pectoris is a type chest pain caused by cardiovascular issues.
In some cases, Viagra may cause mild side effects like headaches or a blocked or runny nose. It can also make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. If this happens, lie down or stay seated until you feel better.
Viagra may not be safe for you if you have certain health problems, such as blood cell disorders (such as sickle cell anemia or multiple myeloma), or a history of Peyronie’s disease. It can be dangerous if your nitrate medication, such as nitroglycerin, is prescribed for chest pain or high pressure. The pill’s effectiveness can be affected by consuming a fatty food, and alcohol can reduce the duration of the effect. Speak to your doctor about this medication.
Precautions
Taking Viagra can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure that can make you feel dizzy or faint. This is more likely to happen if you combine Viagra with certain drugs that treat high blood pressure, enlarged prostate or alcohol. Speak to your doctor before taking Viagra if you suffer from these conditions.
Avoid drinking alcohol when taking Viagra. It can make some of the side effects worse, including flushing and headache.
You should not take Viagra if you have a heart condition or a history of stroke, or if you are taking nitrate drugs (such as nitroglycerin or isosorbide dinitrate/mononitrate, used to treat chest pain). Nitrates may block Viagra’s action. This medication can cause a painful and long-lasting erection called priapism. Priapism may damage your penis, resulting in permanent ED.
Other drugs
A person’s ability to achieve an erection may be affected if they take Viagra for a prolonged period of time. This may lead to a psychological dependency on Viagra and a desire to take it even when there is no sexual need. This can also lead to relational problems and distress.
People with certain eye conditions, such as non-arteritic posterior ischemic optic Neuropathy (NAION) and hereditary retinitis Pigmentosa, should not take Viagra because it can cause a sudden loss of sight in one or both of their eyes. It should be used with caution by people who have low pressure, as it can cause blood pressure to drop to unsafe levels.
Other medications such as over-the-counter ibuprofen, alpha-blocker drugs such as Terazosin or doxazosin (used for high blood pressure treatment and benign prostatic hyperplasia), and alpha blocker medication like terazosin and the doxazosin can interact with Viagra. These interactions can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of the medication or can cause side effects.