In the world of ED medication, there are two legendary brands that everyone knows and loves – Viagra and Cialis. Both operate under the same principle – improve blood flow to the penis and allow for a more intense orgasm. While both have been incredibly successful, they both also have their perks and quirks.
The Basics
Both medications work through the same general mechanism, but they affect each man and woman differently. Let’s dive into the basics of both drugs so that you can know exactly what you’re getting into.
How Do They Work?
While most men can take Viagra without really thinking about it, they have to take Cialis each day. This is because while the former is a short-term solution to ED issues, the latter is more of a long-term treatment, especially when used in combination with a nitrate medication (found in most angina pills, for example).
In layman’s terms, both medications work by increasing blood flow to the corpus cavernosum, the area of the penis that gets engorged with blood during an erection. This increased blood flow helps to maintain an erection for as long as you want – up to 36 hours, in some cases.
The Dangers And Side Effects
Obviously, the primary drawback to Viagra is that it’s dangerous to have an untreated heart condition, as the medication can cause serious problems. However, even for those who are generally healthier, Viagra is still associated with heart-related side effects, including but not limited to:
- headaches
- dizziness
- disruption of sleep patterns
- difficulty concentrating
- memory loss
- shaking or trembling
- sensitivity to light
- increased thirst
- changes in mood and personality
Not only that, but there have also been cases of Viagra causing priapism, a dangerous and excruciatingly painful erection that can last for several hours and, in rare cases, even days. Fortunately, this is a rare side effect, and the vast majority of the time it only occurs in combination with other ED medication or when the medication is used in high doses or for prolonged periods of time. But still, it’s something to watch out for.
On the flip side, Cialis is a much more stable medication, and since it has a shorter half-life than Viagra, it has fewer potentially dangerous interactions with other medications or supplements. Still, like Viagra, Cialis is associated with some rare but serious side effects, including but not limited to:
- edema (excessive swelling)
- headaches
- muscle cramps
- diaphoresis (sweating)
- difficulty breathing
- gastrointestinal disturbances
- changes in mood and personality
- increased thirst
- weight loss
Again, these side effects are rare, but it’s still best to know what you’re getting into. Luckily, once you do, the chances of you experiencing any serious problems are minimal. After all, like Viagra, Cialis is meant to be taken as needed, and only for as long as needed to see the desired results.
How Effective Are They?
All drugs are not created equal, and for that matter, neither are all erectile dysfunction medications. Some people may have better results with one drug than others, and the same goes for both of these famous ED drugs. This could be because they work better in combination with one another or because one drug has a better reputation than the other for treating ED.
Which One Is Safer?
When it comes down to safety, many people will point to Viagra and warn you about the dangers associated with taking the medication, especially if you have an underlying heart condition. While this may be true, in some cases, Cialis can also be quite dangerous. This is because it may interact with other medications or dietary supplements you may be taking, and in rare circumstances, it has been known to cause significant liver damage.
In fact, the package insert for Cerazette (one of Cialis’s trade names) warns users that the medication may cause liver toxicity and, in very rare cases, even death – especially if you take it along with alcohol or certain other medications or supplements. If you’re going to be taking ED medication, make sure you consult your doctor about which one is safer for you and your particular situation.
The Bottom Line
Even though both of these famous ED medications work well for the vast majority of men and women who use them, the key takeaway from this discussion should be that each person deserves a medication that’s appropriate for their needs. Just because a medication is safe to use for one person doesn’t mean it will be safe for another – especially if their unique situations and medical histories are factored in.
Not all men will have the same results from Viagra or Cialis. It’s imperative that you try out both medications and see what works best for you. If you’re new to ED medication, start out with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find the right level for you. Don’t expect to find that perfect dose right away – some medications take longer than others to exert their full effect. Still, in most cases, you should be able to discern the difference between effective and ineffective doses within a few days to a few weeks.
Now that you know the basics of both Viagra and Cialis, you can make an informed decision about which one is best suited to your needs. Remember, though, that just because one drug may be appropriate for you doesn’t mean that it’s the best option for everyone. It’s always good advice to consult with your doctor about which drug is right for you.