Most men can’t pinpoint what they’re looking for in a Viagra equivalent, but for those who do, it’s clear that there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all when it comes to their needs. That’s why we’ve gone ahead and compiled this detailed guide, which will tell you everything you need to know about taking one of the most popular brands of erectile dysfunction medication.
The Anatomy Of A Pill
Before we begin, it’s important to understand a few things about Viagra. Because it’s a generic drug, it’s incredibly affordable – as long-term consumers know all too well. However, even a small dose can cost you hundreds of dollars. To put that in perspective, an identical dose of the more popular brand, Cialis, will only set you back about fifteen dollars, and it comes with some great perks.
The Basics
Just like any other medication, you may need to take a dose of Viagra as soon as you get up in order to get the full desired effect. As it’s a medication designed to help men with erectile dysfunction, it may also take a while before you notice the difference. Some men have even reported positive effects from just a few hours of use! Once you do notice the difference, you’ll know without a doubt that Viagra is a medication you need to keep on hand at all times!
You’ll also need to keep in mind that this pill is for oral consumption. It doesn’t need to be broken down into smaller pieces before it is digested – which means that swallowing it whole is perfectly okay (although, many people find it easier to take it that way). If you’re worried about breaking the bank, you can always try splitting the dose in half, or even in fourths, but keeping all the active parts together is usually the best way to go.
The Science Is Settled (Sort Of)
When it comes to ED medication, there are numerous types of pills that may help, and which one you need depends on your situation. What’s important is that you’re not one kind of person and one kind of medication. Because Viagra is so popular, it has been extensively studied and the results have been compiled into one handy guide by Future Medicine. Here’s a summary of what they found out:
- Overall, generic Viagra works just as well as the brand-name version in treating men with erectile dysfunction.
- However, certain subgroups of men may need a different approach. For instance, those who have diabetes or who take nitroglycerin for blood pressure may get better results from an alpha-blocking agent.
- Trazodone – an antidepressant – may be an option for those who don’t want to rely on supplements.
- For those who want to try something new, herbal Viagra may be an option. However, the general rule is that if you have ED, you need to keep on hand a reliable source of treatment. It’s not worth the risk of not being able to treat your condition effectively if you end up with serious side effects from taking a medication you didn’t need in the first place.
What’s In The Box
When you purchase a pill, you’ll usually get the option of having it delivered right away or storing it at home (in case you need it sooner). Although, if you’re purchasing in large quantities, you may get it faster just by checking out! With Viagra, what you get inside the pill is more important than the packaging, since you don’t need to worry about breaking it or spilling it in the first place. When you do get a chance to open it, you’ll find the familiar pink and blue Viagra bottle and one small white pill. From what we’ve heard, you don’t need to do anything with it other than swallow it whole (which is a relief, considering how annoying it can be to mix medications with food or drink). If you’re getting it from a reputable source, you can rest assured that what you’re getting is exactly what was ordered and that no other substances were mixed in by mistake.
Getting Started
Now that you know what’s in the box, it’s time to get started on your journey to better erections! First off, it’s important to note that this medication can only be effective when taken with a meal. It’s best to take it at least an hour before bedtime so that your body can process all the food that you’ve eaten before retiring for the night. In addition, drinking alcohol can also interfere with the effect of the medication, so make sure you steer clear of any drinks containing alcohol if you want to get the best results from your pills. A lot of men had anxiety about taking a pill that could help them with an issue like erectile dysfunction, but once they got over that initial fear, they realized how much more convenient and relaxed they could be when having sex with their significant other. Many people have also noted how much more enjoyable their sex life is when they’re taking a medication that makes them feel more relaxed and in control of their erections. This is especially beneficial for men with low testosterone levels, which can cause them to have weaker erections than usual. In most cases, this will result in sub-par erections, which can be bothersome for some men. However, with the help of a pro-sexual partner or a medication like Viagra, these men can experience much better erections, which in turn can lead to better sex and an overall higher sense of well-being.
Using The Medication
Once you get your pills, it’s time to start using them! It’s best to take the whole packet at once, since this is what’s known as a “single-dose” medication, and then follow it up with a plain old glass of water. For the best results, it’s recommended that you take this medication on an empty stomach, so the effects will be felt immediately after you take it. Some men have even said that taking a dose of Viagra before having food or drink, even a few hours beforehand, can help improve the quality of your erection. As mentioned before, it can take a while before you’ll notice the difference, especially if you’re using it for the first time, so be patient and don’t expect immediate results. After a couple of weeks of regularly taking a dose of Viagra, you can start to see improvements in the quality of your erections and in general the frequency of your erections as well. However, it can take months of regular use for your body to get used to the idea of having an erection regularly (especially if you’re starting from square one).
Side Effects
While there are numerous benefits to taking a tablet to improve your erections, there are also some potential side effects that you need to be aware of. The most common side effect is nausea, which in most cases is mild and transient, but it’s nevertheless something to watch out for. In some cases, especially in patients who are more sensitive to medications, it can be a sign of an adverse reaction. Other side effects that men may experience include:
- headaches
- dizziness
- sleepiness
- dry mouth
- constipation
In some rare instances, men may experience more severe side effects including:
- flushing / warm feeling (face)
- pain in the chest
- pain in the lower back
- increased heart rate
- irregular heartbeat
In most cases, these side effects are transient and mild, but they’re still there. In some instances, they can be a sign of an adverse reaction. However, if you have any of these side effects, it’s best to consult your doctor so that he can determine the source of the problem. In some cases, it may be necessary to slowly decrease your dosage or to switch medications altogether.