Does Viagra affect your liver? Find out here, including the potential side effects.
What Is Viagra And How Does It Work?
Before diving into the details, it’s important to understand the basics of Viagra and how it works. Simply put, Viagra is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It’s been around for decades and is one of the most popular drugs prescribed for men worldwide, especially in the U.S. According to the European Commission, Viagra is one of the most prescribed drugs in the EU, and it’s the third most prescribed drug overall, just behind antidepressants and aspirin. In other words, a lot of men are dealing with issues related to Viagra on a daily basis.
In the U.S., Viagra has become such a common medicine that it has its own generics name, sildenafil. It’s the active ingredient in the drug that brings about its effects and acts as a vasodilator, increasing blood flow throughout the body, particularly to the penis. As a result, fewer men are likely to suffer from low blood flow, which can lead to serious problems.
What Are The Main Side Effects Of Viagra?
While most people will experience no issues at all from taking Viagra, there are a number of side effects that you need to be aware of. The most common side effects of Viagra are similar to any other medication: nausea, headache, dizziness, and allergic reaction. But, in addition to these, Viagra can also cause liver problems. According to a 2010 report from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), there have been rare but documented reports of serious liver injury in patients taking Viagra. The FDA advises that patients with liver disorders, such as hepatitis, should not take Viagra because of the potential for harm. If you or someone you know has a history of liver problems, they should not take Viagra either. Some of the other risks associated with taking this medication include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Rash
- Sensitivity to light
- Decreased sexual desire
- Vasodilation (increased blood flow)
- Heart attack or stroke
- Alcoholism
- Kidney disorder
Is There A Safe Dose Of Viagra?
Just like any other medication, there is a risk of overdose when taking excessive amounts of Viagra. But, because it’s such a common medication with so many known side effects, it’s fairly easy to find the safe dosage of the drug. According to the FDA, the usual starting dose of Viagra is 25 mg, taken orally, three times a day. This dosage can be increased to 50 mg twice daily, then to 100 mg twice daily, and eventually to 200 mg twice daily. The FDA also recommends that patients increase their dosage gradually (over a period of weeks or months), since otherwise, the benefits may not be noticeable and the side effects may become more severe.
Can You Take Viagra With Alcohol?
It’s not recommended that you take Viagra with alcohol, as it could potentially increase the risk of adverse effects. But, if you must have alcohol, then it’s best to have low- or non-alcoholic drinks.
Is It Possible To Take Viagra Without Drinking Alcohol?
If you’re worried about whether or not you’ll be able to have a drink while on Viagra, then you shouldn’t take the medication. According to the FDA, it’s not recommended that you take Viagra without drinking alcohol, as it could potentially increase the risk of adverse effects. This is particularly important for patients with liver disorders, as it could cause further damage. It’s also best to be careful about taking the medication if you’ve recently had surgery, or if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer. Aspirin is another drug that has been shown to increase the risk of liver injury, so it’s best to avoid taking these medications together.
Of course, it’s not easy to navigate the world of medications without running into problems. But with a little research, and a lot of common sense, it’s possible to find safe medication for almost everyone. And if you continue to take the time to inform yourself about the risks and side effects of medications, then you’ll be able to make the right decision for yourself, and your health.