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
Viagra is a unique medication that only works when you are 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. 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 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
Besides helping men get and keep an erection, Viagra also helps blood vessels around the body to relax. 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. You may also feel dizzy or lightheaded. If this happens, you can either lie down or remain seated until your symptoms improve.
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. Taking the pill with a fatty meal can affect how well it works, and consuming alcohol can decrease how long the effect lasts. Talk to your doctor before you take this medication.
Precautions
Viagra can cause a sudden fall in blood pressure, which can make you feel nauseous or dizzy. 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.
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 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 cause relationship 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.