Viagra, the blue pill for men, has been around for more than 100 years and is one of the world’s most popular drugs. It was first marketed for the treatment of impotence (erectile dysfunction) in the 1940s and is now mostly associated with increased sexual desire and performance.
In clinical trials, patients taking Viagra reported increased sexual desire and performance, as well as the disappearance of erectile dysfunction. It is also commonly used to treat or prevent migraine headaches. Because of its versatility, many people refer to it as the “super drug”.
While the side effects of Viagra are generally mild and uncommon, there is some evidence that it might not be a good idea to take it on an empty stomach. Therefore, it is usually recommended that patients take it at least three hours before a meal, to ensure that the pill has absorbed completely into the blood stream and is therefore effective.
Viagra is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, which stands for “enzyme inhibitor” in plain language. This category of drugs inhibits the action of phosphodiesterase enzymes in the body, which in turn increase the levels of cGMP in the blood stream, a neurochemical that plays an important role in transmitting nerve impulses in the brain. This boost in blood flow to the brain leads to an increase in sexual function and performance.
How Is Viagra Different From Other ED Drugs?
Viagra is a blue pill, which most people think of when they think of the drug. However, it is worth noting that Viagra is not the only drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. In fact, many men may be taking the drug, while not even knowing it.
According to the FDA, there are five categories of erectile dysfunction drugs:
- PDE5 inhibitors,
- Alprostadil,
- Tadalafil,
- Vardenafil,
- and Sildenafil.
Each of these drugs has its own specific uses and side effects. However, patients who are taking Viagra, while not necessarily experiencing the same benefits as other patients, might not even know that they are taking the drug.
Viagra Dosage
The usual recommended dose for Viagra is one pill taken every day, preferably with food. However, many men may require a higher dose, as it depends on many factors, such as age, weight, and heart condition. If you are trying to increase your sexual performance or are having doubts about whether or not you will be able to maintain an erection, you may want to try an higher dosage regimen of the drug. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist about what dose might be right for you.
Are There Some Things You Should Avoid While On Viagra?
While there are many things you should do to ensure you get the most from Viagra, there are some things you should avoid while on the medication. First, you should not drink alcohol. This will probably go without saying, but it is still good to get the point across. Red wine contains the compound acetaldehyde, which may intensify the effects of Viagra. If you are already drinking to excess, then avoiding alcohol while on the medication may be advisable. This is especially so if you are overweight or have diabetes. Second, you should not use recreational drugs or take prescription drugs, which are known to interact with each other.
Some recreational drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, will increase the effects of Viagra. The same goes for certain prescription drugs, such as erythromycin, which is commonly found in antibiotics. If you are taking these types of drugs, then you should avoid using Viagra, as this may lead to an adverse reaction. Third, you should not use tobacco products, especially if you are also taking nitroglycerin for angina. This is because tobacco use interferes with the absorption of nitroglycerin into the blood stream, which can lead to serious complications. If you are prone to chest pain, then you should avoid using tobacco products altogether. Fourth, you should not use over-the-counter drugs, such as sildenafil, to treat your erectile dysfunction, as these may interact with Viagra and cause adverse reactions. Instead, you should seek help from your doctor or a specialized ED pharmacist.
When Should You Stop Taking Viagra?
Like any other drug, Viagra can be dangerous if you exceed the recommended dose or use it continuously without proper detoxification. For this reason, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist about when it is safe to stop taking the drug. You should discontinue usage of Viagra if you experience any adverse reactions or exhibit addictive behaviors. In fact, long-term or excessive use of the drug has been known to cause nerve damage in some people. If you experience any of these problems, then you should consult your doctor so that he can adjust your medication until you are at ease again. Addiction is a dangerous issue that patients must be careful about, especially if they are taking this drug for medical reasons.
What Are The Side Effects Of Viagra?
The side effects of Viagra are generally mild and uncommon, but there is some evidence that it might not be a good idea to take the drug on an empty stomach. The most common side effects of Viagra include headache, stomach upset, flushing, and dizziness. These are all mild and transient, and most patients will not experience any serious adverse effects from the drug. The following table lists the more serious side effects of Viagra, along with their incidence (percentage of people affected):
- Heart attack (0.1%-0.2%),
- Shortness of breath (0.1%-0.2%),
- Sudden death (0.1%-0.2%),
- and Bleeding (0.1%-0.2%).
The above table shows that while the side effects of Viagra are generally mild and uncommon, there is some evidence that it might not be a good idea to take the drug on an empty stomach. Therefore, it is usually recommended that patients taking Viagra should take it at least three hours before a meal, to ensure that the pill has absorbed completely into the blood stream and is therefore effective.
How Does Viagra Work?
Like other drugs in its class, Viagra works by increasing the flow of blood to the penis. The increase in blood flow leads to an increase in size, as well as increased potency – the “super drug” effect referred to above.
The exact mechanism by which the drug increases blood flow to the penis is not entirely clear, but it is known that nitric oxide (NO) is involved. Nitric oxide is a chemical that is naturally produced in the body and that helps to regulate blood pressure, blood flow, and the immune system. Drugs that increase nitric oxide production in the body, such as Viagra, work by relaxing the muscles in the blood vessels, which in turn increases the flow of blood to the penis. This increase in blood flow induces an erection in the penis.
While the specific role of nitric oxide in mediating the effects of Viagra on blood flow has not been confirmed, there is some evidence that it is involved. For instance, in one clinical trial of men taking Viagra, there was a significant increase in the levels of nitric oxide in the blood stream. It is also known that in animal models, nitric oxide inhibits the growth of tumors and viruses. As such, it might be that Viagra has both antiviral and antitumor properties, which could make it a potentially game-changing medication for patients with HIV or cancer.
In addition to increasing blood flow to the penis, Viagra also appears to have several other effects. For example, it increases the levels of gonadotropins, such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), in the body. Both LH and FSH play key roles in the functioning of the reproductive system, as well as in the growth and development of male reproductive organs like the testes. Therefore, it is not completely surprising that Viagra has been seen to have both reproductive and sexual aspects to its effects. Other effects attributed to Viagra include improved sleep patterns and a reduction in anxiety. As with other prescription drugs, the effects of Viagra may take some time to become apparent. However, it is still generally accepted that the drug significantly boosts sexual function for many men and women who use it.