What You Should Know About Viagra
Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is an oral medication used to treat erectile dysfunction 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 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 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.
Your doctor will probably start you on 25mg of Viagra, which is the lowest dosage for most people. 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. 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 with heart conditions like angina pectoris, a type of chest pain caused by cardiovascular problems.
In some cases, Viagra can cause mild side effects such as headache or a runny or blocked 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. The pill’s effectiveness can be affected by consuming a fatty food, and alcohol can reduce the duration of the effect. 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 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
If a person takes Viagra for a long period of time, it may affect their ability to induce an erection naturally. 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.
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 also be used with caution in people who have low blood pressure because it can decrease blood pressure to an unsafe level.
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.