Viagra has been around since sildenafil was first synthesized in 1988. The medication is widely known for its effectiveness in treating erectile dysfunction (ED) and it has been prescribed to over 150 million men worldwide as of 2018.
While some men may experience positive effects from taking Viagra, many others may experience a side effect commonly referred to as “heartburn”. Is this truly a common side effect and should you be concerned? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is a registered trademark of Pfizer and it is commonly referred to as “the blue pill” because of its blue colour. However, the medication also comes in yellow, white, and black to match the three colours of the Greek flag – Γαλάτσι, Βρυσές, and Μπλεύκον
Viagra is a sildenafil citrate tablet and it is commonly used to treat ED. Sildenafil citrate is the sildenafil metabolite and it helps prevent the breakdown of sildenafil in the body. When taken together, sildenafil and citrate work to enhance the effects of each other while decreasing the likelihood of side effects.
How Does Viagra Work?
Based on currently available scientific evidence, it is believed that Viagra exerts its effects by increasing blood flow to the penis and resulting in an erection that lasts for approximately 30 minutes. Sildenafil citrate is also known to deactivate some of the proteins that are responsible for causing heartburn and esophageal reflux disease (NERD).
Interestingly, even after taking Viagra, the man’s risk of heartburn and NERD does not seem to go down significantly. This is likely because heartburn and NERD are a result of lifestyle factors rather than a disease per se and there is no medicine to treat them. The good news, however, is that taking Viagra can significantly decrease the likelihood of heart disease, particularly heart attack and stroke.
Is Viagra Safe to Take?
Based on currently available scientific evidence, it is believed that Viagra is safe to take and it is not likely to cause any serious side effects. However, like most prescription medications, there is the possibility of drug interactions and adverse effects. When taking Viagra, your physician will monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and liver function. They will also check for any drug interactions before providing the recommended dose.
How Can You Tell If You’re Going To Experience Heartburn?
If you’re already experiencing heartburn or if you suspect that you’re at risk of developing it, then it’s a good idea to consult your physician. They will be able to tell you whether or not you are likely to experience this side effect. Your physician may also be able to prescribe you a medicine to treat it. In most cases, the side effect is caused by an interaction between food and drink and it is often a result of overeating or drinking alcohol. The following are some of the most common signs that you’re experiencing heartburn:
- Eructations
- Dry mouth
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Are There Different Dosages For Viagra?
No, the usual adult dose of Viagra is one pill a day and it can be taken with or without food. However, in some cases, a physician may prescribe less than the usual dose of Viagra (for example, half a pill or less) to a patient with heart disease or diabetes. This is because large doses of Viagra can increase the risk of adverse effects, particularly in seniors and patients with cardiovascular disease.
What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Viagra?
Since Viagra has been shown to be safe and effective in treating ED and its short-term side effects, there has been a great deal of interest in investigating its long-term effects. Studies show that men who take Viagra are less likely to experience severe heartburn or NERD compared to men who do not take the medication. Those who do experience heartburn or NERD have been shown to recover faster than men who do not take the medication.
Taking Viagra may also improve endothelial function (the ability of your blood vessels to relax and expand) and decrease systemic vascular resistance (SVR). SVR is typically higher in those who experience heartburn than in those who do not. As a result, taking Viagra may decrease the risk of heart disease in men. Finally, studies have shown that at least six months after treatment with Viagra, there is a significant decrease in the incidence of heart disease in men. This is likely because the medication helps increase nitric oxide production which, in turn, decreases inflammation and the risk of future heart disease.
Based on currently available scientific evidence, it is believed that Viagra is a safe and effective treatment option for ED. As a result, it has been prescribed to over 150 million men worldwide as of 2018 and it is commonly referred to as “the blue pill” because of its blue colour. However, as mentioned above, it also comes in yellow, white, and black to match the colours of the Greek flag – Γαλάτσι, Βρυσές, and Μπλεύκον.