Viagra may be the most famous of the sildenafil group of medications, but it’s certainly not the only one. Sildenafil is the active ingredient in most branded medicines in this class, including VIAGRA, Revatio, and others. That’s because sildenafil is a potent inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), an enzyme that breaks down cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate) in the body. This helps relax smooth muscle tissue in the corpora cavernosa, allowing for greater blood penetration and stimulation of the penis.
The medication was first approved for sale in the United States in 1998 and has since become a household name among those who suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED). It’s been around for nearly 20 years and is currently available in a variety of forms, including a generic version that is cheaper and nearly as effective as the branded drug. Though it can be effective for those who take it as prescribed, there are ways in which this medication can be abused, which is why you should know certain dosages and side effects.
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra works by increasing the amount of cGMP in the body, which in turn allows for better blood flow into the corpora cavernosa of the penis. This helps to achieve and maintain an erection. cGMP is a naturally occuring substance in the body that causes vasodilation, which makes the penis more accessible for sexual stimulation and activity.
Vasodilation is a medical term that refers to the widening of blood vessels, which in turn improves the flow of blood to various parts of the body, including the genitals. When men are aroused, the blood vessels in their corpora cavernosa become engorged (wide open), preparing the organ for sexual activity. When blood vessels are dilated, it is commonly referred to as “vasodilation,” the “reddening of the penis,” or, more simply, as “getting a hard-on.” Getting a hard-on is a normal reaction that helps men get ready for sex and is not a medical issue. It is not harmful and is completely normal.
What Is the Difference Between Viagra and Sildenafil?
There are several key differences between viagra and sildenafil that you should be aware of. First, the recommended daily dose of viagra is usually 10 mg, while the recommended dose of sildenafil is 20 mg. Second, sildenafil is more potent than viagra and has a greater therapeutic index (a measure of how well a drug performs compared to its toxicity). Third, the chemical structures of the two medications are very different; sildenafil is a derivative of vitamin E, while viagra is a compound of furan and pyran. This means that it has a much simpler chemical formula and is less likely to be abused.
Is There Any Side Effects From Taking Viagra?
Though Viagra is generally safe and effective when taken as prescribed, there are certain side effects that you should be aware of. The most common side effect is headache, which occurs in about a quarter of the people who take this medication. It is normally a mild headache that will subside after a few hours or days. Other common side effects include facial flushing, upset stomach, and diarrhea. Rare but serious side effects include blurred vision, changes in color, trouble breathing, or swelling of the penis (edema). If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Can Viagra Be Abused?
Though the vast majority of people who take Viagra experience no side effects or only mild ones, this medication can still be abused. This is why you should know the signs of abuse and seek help if you or someone you know is using or has used this medication inappropriately.
The main problem with Viagra is that it is extremely easy to increase or decrease the dose. A quarter of the people who take this medication do it for recreational purposes (to get higher or to get lower, respectively). This can put you at risk of toxicity or overdose, which can cause serious adverse effects, particularly if you do it frequently or for an extended period of time (months or years). Frequent or regular overdose can lead to addiction, which is why it is so important to discuss this with your doctor if you show any signs of addiction tendencies. The other quarter of the people who take Viagra do it for medical reasons (to get off other medications they are taking or to help with sexual performance). Since this is a medication that is commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction, it is not that uncommon for people to want to try it for other purposes.
The point is that though Viagra can be helpful for those who need it, it can also be dangerous and even deadly if abused. This is why you need to be careful about how you take and whom you share it with. It is also essential that you make sure your doctor knows about your history of drug abuse if you show any signs of addiction tendencies. Lastly, it is extremely important that you follow the dosing instructions carefully and exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
What Are The Most Effective Doses Of Viagra?
Though Viagra is most useful at treating erectile dysfunction, it can be effective for other conditions as well. The main issue is that the therapeutic dose of this drug can differ from one individual to the next. The safest and most effective dose for one person may not be the same for another. It is usually recommended to start out slow (10 mg per day) and increase the dose over time to achieve the desired effect.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
It takes Viagra about 30 minutes to an hour to start working and up to 4 hours for the full effect to be felt. If you take it at the same time each day, it will take about 3 days to start feeling the full effect and up to 7 days to fully recover from its use. This is why you should not take it more frequently than once per day and why you should not take it on an empty stomach. Eating a nutritious meal about an hour or two before you take the medication can increase its effectiveness by about 25%. This would, however, be considered an “off-label” use of the medication and thus not encouraged by physicians. Doing so probably increases the risks of toxicity and overdose significantly.
What Forms Does Viagra Come In?
Viagra is available in a variety of forms, including both tablets and liquid. The medication is also available with different dosages, ranging from 4 to 180 mg per tablet. This makes it extremely convenient for patients who want to follow the dosing instructions exactly. Plus, there are many different brands of Viagra to choose from, so you are bound to find something that works well for you and your body.
Does It Matter What Flavors You Are Taking?
Though none of the varieties of Viagra are explicitly “flavored,” they do have a very noticeable flavor that most people find pleasant. This is mostly due to the fact that sildenafil is a very natural substance that closely resembles the flavor of crude oil or deep-fried foods. Some people also experience headaches if they eat food while taking sildenafil, which is why it’s important to avoid food and drink as soon as you take this medication.
Is It Safe For Men To Take Viagra While They Are On Prostate Cancer Treatment?
Though there have been no reported cases of men with prostate cancer suffering adverse effects from Viagra, it is still not recommended for this group of patients. This is because it is not known how prostate cancer cells react to sildenafil and whether or not the medication could potentially cause an increase in tumor growth. Additionally, since it is a relatively new medication and since its efficacy in treating erectile dysfunction is not yet completely known, using it while you are undergoing treatment for prostate cancer is not recommended. Most prostate cancer specialists will also not prescribe this medication for men with low testosterone levels (males below 350 ng/dL) or for men who have undergone radiation therapy for other types of cancer (including breast cancer). It is also important to note that you need to take a blood test before you start treatment with this medication and once every month during treatment to make sure that your testosterone levels are normal and that you do not have any sign of prostate cancer.