Taking Viagra can have some side effects, but they are usually mild and transient. Some men may experience erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence as a side effect of the drug. Keep reading for more information on this popular ED drug.
Erectile Dysfunction
According to the Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR), the side effects of Viagra include abnormal sinus rhythm, allergic reactions, headache, back pain, diarrhea, and rash. The most common side effect is impotence. In placebo-controlled studies, 4% of men taking Viagra reported impotence as a side effect. However, this number goes down to 1.7% among men taking the drug at a dose of 100 mg or more. In general, the incidence of this side effect is higher among men with diabetes or heart disease. Men with diabetes are more likely to have impotence as a side effect of the drug. In addition, men with an overactive bladder are also at a higher risk of experiencing impotence as a side effect of Viagra. Finally, those who already experience impotence are more likely to have another episode of the condition while taking the drug.
Headache
According to the PDR, the most common side effect of Viagra is headache. In placebo-controlled studies, 3.9% of men taking the drug reported headaches as a side effect. However, this number is slightly higher (4.3%) among men taking higher doses of the drug. When taken at a dose of 100 mg or more, 0.9% of men taking the drug reported headaches as a side effect. In general, the incidence of this side effect was higher among men with medical problems such as high blood pressure or heart disease. Those with a history of headaches are also more likely to have another episode of the condition while taking Viagra.
Back Pain
The PDR also reports that back pain is a common side effect of Viagra. In placebo-controlled studies, 4.7% of men taking the drug reported back pain as a side effect. However, this number is higher (6.9%) among men taking higher doses of the drug. Men with a history of back pain are more likely to have another episode of the condition while taking Viagra. In addition, those with knee pain or arthritis are at a higher risk of having back pain as a side effect of the drug.
Diarrhea
The PDR mentions that diarrhea is a side effect of Viagra as well. In placebo-controlled studies, 4.4% of men taking the drug reported diarrhea as a side effect. However, this number is higher (7.3%) among men taking higher doses of the drug. Those with a history of diarrhea are also more likely to have another episode of the condition while taking Viagra. In addition, those with IBS or Crohn’s disease are at a higher risk of developing diarrhea as a side effect of the drug.
Rash
The PDR reports that rash is another common side effect of Viagra. In placebo-controlled studies, 4% of men taking the drug reported rashes as a side effect. However, this number is higher (7%) among men taking higher doses of the drug. The most common rashes reported as side effects of the drug are redness and dryness. Men with a history of rashes are more likely to have another episode of the condition while taking Viagra.
These side effects are usually mild and transient. However, men with diabetes or heart disease are at a higher risk of having more severe reactions. In addition, those with a history of ED are also at a higher risk of experiencing other side effects while taking the drug. To reduce the risk of these side effects, discuss alternative treatment options with your doctor. He may be able to prescribe you a safer drug or alternative treatment plan.