It’s not surprising that some people believe combining alcohol with other drugs or supplements is a good idea. After all, alcohol is known to have some beneficial effects on health, and taking supplements and drugs can sometimes help patients reach their full potential. It would certainly be understandable if some individuals saw alcohol and drugs as a way to escape from the mundanity of daily life, and wish to indulge their addictions without the fear of harm. However, there are numerous instances where combining certain substances can lead to serious health problems, and sometimes even death.
One of the more intriguing combinations is that of alcohol and Viagra. As popular as Viagra is today, it wasn’t always so widely available. Originally approved for use in 1998, it wasn’t until the following year that it became available as a generic. Since then, it’s become a staple of pharmacists’ arsenals, and is currently available in almost every pharmacy. If you’ve tried to buy Viagra, or are even thinking about trying it, keep reading.
How Does Viagra Work?
Although it was first marketed as a solution to the problem of mild erectile dysfunction, Viagra is actually more closely related to another popular drug, Cialis. Like Viagra, Cialis is a PDE5 inhibitor, which helps relax and widen the blood vessels in the genitals. This allows for increased blood flow into the penis and results in an erection. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, Viagra is actually a variant of Cialis, and was approved for use as a generic alternative to Cialis.
Are There Any Health Risks From Combining Alcohol With Viagra?
There are certainly risks associated with taking Viagra, but they aren’t anything new. For many years, it was prescribed to people with heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Because of this, it’s important to remember that even people without these diseases can develop them if they take Viagra regularly. Some of the more serious risks include:
- A higher risk of heart attack and stroke
- Memory loss
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach and indigestion
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Heartburn and regurgitation
- Nasal congestion
- Fainting
- Fluid retention (edema)
If you’re taking Viagra, especially if you’re also drinking alcohol, you need to be aware of these risks. Although alcohol has some beneficial effects on the body, it also has some very serious ones. Even in small amounts, alcohol can seriously damage your health. If you’re going to consume alcohol, it would be best to do so in moderation.
What About The Benefits?
When combined with alcohol, some studies have shown that Viagra can have both positive and negative effects. For instance, when given to rats, it was found to slightly increase the lifespan of the animals. However, other studies have shown that it can cause liver damage and tumors, as well as increase the growth of intestinal worms. The specific benefits that alcohol and Viagra offer each other seem to be disease and condition specific. Unfortunately, there are no current guidelines on whether or not it’s safe for individuals to combine the two.
Should You Try It?
If you’re looking for a natural remedy for erectile dysfunction, there are several plants and spices that you can try. Some of the more well-known examples include:
- Ginger
- Yohimbe
- Saw Palmetto berries
- Chamomile flower
- Red wine
- Andro
It’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor before taking any supplements or drugs, especially if you’re not sure about the potential side effects. Since Viagra is a relatively new drug and there aren’t many safety data available, it’s not always easy to determine how much, if any, benefit you’ll get from taking it. For some people, the benefits might outweigh the risks, while for others it might be risky to combine the two.