Viagra is a common name for sildenafil citrate, an oral medication typically used to treat erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil citrate is actually the active compound found in both Viagra and the generic version known as sildenafil. While many people can benefit from Viagra, it is not suited for all men. If you’re taking this medication, you need to understand how long it will last in your body before you need to refill your prescription.
In this article, we’ll discuss the general health benefits of Viagra, as well as its length of action and appropriate use in men.
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra works by enhancing the effects of the natural chemical in your body called nitric oxide, or NO. When the body produces more nitric oxide, it allows for better blood flow throughout your vasculature and allows for improved erectile function.
More specifically, sildenafil citrate attaches itself to proteins on the walls of blood vessels, inhibiting the action of an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5, or PDE5. This, in turn, allows blood vessels to relax and expand, increasing blood flow and consequently, the size of your penis.
When your penis is engorged with blood, it becomes harder and longer and thus better able to sustain an erection. With more blood pumping through your erection, your pleasure sensation is also enhanced, making you feel more relaxed and content. You may also notice that your perception of time is altered. Instead of feeling as though you’ve spent a long time erect, you may feel as though you’ve only been asleep for a short time.
The combination of the above effects produce the commonly reported “Viagra effect.” While the exact mechanism of action of oral medication isn’t fully understood, it’s been proven that sexual stimulation can enhance the effect of Viagra in some men. Furthermore, some men with ADHD have found that taking this medication helps them to focus and concentrate better during sexual activity, leading to greater overall satisfaction and enhancing the “natural high” experienced by some individuals during sex. To best determine whether or not oral medication is right for you, it is important to understand how long it takes for your body to respond to the medication and how long the effect of the medication stays in your body. Therefore, it’s important to know how long does Viagra last in a man.
How Long Does Viagra Last in a Man?
The effects of Viagra can be felt up to four hours after taking the drug and continue for up to 36 hours, at which point you’ll need to take another dose to maintain the same effects. That is a very long time for a medication to last! Keep in mind that some men may need to take two or three doses per day to maintain the same effects. In other words, Viagra doesn’t last forever.
In general, the effects of Viagra will wear off more quickly in people who: 1) are taking large amounts of the medication at one time, 2) are taking other prescription medications at the same time as Viagra, or 3) have liver or kidney problems.
When Does Viagra Work Best?
The best time of day to take Viagra is right after eating. Some men find that taking the medication before going to sleep can help them to achieve better erections and more satisfying orgasms. However, you should not take the medication if you have taken nitrates in the last 24 hours, as this will increase the potential for serious complications. Fortunately, there are no reported side effects associated with the use of Viagra, so the risk is relatively low. Still, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
When Should You Not Take Viagra?
You should not take Viagra if you: 1) are allergic to sildenafil, 2) are taking nitrates within the previous 24 hours, or 3) have recently used alcohol.
It is also best to avoid taking this medication if you are taking other drugs to treat cardiovascular disease, as it may lower the effectiveness of these medications. In such situations, it is usually best to consult with your physician to determine whether or not oral medication is appropriate for you.
Are There Any Side Effects From Viagra?
The most common side effect of Viagra is headache, which can be severe in some people. In general, this side effect tends to be more common in men than in women. The good news is that most men will only experience mild to moderate headaches, which usually resolve themselves in a few days. Still, it’s always best to be cautious and discuss any possible side effects with your physician before beginning treatment.
How Long Do the Side Effects Last?
The side effects of Viagra will normally dissipate in a few days, in most people. In some cases, such as in people with kidney problems, this effect can take longer. In such situations, it’s important to keep in mind that the medication is not meant to be taken daily and that too much of it can be harmful. For this reason, it is usually best to stop taking the medication once the side effects have resolved themselves.
In summary, Viagra does have some very positive effects in men who suffer from erectile dysfunction. However, since it takes such a long time for the medication to have an effect and since it is not suited for everyone, it is important to try and determine whether or not this medication is right for you.