Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) is a medicine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). When taken orally, it is readily absorbed by the blood and then distributed to the penis, where it acts as a vasodilator to promote blood flow into the cavernous spaces.
This, in turn, allows for smoother erections and, thus, improved sexual satisfaction for men.
When Should You Take It?
You should certainly take Viagra the recommended dose (10 mg) as soon as you remember about your erection problems (for the best results).
However, since it can take up to 60 minutes for the drug to start working, you may want to consider taking it 30 minutes prior to having sex. This way, you will get the maximum benefit.
How Long Does It Last?
After you take Viagra, the effects last for about 4 hours, according to the manufacturer. However, this can vary from person to person depending on several factors, including genetics and prior drug therapy. Therefore, it is not feasible to accurately predict how long the medication will last in any given case.
Since ED is a fairly common problem among the middle-aged male population, there is a great degree of clinical trial data available regarding this subject. Based on this data, it is estimated that around 50% of men will experience relief from ED-related symptoms with just one dose of Viagra. The effects last for a median of 4–6 hours, with roughly 25% experiencing effects that last for 7–10 hours and 15% reporting effects that last for 11–24 hours. The effects then quickly wear off, with only about 20% of men reporting benefits 5–24 hours after they take the drug. Men with history of heart disease, liver disease, or taking nitrates (such as nitroglycerin) should not take Viagra, as they may experience an adverse reaction known as hypotension (low blood pressure).
Is It Safe To Take Viagra With Alcohol Or Other Drugs?
It is generally unsafe to take any medications with alcohol or other recreational drugs. There is good evidence that combining alcohol with certain medications can cause severe adverse reactions or even death. Even if you’re not planning on taking any other medications with alcohol, the risks are still there. The risk of hypotension and other severe adverse reactions is increased if you consume alcohol while taking Viagra.
It’s also worth noting that some medications, such as MAOIs and dopamine receptor blockers, can interact in a particularly dangerous way with alcohol. If you start taking any of these medications, you should not drink alcohol or take any other medicines, as doing so may cause serious adverse reactions. Based on the available evidence, it is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Viagra. However, if you must drink alcohol, then you should reduce the amount you consume to safer limits.
Viagra is a relatively safe medicine as long as you follow the instructions and precautions provided by your physician. Based on the available evidence, it is unlikely that taking too much Viagra will cause serious adverse effects. However, if you start experiencing symptoms that are not typical of ED (such as dizziness, headaches, or vision problems), then you should consult your physician as soon as possible so that he can adjust your medication regime if needed.
ED is a common problem among the middle-aged male population. Due to the fact that it is fairly easy to diagnose and treat, many men are often not even aware that they have this issue. However, if you experience frequent erections that last for more than 4 hours and you notice that these symptoms are impairing your daily life, then it may be time to consult your physician and ask about prescribing you Viagra. Even if you do not have ED, but you experience frequent brief erections that last for more than 4 hours, then you should consider asking your physician about this medication as well. It is a well-established fact that impotence can be a major cause of stress and anxiety among men, and this particular medication can greatly relieve these feelings of anxiety and stress.