What You Should Know About Viagra
Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is an oral medication used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It works by blocking some naturally occurring enzymes, which cause blood vessels to dilate. This improves blood flow to the penis.
It takes an hour for the drug to work, but it will only help you if you are sexually aroused. It also needs to be taken on an empty stomach, as a fatty meal can delay the drug’s absorption.
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 helps with the muscle movements needed to create and sustain an erection by increasing blood flow through the penis, or corpora cavernosa.
It starts working about an hour after you take the tablet, but it can take less time or longer depending on how much you eat and whether you’re eating fatty foods. Viagra is usually taken once a day and works best about an hour prior to sex.
Most likely, your doctor will start you out on 25mg Viagra. This is the lowest dosage that most people can tolerate. It’s the lowest dose that has been proven effective in clinical studies. The lower dosage may reduce the risk of side-effects, such as visual disturbances or a blue haze. You can also choose this option if you suffer from health conditions or are taking drugs that interact negatively with Viagra.
Side effects
Besides helping men get and keep an erection, Viagra also helps blood vessels around the body to relax. This can help with heart conditions like angina pectoris, a type of chest pain caused by cardiovascular problems.
In some cases, Viagra may cause mild side effects like headaches or a blocked or runny nose. You may also 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 also be dangerous if you take nitrate medications such as nitroglycerin for chest pain or high blood pressure. Taking the pill with a fatty meal can affect how well it works, and consuming alcohol can decrease how long the effect lasts. 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 if you take it with certain drugs used to treat high blood pressure or enlarged prostate, or with alcohol. Speak to your doctor before taking Viagra if you suffer from these conditions.
You should also avoid drinking a lot of alcohol while taking Viagra. Some side effects, such as flushing and headaches, can be made worse by alcohol.
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 also cause a long-lasting and painful erection, called priapism. Priapism can damage your penis and lead to 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 can lead to a psychological dependence on Viagra, and a desire for it to be taken even when there isn’t a sexual need. This can also lead to relational problems and distress.
Viagra should not be taken by people who have certain eye conditions such as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) or hereditary retinitis pigmentosa because it can cause sudden loss of vision in one or both 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.