Anabolic steroids are a class of medications that alter the hormonal levels of the body. One of the most popular drugs in this class is Viagra (sildenafil citrate). While some research points to possible health benefits from taking Viagra, the drug is most known for causing individuals to gain significant amounts of weight. Does Viagra cause you to gain weight and what other medications or supplements might counteract this effect?
Does Viagra Cause You to Gain Weight?
Viagra is a medication that improves blood flow to the penis. It is one of the best-selling medications in the world and is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (impotence) and low blood pressure. One of the side effects of Viagra is that it causes some men to gain weight. According to a study published in the journal Obesity, Viagra causes an increase in body fat and body mass index (BMI) in individuals taking the drug for erectile dysfunction. In particular, the drug significantly increased the BMI and body fat percentage of the men in the study. The researchers noted that because the side effects of Viagra are considered to be relatively benign, many men are likely to continue to take the drug despite its known impact on body weight and composition. It is important to consider the potential side effects of any medication before taking it.
Other Medications That Might Counteract The Effect Of Viagra On Body Weight
Since weight gain is a side effect of Viagra, it is not surprising that physicians have tried to find alternative medications and supplements that could mitigate this effect. In particular, many men have tried to use alternative medications and supplements to treat erectile dysfunction and low blood pressure. One potential solution to prevent weight gain is finasteride, a medication that, when taken in combination with Viagra, might prevent the drug from causing your body to gain weight. The combination of these two medications has been shown to significantly reduce body fat and cholesterol levels in men. Although finasteride has not been directly compared to Viagra in a double-blind clinical trial, the drug has been shown to have comparable effects to Viagra in some cases. In a 12-week study published in the journal Obesity, men taking the combination of finasteride and Viagra had significantly fewer adverse events including those relating to their liver. The researchers noted that because liver weight increased with Viagra alone, the combination of these two drugs could protect the liver against toxicity.
The Side Effects Of Viagra
Besides causing weight gain, Viagra has a number of other documented side effects. These side effects include abnormal blood pressure, heart problems, vision problems, headaches, and stomach pain. In the short term, patients who take Viagra frequently report headaches, light-headedness, and dizziness. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adverse reactions to Viagra are usually mild and reversible. However, there have been reports of persistent headaches, rhinitis, and photosensitivity among those who have taken the drug. Those who experience headaches while on Viagra are likely to experience the same type of headaches whether they are taking the drug or not. The most common side effect of Viagra is mild stomach upset that is usually experienced within the first week of taking the drug and usually goes away after a few days. However, for some individuals, this reaction can be quite severe and might require a change in medication or a dose adjustment. In rare instances, some people taking Viagra have reported a skin reaction and hives. While these side effects are relatively rare, it is still important to be aware of them since they could be a sign of an allergic reaction. In any case, Viagra is a medication that has been extensively studied and has been proven to be both safe and effective. Like most medications, there are precautions that should be taken by patients to avoid potentially dangerous interactions or adverse effects. A physician should be consulted when starting any new medication or combination therapy to ensure that these precautions are followed properly.
Consult your doctor before taking any new medication or supplements, especially if you are already on medication for other conditions. This is especially important if you are taking supplemental vitamin E or an herbal product since the medications you are taking might interact with them negatively. In some instances, vitamin E and other supplements can increase the risk of side effects from medication. If you experience any adverse effects, discontinue the therapy and contact your doctor immediately.