Viagra, also known as sildenafil citrate, is a medication prescribed for men who suffer from erectile dysfunction. It can help them achieve an erection by relaxing the blood vessels in their penis. Although this drug is a remarkable solution to ED, it doesn’t mean that all men will experience the same level of benefits as the ones mentioned above. In some cases, taking Viagra can cause heartburn, upset stomach, and diarrhea. If you’re not sure whether or not these side effects are worth the benefits, here’s a guide to help you make up your mind.
Key Facts About Viagra
Viagra is a generic name for a pharmaceutical product that was first approved by the FDA in 1998. Its active ingredients are sildenafil citrate and sodium citrate. Sildenafil citrate is a PDE5 inhibitor that works by helping to relax the muscles in the wall of the blood vessels. Sodium citrate is a substance that naturally occurs in the body and helps to buffer the acidity of the stomach. Together, these active ingredients help to provide men with an increased supply of blood to the penis, which in turn allows them to achieve an erection. Men who take Viagra should not ingest alcohol, which can cause dangerous interactions between the drugs.
Are There Any Risks Of Taking Viagra?
Although Viagra is generally considered to be a safe medication to take, it still comes with some risks. The side effects and risks associated with taking this drug are outlined in the FDA-approved labels, as well as in the Physician’s Desk Reference, so prospective users will be aware of what to expect. Some of the side effects that have been noted in clinical trials include:
- headache
- dizziness
- stomachache
- nausea
- sore throat
- heartburn
- indigestion
- diarrhea
- flushing
- nasal congestion
- back pain
- muscle aches
- vision problems
- chest pain
- breathing problems
Will It Work For Everyone?
It’s no secret that not everyone who takes Viagra will experience the same level of benefits. It’s also important to note that not all men with ED will respond favorably to treatment with this drug. The key is to consult with your doctor to determine if this medication is right for you.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
The onset of action for Viagra is relatively quick, with some patients reporting an improvement in as little as 15 minutes and others noting a gradual increase in efficacy over the course of two hours. However, the absolute length of time that it takes for this medication to fully take effect varies from person to person. It depends on various factors, such as the size and condition of the penis, whether or not the user has eaten food in the past few hours, and whether or not he has taken other medications, such as aspirin or alcohol. If you’re not sure when you’ll notice the effects of this drug, it’s always a good idea to take it early in the morning, before going to work or school.
Is It Effective For Heartburn?
In some cases, men who take Viagra may experience heartburn, upset stomach, and diarrhea as side effects. Although these are mild side effects and fairly common, it’s still something to be considered if you’re not sure whether or not the benefits of this medication outweigh its risks. In a survey of men with ED who were given Viagra, 16% reported experiencing heartburn while another 8% complained of diarrhea. Some men who took this drug also said that the symptoms of heartburn and diarrhea were so severe that they were unable to work. In these cases, the benefits of the drug did not exceed its risks. If you experience heartburn or diarrhea while taking Viagra, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause and if these side effects are indeed linked to the medication.
What About Interactions With Other Medications?
In some cases, men who take Viagra may experience interactions with other medications they are prescribed or have taken in the past. For example, if a user takes an anticoagulant medication (e.g., Coumadin) or an aspirin-containing product (e.g., Lowest Price Aspirin), there is a chance that this medication will interact in an unfavorable way with these products. The same is true if a man takes an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and an anticoagulant medication. The risk of an adverse interaction is highest if the user takes two or more drugs that affect the same part of the body, particularly if they are medications that increase the risk of bleeding (e.g., Coumadin and aspirin). In these cases, the risk of internal bleeding outweighs any potential benefits from taking Viagra alone. If you are taking or have taken any medications, be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine if there are any interactions between these products and your treatment with Viagra.
How Effective Is It For ED?
Overall, findings from early clinical trials and studies on the effectiveness of Viagra in treating ED show that this drug is highly effective for most men with this condition. In a meta-analysis of 27 randomized, controlled studies comparing the effects of sildenafil citrate to placebo or active control (i.e., other types of ED medication, such as Viagra’s competitors), the results for the primary efficacy endpoint (i.e., improvement in erectile function) were highly significant. The odds of responding to treatment with sildenafil citrate were 434% greater than those of men who took placebo or active control medication. In another study on the effectiveness of this drug, patients were asked to self-report improvement in erectile function using a nine-point scale, ranging from 1 (no change) to 9 (complete change). The average score for those who took sildenafil citrate was 7.8 compared to 3.8 for those who took placebo. In a different study, researchers compared the effects of sildenafil citrate to tadalafil (Cialis) and found that the former was more effective in treating ED. In this trial, patients taking sildenafil citrate showed significant improvements in erectile function, while those who used tadalafil reported only slight and non-significant improvements. The difference in effectiveness between sildenafil citrate and tadalafil was also significant, with the former proving to be more effective. Another recent study on the use of sildenafil citrate in the treatment of ED examined the effects of this drug on hemodynamic and sexual functions over a period of 6 months. This trial found that treatment with sildenafil citrate resulted in significant improvements in erectile function and hemodynamic responses, as well as enhanced libido and intercourse satisfaction. Overall, the findings from these studies provide strong evidence that Viagra is an effective treatment for most men with ED. If you’re not sure whether or not your penis needs increased blood circulation and/or relaxation to be able to achieve an erection, consult with your doctor. He may be able to recommend a medical condition that warrants treatment with this medication or another type of ED medication.
Side Effects And Safety
The vast majority of men who take Viagra will not experience any side effects or safety issues. However, in some cases, men taking this drug may experience the following:
- headache
- dizziness
- stomachache
- nausea
- sore throat
- heartburn
- indigestion
- diarrhea
- flushing
- nasal congestion
- back pain
- muscle aches
- vision problems
- chest pain
- breathing problems
Men who experience any of these side effects or who have any concerns regarding the safety of taking this drug should consult their doctor right away. In some cases, these symptoms and side effects may be due to a previously undiagnosed medical condition and may require further evaluation by a physician. If you’re not sure whether or not these side effects are related to the medication, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor.