The Short Answer
Not necessarily. While there is some variation between individuals, the usual dose of Viagra is 20 mg, and there is no evidence to suggest that a substantially higher dose provides any additional benefits — at least in the short term. The longer an individual takes the drug, the more likely it becomes that the side effects will outweigh the benefits.
The Longer Answer
As a class of drugs, sex drugs like Viagra are known as PDE5 inhibitors. These drugs work by relaxing the muscles in the penis so that blood can flow more freely into the organ during an erection. As a result, blood pressure is lowered, giving men lasting erections. While the precise mechanisms behind PDE5 inhibition are not entirely known, it is believed that these drugs work by at least partially preventing the breakdown of cGMP in the cells of the penis.
While research is limited, at least one trial has specifically examined the effects of extremely high doses of Viagra on humans. Known as the TRIO study, this randomized, double-blind trial sought to determine whether or not 200 mg of Viagra was more effective than 100 mg at improving erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction (ED). With 200 mg of Viagra, the researchers found that 54% of men were able to achieve an erection that was satisfactory for intercourse. When compared to the 49% of men who reported an improvement with 100 mg of Viagra, the results of this trial were not statistically significant.
Based on these results, it is reasonable to assume that there is a dosage threshold for Viagra. Meaning, above a certain point, additional dosages do not provide any additional benefits. While 200 mg of Viagra may be more effective than 100 mg in certain cases, there is no evidence that dosages above this point offered any advantages.
What If I Don’t Get An Erection?
If you do not experience an erection lasting more than 4 hours after you take the drug, there is little to suggest that you should increase your dose. If you are the rare individual who experiences this phenomenon, it is likely that your personal doctor has already adjusted your dosage to the optimum level, and additional high doses may do more harm than good. Remember, the key to effective erectile function is regular use of the drug at the optimum dosage level. In the event that you feel that you are not going to get the desired effect from the current dosage, seek medical help before increasing your dose. While rare, individuals who abuse sex drugs like Viagra can develop serious health problems. If you or any of your loved ones are thinking about trying this type of medication, be sure to consult with your personal doctor to ensure that you are not at risk for any negative complications.
What If I Experience Side Effects?
As already mentioned, individuals who take high doses of Viagra may experience unwanted side effects. Like all medications, this drug is not without risks, and these side effects should not be ignored or overlooked. If you experience any of the following side effects after taking any dose of Viagra, it may be a good idea to consult with your personal doctor. These include, but are not limited to: headache, flushing, dizziness, nausea, and light-headedness. In rare cases, individuals taking high doses of this drug have complained of heart problems or even had a stroke. If you experience any of these complications, you should seek medical help right away.
Will It Work If I Am Also Taking Another Drug?
While it is not necessarily a bad idea to try different medications and treatments for the same medical condition, in the event that you are also taking a PDE5 inhibitor like Viagra, the effects of the other drugs may be canceled out by the erection-causing properties of the Viagra. If you do not want to take a drug that can potentially negate the effects of another medication, take into consideration that PDE5 inhibitors are a class of drugs that work by basically the same mechanism. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that you will experience an improved effect from the combined use of these medications compared to when you took them individually. It is generally recommended by doctors that if you are already taking a PDE5 inhibitor, you should not try to take a higher dose of another drug that causes erections. If you follow this rule, you will increase your overall chances of experiencing potentially dangerous interactions between medications.
How Do I Take It?
The recommended way to take Viagra is as follows:
- one to three hours before sexual activity
- do not eat foods with high fat content, especially fatty foods
- drink plenty of water
- do not take any type of medication that contains aspirin or alcohol
- take the drug on an empty stomach
- do not take it if you take nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin, found in Nitro-Busters and some prescription medicines) or if you are taking a MAOI (e.g., phenelzine, found in the drug Nuvigil) or an SSRI (e.g., fluoxetine, found in the drug Prozac).
- do not take Viagra if you took a MAOI or an SSRI within the last 14 days
The above information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or psychological condition. Furthermore, you should always consult with your personal doctor or healthcare provider before taking any medication or supplement. Any mention of pharmaceutical companies in this blog does not represent an endorsement by any of these companies. The official site of Hoffman-La-Roche is http://healthcare.hlr.com.