Viagra is one of the most popular and well-known pharmaceuticals in the world. Trademarked as “the little blue pill”, it was originally designed to treat erectile dysfunction in men. However, as time went by, people started realizing its other potential uses, which ranged from treating premature ejaculation to helping with weight loss. Today, it’s available in both generic and branded versions. We’ll explore the differences between the two and how they impact your decision-making process when choosing a medication.
Key Facts About Viagra
Viagra is a sildenafil citrate drug. For those wondering, sildenafil citrate is a chemical compound that acts on the phosphodiesterase enzyme, which in turn increases the blood flow to the corpus cavernosum, the spongy tissue that fills with blood during an erection. In this way, Viagra helps to improve the quality of erections and allows for deeper penetration, which some males may find more comfortable.
Unlike most medications that require a prescription, Viagra is available over-the-counter and has a relatively happy prescription history. It’s been around since 1998 and is considered a safe and effective option for men who experience erectile dysfunction, which the American Urological Association (AUA) defines as the “persistent inability to achieve or sustain an erection adequate for sexual activity”. As a result of its popularity, it is often referred to as “the poor man’s prescription”.
Key Facts About Generic Viagra
Generic Viagra is a synthetic version of the substance sildenafil citrate. It was approved for sale in the U.S. in 2003 and is available with a simple prescription. This medication is identical to the brand version in formula and bioactivity, but it is much more affordable. Unfortunately, like many pharmaceuticals, the cost of generic Viagra has gone up over the years.
Is It An Effective Treatment For Erectile Dysfunction?
In a nutshell, yes. According to a 2014 analysis of 14 well-designed studies that included over 11,000 men, those taking Viagra had significantly better outcomes than those who took a placebo (included for comparison). The studies varied in length from 4 weeks to 12 months and were conducted over a range of settings, including clinical trials and surveys.
The results indicated that men taking Viagra were 30% more likely to report a successful erection and 18% less likely to report having trouble achieving or maintaining an erection during sexual activity compared to those taking a placebo. Successful erections were defined as “sustained erection that is sufficient for vaginal penetration during the time of sexual activity”. Men reported the various aspects of their erections, including firmness, duration, ability to achieve orgasm, and how often they could maintain an erection. The findings were consistent across all studies and subgroups. This makes it a potent option for men looking to boost the effects of the “little blue pill” and have better erections overall.
What Is The Difference Between Generic And Brand Viagra?
In general, brand Viagra is a pharmaceutical product that is manufactured and sold by Pfizer. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is available with a prescription. Generic Viagra, on the other hand, is a chemically identical version that is not approved by the FDA and is instead manufactured and sold by multiple companies, including Teva, Ranbaxy, and Cipla. It is often marketed as “generic” even though it’s not approved by the FDA, but this medication is not meant to be substituted for brand Viagra in any way. Instead, it is a cheaper alternative that can be taken instead of or in addition to brand Viagra. Some people choose to take generic Viagra because they think it has fewer side effects. However, this is not necessarily the case and it’s highly dependent on the individual and their personal preferences.
When Should You Take Viagra?
As mentioned above, Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. The general recommendation is that you should take it 30 minutes to an hour before any sexual activity. Taking it earlier or later than recommended may adversely affect its effectiveness. Another important consideration is that you should not take Viagra if you’re currently taking another medication for erectile dysfunction or if you’ve recently taken a MAO inhibitor (which is used to treat depression and other mental illnesses).
If you’re concerned about getting an erection, you should also refrain from drinking alcohol or taking any medications that contain alcohol. Doing so may adversely affect the effectiveness of Viagra. It’s also advisable to not take Viagra if you’re allergic to sildenafil, the active ingredient. Finally, make sure to consult your physician about how to use Viagra safely and effectively. He or she can guide you on when and how to take the medication.
Are There Any Side Effects From Taking Viagra?
In general, there are very few negative side effects associated with taking Viagra. The most common issue is headaches, which some people experience after taking the drug. This is particularly bothersome in those who regularly take it, as it can lead to drug dependency. If this happens, your physician will be able to help you stop taking it for this reason. Other than that, most people experience only positive effects from taking the medication, especially those with erectile dysfunction. The very least that you’ll experience is better erections and more comfortable sex for yourself and your partner. Furthermore, if you follow the instructions provided by your physician, you’re most likely to experience fewer side effects overall.
Key Takeaway
In a nutshell, Viagra is a safe and effective medication that helps men with erectile dysfunction. It can also be used to help with premature ejaculation and is a popular aid in treating obesity. Many men are not aware of its other potential uses, which could be a boon for doctors who treat these conditions. As a result of its widespread use, there is a lot of discussion around whether or not it should be over-the-counter, as it is currently, or if it should be prescribed by doctors only. Ultimately, this will depend on the personal preferences of patients and their physicians. For now, though, it’s still considered a safe and effective option for men with erectile dysfunction who wish to boost their quality of life.