Viagra has been around for 20 years and its popularity continues to grow. It is the most popular drug in the world, with over 115 million prescriptions written each year. And the numbers are only increasing. In 2016, over 38 million prescriptions were written in the U.S. alone. Its popularity has transcended generations, and today, it is recommended for conditions ranging from impotence to Alzheimer’s disease. But what is Viagra and how does it work? Let’s take a closer look.
First Off, What Is Viagra?
Viagra is a medication that can improve erectile dysfunction in men and was originally developed and prescribed to treat angina and heart disease. However, it was soon realized that this medication could also be used to treat sexual dysfunction in men and women. It is considered a “wonder drug” because it is both effective and safe for use throughout the body. This drug has received universal praise from both doctors and patients, and has been known to increase sexual drive and function in both men and women. In fact, it is such a popular choice for women that they have their own version, known as “sildenafil” which is used to treat pulmonary hypertension. So it will come as no surprise that it has been shown to improve cognition in Alzheimer’s patients as well as reduce anxiety, depression, and stress in those with Parkinson’s disease.
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis. During sexual arousal, blood flow to the genitals is increased, which in turn, increases the likelihood of an erection. As the blood collects in the penis, it is able to remain there for much longer, allowing for deeper penetration and more frequent climaxes. This increased blood flow causes the veins in the penis to expand, allowing for increased flexibility and room for more blood to accumulate. In turn, this produces a thicker, longer-lasting erection that the user can enjoy with a greater degree of satisfaction. In the case of Viagra, both the frequency and the duration of erections increase, which can be very satisfying for those suffering from reduced desire or erectile dysfunction. Interestingly, Sildenafil has also been found to increase the production of dopamine in the brain, which provides an explanation for its positive effect on cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. It is now considered a common link between sexual dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease, which will likely make it even more popular amongst this patient population.
When Should You Take Viagra?
Although Viagra is generally considered safe to take at any time, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your physician. This drug is known to interact with other medications, and it is therefore important to avoid taking it with other nitrates, including Nitro-Glycerin (NNG), a table salt that is often found in cold medication, or nitroglycerin ointment, which is used to treat heart disease. It is also important to consult your physician before taking Viagra if you are taking any medication for erectile dysfunction or heart disease. Your doctor may then advise you as to how to proceed safely with this medication. Additionally, if you are taking any medications, including blood pressure medication, you should wait at least three or four hours after taking it before engaging in sexual activity. This is particularly important if you are taking any type of nitrate medication, as it can prevent the medication from taking effect for a certain amount of time. In this case, it may be advisable to wait until the medications you are taking have had the desired effect before taking sexual activity. This could mean waiting until morning or even later in the day, particularly if you are taking a nitrate medication, as it can cause serious side effects if taken in excess. It is very important to remember that if you are using Viagra for the first time, you should do so gradually, starting with a low dose and increasing it over time, so as not to overwhelm your system and cause any unwanted side effects. Your doctor may also advise you as to how to proceed cautiously if you are taking this medication for the first time, as it can have a potentially dangerous effect, particularly if you are already suffering from cardiovascular disease.
Are There Any Side Effects From Taking Viagra?
Although most people experience pleasant side effects after taking Viagra, it is still a medication that has a relatively high rate of side effects. The most common side effect is headache, which can be quite painful. This is caused by the vasodilation (dilation of blood vessels) that is experienced by patients taking this drug. This side effect is more prevalent, and in some cases, more serious, in patients with diabetes, heart disease, and/or brain damage. Some of the other common side effects include facial flushing, dyspepsia (indigestion), and abnormal vision. Fortunately, these effects are generally mild and do not last long. In some cases, patients experience a headache that is so severe that it is accompanied by vomiting and/or dizziness. If you experience any severe side effects, it is important to consult your physician as soon as possible to determine the root of the problem. In most cases, the side effects from taking Viagra will subside once the medication has been taken for a while. However, if you are experiencing persistent side effects, it may be a sign that you are taking too much of the medication. In this case, it is important to seek help from your physician so that the right dose can be determined and you can continue to take the medication safely.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
The duration that it takes for Viagra to work varies from person to person. In general, it takes about 15 minutes for it to start taking effect and up to an hour for the full complement of benefits to be realized. In some cases, it may take longer for the medication to take effect. However, the amount of time that it takes for the drug to start taking effect is quite short, which means that you will experience the benefits of this medication very quickly. This is why it is considered a “fast-acting” medication.
Is There A Dose That Is Generally Safe?
Although the recommended starting dose of Viagra is 25 mg, it is an extremely versatile drug and a commonly used one at much lower doses. This is partly because the starting dose is very low, and the potential side effects are relatively harmless, especially in comparison to the drug’s effectiveness. It is very important to remember, however, that even at these low doses, the drug can still have side effects. The most common side effect, mentioned previously, is headache. Other side effects include indigestion, skin rashes, flushing, and abnormal vision. Fortunately, these effects are generally mild and do not last long. In some cases, patients experience a headache that is so severe that it is accompanied by vomiting and/or dizziness. If you experience any severe side effects, it is important to consult your physician as soon as possible to determine the root of the problem. In most cases, the side effects from taking Viagra will subside once the medication has been taken for a while. However, if you are experiencing persistent side effects, it may be a sign that you are taking too much of the medication. In this case, it is important to seek help from your physician so that the right dose can be determined and you can continue to take the medication safely.
Is It Possible To Take Viagra Without Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors?
It is a common misconception that Viagra cannot be used without the use of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Actually, it can and in some cases, it is advisable to take it this way. In particular, patients who are not able to use phosphodiesterase inhibitors often choose to take Viagra, as it does not have any of the uncomfortable side effects that are associated with these medications. In this case, it is important to remember that it is not a good idea to take Viagra if you are presently taking any medication, especially nitrate medications, as it can prevent them from taking effect for a certain amount of time. As a result, you may experience some degree of chest pain or angina, as the blood pressure medication may not be able to keep up with the increased blood flow caused by this medication. Your doctor may then advise you to use a phosphodiesterase inhibitor along with Viagra, so that your body can still receive the benefits of this drug, but without the risk of a side effect.