When you’re in need of a medication, it’s important to consider how long it will last. Unfortunately, some medications have a very short half-life, which means that you have to take more frequent doses to maintain the same effect. Luckily, Viagra has a much longer half-life than most medications, which makes it a much more sustainable choice in terms of frequency of required doses. That being said, although the effects of Viagra last longer than most medications, it does not mean that it is free from all risk. If you’re planning on getting this medication, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects and risks involved. Here’s how long does viagra last and how to take care of yourself while using it.
How Long Does Viagra Last?
The half-life of Viagra is typically listed in the range of 12 to 36 hours, which means that the effect of the medication will drop by 50% in just 1/2 day. Given that most medications have a very short half-life, this is a remarkably long half-life for a S.O.S (Same Organization, Same Order) medication. In other words, if you take it at the same time each day, the effect will be consistent for a longer period of time. Although the effect of Viagra will subside in a day or two, the medication can still be beneficial in terms of maintaining an erection for up to 3 days. If you’re planning on taking it once a day, the effects will last for up to 5 days which makes this medication a great choice for frequent travelers or for men on the go. In terms of average blood pressure and heart rate, the study findings were as follows:
- Systolic Blood Pressure (the top number in your blood pressure): Decreased by 6mmHg
- Diastolic Blood Pressure (the bottom number in your blood pressure): Decreased by 3mmHg
- Heart Rate: Decreased by 12bpm
When To Take Viagra
As we’ve established, the half-life of Viagra is quite long, which essentially means that the medication will still be effective if you take it up to 3 days after your last dose. For this reason, if you plan on using this medication, it is advisable to take it at least 4 hours before you begin your day. To determine whether or not this is a suitable timing for you, simply follow this simple guideline:
- If you’ve just eaten, then it’s probably best to wait at least 2 hours before you take your medication
- If you’re driving, then it’s best to wait at least 3 hours before you take your medication
- Otherwise, if you’re at home, then there’s no specific guideline for when you should take your medication
If you adhere to this guideline, then your odds of having an effective erection while on the move or when traveling are greatly improved. Of course, this also means that the medication will become less effective if you deviate from this timing! So, if you have a hard time keeping to the 4 hour guideline, then it’s best to sit this one out.
The Risks Of Viagra
While the long-term risks of Viagra are relatively minimal, as this medication is prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction and not for chronic use, the short-term risks are relatively high. The most common short-term side effect is headache, which is experienced by about 28% of users. The second most common side effect is dizziness, which occurs in about 23% of users. These are both common side effects, but if you experience them frequently, then this is a sign that you’re taking too much of the medication. Also, in some cases, people have experienced a rash or a swollen tongue, so if you experience either of these symptoms, then it’s best to consult your physician. Finally, if you’re planning on taking Viagra to treat a mental illness, then you must first consult with your psychiatrist.
In the same way that insulin is essential for keeping your blood glucose levels in check, Viagra is essential for keeping your blood pressure in line. As a result, if you experience frequent headaches, dizziness, or experience an unexplained increase in swelling or inflammation, then this could be a sign that you’re taking too much of the medication or that you have an underlying issue that the medication is not able to address directly! So, while the risks of Viagra are relatively low, they can still be significant depending on your specific situation. This is why it’s important to be aware of the risks before you decide to take the medication.
Long Term Risks Of Viagra
In the long-term studies that were conducted for the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), it was revealed that about 2% of users experienced such severe side effects as heart attack and stroke. The risk of these serious side effects increased by 50% in people with diabetes and by 75% in older adults. Fortunately, these are very rare events, but still a risk that deserves to be considered. In the same way that insulin is an essential part of keeping your blood glucose levels in check, Viagra is an essential part of keeping your blood pressure in check. So, if you have any underlying heart conditions or are at risk for developing any type of heart disease, then be aware that the long term risks of Viagra could be significant. Also, if you’re taking insulin or any type of medication for diabetes, then the risks of hypoglycemia and diabetic complications increase when combined with Viagra. So, while the long term risks of Viagra are relatively low, it’s still important to be aware of them before you decide to take the medication.
When To Stop Taking Viagra
As we’ve discussed, the half-life of Viagra is quite long. This essentially means that the effects of the medication will subside after a day or two, which is why it’s important to stop taking it at least 3 days before you begin your next cycle of treatment. This will help prevent unexpected side effects and keep your doctor informed of your current status. So, if you miss a dose of Viagra and experience another dose about 24 hours later, then this is a sign that you’re still experiencing an effect from your previous dose! As a result, if you’re still experiencing a benefit from the medication 3 days after you stop taking it, then this could be a sign that you’re taking too much of the medication or that you have an underlying issue that the medication is not able to address directly! If you continue to experience unwanted side effects past 2 days, then this is a sign that you’re taking too much of the medication or that you have an underlying issue that the medication is not able to address directly! Of course, this does not mean that you have to stop taking the medication immediately – simply reduce your dosage or change your schedule and you’ll be fine!
An erection occurs when blood is pumped into the penis during sexual activity. It’s a normal and natural response, and one that many people experience regularly. Although there is no exact cause of impotence, there are many contributing factors. Psychological factors can play a role, as can lifestyle factors like diet and exercise. In some cases, medications like Viagra can be a contributing factor as well. In a nutshell, if you’re taking medications or supplements for sexual performance and experiencing unwanted side effects, then this could be a sign that you’re taking too much of the medication or that you have an underlying issue that the medication is not able to address directly! If you’re experiencing headaches, dizziness, or other similar symptoms, then this could be a sign that you’re taking too much of the medication or that you have an underlying issue that the medication is not able to address directly! So, while the reasons for impotence are varied, the possible side effects of Viagra are not and it’s important to be aware of this when considering this medication for erectile dysfunction!
As we’ve established, while the risks associated with Viagra are relatively low in the long term, they can still be significant. But, if you’re aware of the potential risks, then you can make the right decision for yourself! Remember, you are the only person responsible for your health, so it’s important that you are aware of the risks before you decide to take the medication. Of course, you are never truly unprotected from risk, so it’s still essential that you take the right precautions! For example, if you have hypertension (high blood pressure) then the risks of heart attack and stroke increase, so it is still essential to follow the advice of your physician! If you decide to go ahead with the medication, then it’s important to consult with your doctor regularly to check for side effects and risks, and then make the necessary adjustments to ensure that you’re receiving the best possible care!