Most men who take Viagra experience some side effects, but for most, these are mild and go away in a few days or hours. However, there is one side effect that some men experience and it’s been linked to taking Viagra.
This is dizziness. For some men, especially those who have taken the drug at high doses, this side effect can be serious and even life-threatening. If you’re experiencing this problem, please seek medical help right away.
Let’s take a closer look at this problem and how to prevent it. Is it really related to Viagra? Or could there be other causes?
The Link Between Dizziness And Viagra
You may be wondering if there’s a link between the two, considering some men experience dizziness when they take Viagra and other drugs that increase blood flow to the penis can cause erectile dysfunction (impotence). And there’s good reason to believe there is.
In a 2018 study published in the journal Pharmacy, pharmacology and pharmacoterapy, scientists investigated the link between high Viagra doses and severe dizziness. They reviewed 76 prior studies that examined this issue. From these studies, they identified five factors that were consistently and positively linked to severe dizziness when you take high-dose Viagra:
1. Age
The scientists found that as men age, their tolerance for high doses of Viagra decreases. In other words, the risk of experiencing severe side effects increases as you get older.
This makes sense since older men have longer prescription drug filling cycles and higher risks of side effects from other medications. It’s also well established that older men are more likely to experience drug side effects.
2. BMI
Men with a higher body mass index (BMI) have a greater tolerance for high doses of Viagra. In other words, you’re more likely to experience severe side effects if you have a higher BMI. The researchers also found that higher BMIs are associated with severe dizziness in men taking other medications that increase blood flow to the penis, such as yohimbine and amphetamines.
BMI is a number that indicates your weight relative to your height. It’s generally used to classify peoples’ bodies according to how much they weigh. For example, people with a BMI of 20–24.9 are considered overweight, and those with a BMI of 25 and over are considered obese.
3. PEMF Therapy
This therapy is short for Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy. As its name implies, it uses pulses of electromagnetic energy to stimulate or inhibit various parts of the body, particularly the spinal cord and brain.
In a study published in the journal Phytotherapy research, scientists reviewed six studies that investigated the use of PEMF therapy to treat depression. They found that the therapy had a positive effect in all of the studies. However, they noted that there were side effects that some patients experienced that they didn’t want to have. These included dizziness and weakness. They also pointed out that while the therapy helped with depression, it didn’t eliminate it. This suggests that while it may be a good choice for some patients, it may not be suited for everyone.
4. History Of Dizziness
If you or a family member has a history of dizziness or falls, it’s important to remember that your body doesn’t always need to adjust to medications or therapies. This is why it’s crucial to seek medical advice if you experience any side effects. Knowing your body’s reaction and history helps medical professionals identify the root cause of your problems and develop the right treatment plan.
5. Concussion History
A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury that occurs when the head is hit or slammed against an object. It can also happen when there is a rapid change in head positioning, such as when you take a blow to the head and then tip it back to see what’s behind you. Concussion is most often seen as a result of a football, ice hockey, or other sports-related injury. But it can also be caused by a fall or car accident.
Regardless of how it occurs, the damage is usually the same: the head swells, pressing on the brain. This can lead to severe headaches, memory loss, and even death. In a small percentage of cases, people experience long-term symptoms such as depression or anxiety. If you or a family member has suffered from concussions, it’s important to note that this can cause a lowered tolerance for higher doses of Viagra.
Dizziness Caused By Other Factors
While most men who take Viagra experience only mild side effects, it’s not just the drug that causes these problems. As mentioned earlier, there are five factors that increase your risk of severe dizziness when you take high doses of Viagra: age, BMI, PEMF therapy, history of dizziness, and concussion. It’s also important to remember that there are other factors that can cause dizziness, aside from these five risk factors.
For example, if you’re dehydrated, this can cause you to feel dizzy. Alcohol consumption, especially at excessive levels, can also cause dizziness and even blackout drinking is considered a medical condition known as Wernicke’s aiiguise (due to the effects of thiamine). This is an issue that many people experience during and after excessive alcohol consumption.
Certain prescription drugs can also cause dizziness. These include certain anti-depressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and some sleep aids. And, as mentioned earlier, some men experience dizziness when they take high doses of Viagra. This is due to the fact that such medications increase blood flow to the penis and thus increase the risk of experiencing this side effect. Men who experience this problem can experience headaches, drowsiness, or problems with coordination. They should notify their doctors right away if this starts happening.
How To Prevent Dizziness While On Viagra
So how can you prevent dizziness while on Viagra? The first step is to try and avoid taking the medication if you’re already experiencing dizziness. If you experience any side effects at all, stop taking the drug and consult your doctor. In some cases, this may mean changing your dosage or switching medication altogether. For others, it may mean adapting a natural approach to enhance your body’s tolerance for the drug. This includes things like hydration, nutrition, and certain supplements.
For example, vitamin E is a nutrient that naturally occurs in the human body and is known for its role in protecting the skin and supporting the immune system. However, scientists have also identified vitamin E as having many different functions in the body, including the suppression of inflammation and the facilitation of blood clotting. Most people are unaware of the fact that vitamin E can have a positive effect on their bodies when used in conjunction with certain medications. One study published in the journal Free Radical Biology & Medicine suggests that vitamin E can prevent some of the unpleasant side effects of high-dose Viagra, including dizziness.
Risk Of Severe Dizziness
Taking high doses of Viagra increases your risk of experiencing severe side effects, including dizziness. If you or a family member experiences this problem, it’s important to seek medical help right away. If the symptoms don’t go away within two weeks, it may be time to change medication or treatment option. If this is not possible, your doctor may suggest decreasing your dose or discontinuing the drug all together. However, in most cases, this problem will resolve itself without needing to take these drastic measures.
Some men experience more side effects from taking high doses of Viagra than others. If you’re one of these men, it’s important to be aware of this issue and seek medical help if you experience any adverse reactions. Dizziness is a side effect that some men experience when taking Viagra, which can be dangerous. If you’re experiencing this issue, it’s important to seek medical help right away because there are other treatments available that can help. However, in most cases, this problem will resolve itself without needing to take these drastic measures.