Since its discovery in the early 1960s, Viagra has been known for its ability to enhance libido and ability to cause erections in sexually-inexperienced men. The active ingredient in Viagra is Sildenafil. For more than half a century, this drug has been considered a wonder drug for men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and low libido. However, while Viagra is still considered to be one of the safest and most effective prescription drugs for ED, it is important to note that there is still some uncertainty surrounding the proper dosage for this medication.
When Should You Not Take Viagra?
As with any medication, there are certain instances where it is not recommended that men take Viagra. These include the following:
- Those who are allergic to Sildenafil
- Preexisting eye problems
- Severe head injuries (there is a risk of causing a stroke)
- Liver or kidney problems (which could lead to death)
- Taking nitroglycerin or antihypertensive drugs (which could cause hypotension or adverse effects)
- Those who are using alcohol or recreational drugs
- Any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) within the preceding month
- Those who have recently had a heart attack or stroke (this is because Sildenafil can cause these problems)
In all other instances, Viagra is considered safe and effective, and dosing is based on the individual taking the medication and their specific needs. It is recommended that men take 25 mg to 50 mg of Sildenafil 30 minutes before sexual activity. After ingestion, the medication will take several hours to begin showing any beneficial effects.
What Forms Does Viagra Come In?
While most medications come in oral form, Viagra is available in a variety of different forms. These include the following:
- Tablet (the most common form of the drug)
- Suspension for Drinking (a clear, tasteless liquid form of the drug)
- Injection (for those who want fast-acting results)
Whichever form you choose, make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper way to take the medication.
Is There Any Known Side Effects From Taking Viagra?
As with any medication, there are usually side effects associated with Viagra. However, due to the medication’s effectiveness and safety in treating erectile dysfunction, most of these side effects are relatively minor. Some of the more common side effects include the following:
- Headache
- Flushing
- Dry mouth
- Muscle aches
- Indigestion
- Nasal congestion
- Poor concentration
Other than these, the only other side effects that have been clinically documented are:
- Photosensitivity (skin irritation under sunlight exposure)
- Allergic reaction (rash, hives, or itching)
- Heartburn
- Headache (usually mild)
- Dizziness
- Back pain (rare)
In all cases, these are fairly mild side effects and should not pose any serious problems for most men. However, if you experience any severe side effects, you should consult your doctor.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
Just like any other medication, the effects of Viagra will begin to show after several hours of ingestion, and the full benefit will be observed after several days. In most cases, men will experience improvements within an hour of taking the medication. Some users have even stated that they have experienced improved effects after as little as 15 minutes! It is crucial to note that while the medication will begin to show results after several hours, it will take several days (usually) for the full benefit to be observed.
Is It Overdose-tolerant?
As with any other medication, there is a point at which an overdose of Viagra becomes dangerous. In such cases, men should immediately consult their doctor. The most common symptoms of an overdose include the following:
- Blue or gray vision (in rare cases, this can be a sign of a stroke
- Confusion
- Leg pain or weakness (if the medication was taken intravenously)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Restlessness
- Headache (especially in those who have taken a large dose)
Taking a large dose of Viagra can cause symptoms of an overdose. However, as with any medication, there is an intermediate dosing level that is considered safe and effective. In this case, the intermediate dose is 100 mg of Sildenafil. Any higher dose and the medication will no longer be effective, and you will have to start all over again.
Is It On The Menu At Restaurants?
Another thing that often happens with medication is that certain foods interfere with its effectiveness. This is usually the case with prescription drugs, and it is considered a dietary interaction. In these situations, men need to follow their doctor’s instructions regarding what foods they should avoid eating, and they should consult a nutritionist or dietician to learn how to eat for better health.
In some cases, men may experience an improvement in erectile dysfunction with the help of food supplements. However, since dietary changes often take time to show results, they are not always suitable for immediate use. A perfect example of this is the case of Viagra. Its active ingredient, Sildenafil, is water-soluble and can be dissolved in water. Therefore, it is completely removed by the kidney, making it unsuitable for those who are suffering from renal failure. Similarly, large or frequent meals will interfere with the medication’s effectiveness, so men need to avoid meals that contain high levels of sorbitol, which is found in abundance in fruit products.
In summary, Viagra is a medication that has been used for more than half a century and continues to be one of the safest and most effective drugs available to enhance sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction. Like any other medication, there are always side effects associated with treatment. However, since most of these side effects are fairly mild, they should not pose any serious problems for most men. Moreover, in most cases, symptoms of overexposure (an overdose) will appear only after several days of continuous use. Therefore, patients should always consult their doctor before taking any drug, including Viagra, and follow all dietary instructions and drug interactions closely, especially in the first few weeks of treatment (when most benefits are expected).