When you see a well-known brand name on a package, you know exactly what you’re getting. But what happens when the name isn’t on the package?
The active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil, is a medicine that improves blood flow to the penis and increases erectile function. Knowing how much to take can be tricky. Do you take half a pill or a whole pill? Will a lower dose work for you? Can you take more than one tablet at a time?
The Basics
Viagra is a drug taken orally that treats erectile dysfunction and promotes sexual pleasure for men. Erectile dysfunction is also known as impotence. Impotence is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection that is sufficient for sexual intercourse. It is a common problem for men, especially as they get older. In fact, about one in four men will experience some degree of impotence during their lifetime.
Like most other medicines, Viagra comes with a warning about possible side effects. These include headaches, flushing, stomach upset, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking the drug and contact your doctor.
The Dosage Debate
The dose of Viagra you take depends on your age, how you react to the medicine, and the reason you are taking it. The usual recommendation is 50 mg for the first dose and then 25 mg every other day. However, this guideline was established back in the 1960s, before online resources and information about supplements and alternative cures became as commonplace as they are now.
If you’re just starting out, you might only need a low dose to begin with and can increase it slowly over time. However, if you’ve been taking the drug for a while and notice that it’s not working as well as it used to, then you might need to increase your dosage or try a different product.
The Longer You Wait
When it comes to medicine, the longer you wait the better. Studies have shown that the longer you wait after taking a medication, the more effective it will be. The same concept applies to Viagra. If you take it right away before sexual activity, it will most likely not do much for you. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you wait a day or two, the drug will most likely work at its optimum level.
Taking Viagra with a meal can also increase its effectiveness. The effect is similar to that of food supplements such as ginseng or grapefruit. When food is taken into the stomach along with the pill, it has the potential to increase the absorption rate of the drug. This means that if you take Viagra one hour before a meal, you’ll most likely get the desired effect. But if you take it two hours before a meal, then the effect will be minimal.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
Like most other medicines, the effect of Viagra will begin to show after a few hours and continue to improve with time. In some cases, it can take several weeks before you start to see the full effect of the drug. In rare instances, it can take more than a month for the drug to work at its optimum level. However, if you’re patient and increase your dosage over time, then you’ll most likely experience the desired results in no time.
The Dosage For Women
Since Viagra is a drug for men, the recommended dosage for women is 0% of the normally used dose. The Women’s Health Commission of the United States recommends that women take half the usual dose of the drug to begin with and then increase it as needed. In general, women should not take more than a total of 100 mg of the drug per day.
This is because many side effects are more prominent in women than in men. In addition, studies have found that the drug is more likely to cause liver or kidney damage in women than men. That being said, if you’re a woman who is experiencing impotence, then Viagra can be a godsend and may work better than placebo for you. Although the drug is not approved for use in women, it is often suggested that women take the placebo pill first and then adjust the dosage of the medicine according to need.
Other Medicines
While Viagra is undoubtedly one of the most well-known and popular drugs for men, it is far from the only one. There are many others that can help with erectile dysfunction. For example, yohimbine is an alpha-2 agonist that has the same effect as Viagra but is more effective for some people. The same can be said for vardenafil, which can be up to 100 times more effective than Viagra at helping men with erectile dysfunction. In addition, there are lots of natural products, supplements, and home remedies that you can try if you’re looking for a way to improve your sexual wellbeing.