For many, the name “Viagra” sparks memories of impotence crises that were miraculously cured by the little blue pill. While it’s true that Viagra has been a commercial success because of its potency as a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), it’s also important to know that many generic alternatives exist.
Despite its popularity, there’s a reason why so many men shy away from taking Viagra. It’s not because of what the drug can do for them; it’s because of what it can do for others. In other words, some people experience side effects when taking Viagra. But that doesn’t have to be the case. With the right information, you can be sure that you’re getting the right medicine for the right reason.
To understand how and why generic Viagra works, it’s important to know a bit about the brand name drug. Viagra, like many other pharmaceutical drugs, was first approved by the FDA in the 1990s. Since then, it’s become one of the best-selling medications in the world. The reason behind its popularity? It’s easy enough to take and effective most of the time in treating erectile dysfunction. So even if you don’t have erectile dysfunction yourself, chances are, you know somebody who does.
On the other hand, Brand Name Viagra is a more expensive alternative to generic Viagra. But that’s not the only difference between the two pills. To learn more, you need to read our in-depth analysis below.
How Is Viagra Different From Generic Viagra?
There are several key differences between brand name and generic Viagra. To begin with, the former is more expensive than the latter. However, the price difference isn’t as significant as you might think. It’s true that you can get a whole bottle of generic Viagra for the same price as a single dose of Brand Name Viagra. But the cost is still quite high compared to some of the other medications used to treat erectile dysfunction. Most patients need two to three pills per day for optimum effectiveness. So even when you account for the higher price of Brand Name Viagra, you’re still generally paying a lot for medication.
The most salient difference between brand name and generic Viagra has to do with side effects. As mentioned above, some men experience side effects when taking Viagra. The most common of these is a blue tint to the vision. In some cases, this has led to patients going blind. In the past, cases of priapism—an infrequent yet potentially dangerous effect in which the erection neither goes away nor submits to gravity— have also been reported. But with Brand Name Viagra, these side effects are few and far between. To understand why, we first need to understand how Viagra works. Remember, though, that not all Brand Name Viagra are created equal. Some are more effective than others.
How Does Viagra Work?
Like many other medications, Viagra works by expanding blood vessels in the penis. The result is improved blood flow to the penis, which in turn leads to harder erections and increased pleasure during sexual activity. But how does this happen? To quote the makers of Viagra: “Vardenafil inhibits an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which is responsible for breaking down a chemical in the brain called cGMP. When this chemical is present at high levels, it inhibits the nerve endings that normally cause the muscles in the penis to relax and contract, resulting in an erection.”
In simpler terms, Viagra increases blood flow to the penis by increasing the body’s production of cGMP. Thus, the more you take the medication, the more you’ll see improvements in erectile function and the fewer side effects you’ll experience. It’s also important to note that even if you don’t have erectile dysfunction, you may still benefit from taking Viagra. In such cases, the medication can be used to treat pulmonary hypertension, for instance.
Is There Anything Other Than Viagra That Can Treat Erectile Dysfunction?
Although Viagra is the best-selling drug for erectile dysfunction, it’s not the only option. In fact, there are more than a dozen other medications approved by the FDA to treat the condition. Some of these are more effective than others, but most are considerably cheaper. The most popular of these alternatives is Cialis.
Like Viagra, Cialis also increases blood flow to the penis and therefore improves erectile function. But instead of increasing cGMP as Viagra does, Cialis directly activates blood vessels in the penis, resulting in more stable erections. As a consequence, many men have reported feeling less tired during sex sessions while taking Cialis compared to when they were on medication for erectile dysfunction prior to starting the treatment with Cialis. In terms of side effects, the most frequently reported problem while taking Cialis is headaches. However, this is usually mild and temporary.
In terms of cost, most of these drugs are far more affordable than Viagra. In fact, some are even available for free or at a deeply discounted price. So even though Viagra is the best-selling drug for erectile dysfunction, it’s not necessarily the most expensive one. In many cases, it can be considerably cheaper to treat erectile dysfunction with a medication other than Viagra.
Which One Is More Effective, Brand Name Viagra Or Generic Viagra?
So, how effective are these medications in comparison to each other? It’s a common question, and the short answer is: quite effective. But before we get into the details, it’s important to remember that effectiveness varies from person to person. In other words, one medication may be more effective for one person and less effective for another. To put it simply, you need to try different medications and see what works best for you.
As a general rule, men who have previously taken Viagra and not had satisfactory results should try Brand Name Viagra. But if you’ve never taken or heard of the drug, it may be safer to go with generic Viagra. Of the two, Brand Name Viagra is generally regarded as more effective. This is largely because it has been clinically tested and proven to be more effective in improving erectile function. The question then becomes: why are so many men afraid of Viagra?
Are There Any Side Effects That Come With Taking Either One Of These Medications?
Yes, there are. In fact, both Brand Name Viagra and generic Viagra have serious side effects. But they are generally regarded as less serious while taking the medication than they are when used at the wrong time or in the wrong way. For instance, if you’ve taken Viagra and you develop a rash or your skin becomes sensitive to the sun, you’ll need to discontinue the usage of the drug. The same goes for those who take both drugs together. In rare instances, some men have reported a serious allergic reaction while taking Viagra. But this is extremely unlikely.
In general, if you experience any side effects while taking either one of these medications, it’s best to discontinue the usage of the drug and seek medical assistance. It’s also essential to tell your doctor about all the medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and vitamins. This is to ensure that your doctor can optimize your treatment plan and minimize the risk of adverse effects. In most cases, these side effects are minor and fairly easy to treat. But in rare instances, they can be quite dangerous. To learn more, you can also consult your doctor or a pharmacist for professional assistance. They can provide you with information about the side effects of the medication and how to minimize your risk of suffering from them.
Do You Need To Take Viagra Every Day?
Even though most men take Viagra once or twice a day, it isn’t always necessary. This is because different individuals have different dosing regimens. Some people can take a single dose in the morning while others may need half or even a full dose at night. To begin with, it’s essential that you see how your body responds to the medication. If you are satisfied with how Viagra is affecting your erections and the way you’re feeling during sex, then you may not need to take the medicine every day. In most cases, just a single dose per day is sufficient for most men. If this is not the case for you, however, then you should consider increasing or decreasing your dose accordingly.