Viagra is the world’s most popular drug for erectile dysfunction, and its active ingredient, sildenafil, has been shown in clinical trials to boost libido, increase erectile function, and even prevent and treat dementia. All of this, and more, can be yours for the taking with this incredible drug, but there is a price to pay for this level of excellence. The side effects of Viagra aren’t something to overlook, and while most of them are mild and short-lived, others can be much more serious. Here’s a short guide to the various side effects of Viagra, including what to expect and when to seek medical help.
Acne
Perhaps the most common and well-known side effect of Viagra is acne. Reports of this unwelcome rash have appeared in the medical literature since the mid-1990s, and since then more and more people have complained about experiencing breakouts while on the medication. It is therefore considered a class 4 medication (the most dangerous) by the FDA, with a blacklisting that prevents it from being sold in the United States. The black market for the drug is also worth mentioning in this regard, as the limited resources available in regions where it is illegal to buy Viagra, means that sometimes people have to go overboard and make their own, sometimes resulting in serious side effects. If you’re planning on taking Viagra, be sure to consult with your dermatologist about possible side effects, as well as how to prevent and treat them effectively.
Dizziness
Another fairly common side effect of Viagra is dizziness. Like acne, this is another complaint that has been appearing in the literature for many years, and again since the drug has been deemed safe and effective, more and more people are reporting to be experiencing this distressing side effect. The dizziness that people complain about while on this medication is actually a type of vertigo that the ancient Greeks once referred to as ‘gyrase’ (meaning ‘feeling of falling’) and which, if untreated, can lead to an extremely high risk of injury or even death. As with many other prescription medications, the side effects of Viagra become more serious the longer you are on it, meaning that the risk of injury or even death is greater the older you become. If you’re planning on taking this medication, be sure to consult with your doctor about how to prevent and treat the dizziness effectively.
Nasal Burning
Nasal burning is another one of the numerous unpleasant side effects that people have complained about since the advent of Viagra. The irritation and dryness that come with this symptom are extremely uncomfortable, and in fact some studies have suggested that they can be quite dangerous, resulting in the loss of eyesight or even death. The side effect is caused by sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, and although it has been officially denied by the manufacturer, it is known that some people have suffered from severe allergic reactions after taking the medication. If you’re planning on taking this powerful drug, be sure to consult with your doctor about how to prevent and treat the irritation effectively.
Headaches
Headaches are another of the numerous complaints that people have made about the side effects of Viagra, and since they are such an unpleasant and tiresome symptom, it’s not difficult to understand why. The headaches that people experience while on this medication are usually on the milder side, meaning that they don’t cause the sharp pain that some other medications can cause. Although rare, the headaches that people have reported while on this medication have been described as ‘intractable’, resulting in some people being forced to undergo brain surgery to alleviate the pain. Like so many other prescription medications, the side effects of Viagra become more serious the longer you are on it, and since it has been officially denied that this medication can cause headaches, it is likely that the number of people who experience them while on it is being underreported. If you’re planning on taking this medication, be sure to consult with your doctor about how to prevent and treat the headaches effectively.
Dry Mouth
Finally, we have a rare but very serious side effect that people have experienced while on Viagra, one that if reported to the FDA could result in the blacklisting of the medication and its potential restriction in the United States. While the side effect is rare, it is known that some people have experienced an adverse reaction known as ‘xerostomia’ (meaning ‘dry mouth’) while on this medication, resulting in some people going months without drinking sufficient amounts of water. The dry mouth that people experience while on this medication is actually caused by a depletion of saliva, meaning that your mouth will feel extremely dry even when you are not actually thirsty. The condition is quite annoying and uncomfortable and in some rare instances can even be dangerous, resulting in serious dental issues. If you’re planning on taking this medication, be sure to consult with your dentist about how to prevent and treat the dry mouth effectively.
The long and short of it is that if you’re going to take Viagra, be sure to consult with your doctor about how to prevent and treat the side effects effectively, as well as how to deal with them if you do experience them. While the side effects are relatively mild, especially in the early stages of taking the medication, it is still better to be safe than sorry, and although the FDA has deemed this medication to be generally safe, it is better to be cautious than sorry, especially since the danger of side effects increases with age. This is especially important if you’re over the age of 65, as age is a significant factor in how your body will react to any medication.