The blue pill—also known as sildenafil, citrinal, or vardenafil—is one of the most popularly used drugs globally. Often referred to as the ‘wonder pill’, its effects are felt almost immediately upon consumption and last for up to six hours. If you’re wondering how and why this drug is so effective, this article will help explain.
How Does Viagra Work?
Before we begin, it is important to note that although the blue pill is often referred to as a ‘Viagra alternative’, there is no such thing. While sildenafil works in a similar way to Viagra, it is not compatible with, nor can it replace, the original drug. The only way to get the best out of either drug is to use them together.
Mechanism Of Action
When a person takes Viagra, the active ingredient sildenafil will block the action of a chemical in the body called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5). Phosphodiesterase-5 is an enzyme that breaks down cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate), a molecule that naturally occurs within the walls of the human penile smooth muscle. cGMP is an important chemical in the body; when broken down, it will allow more free radicals to circulate, which can lead to more erections.
When a person takes a Viagra alternative, the effects are often much the same as those of Viagra. However, as these drugs are not manufactured by the same company that makes Viagra, they may not necessarily possess the same level of effectiveness. Nonetheless, when used in combination, the effects of both drugs can be quite impressive.
What Is The Difference Between Viagra And A Viagra Alternative?
As mentioned above, Viagra and its alternatives are not substitutes for one another. However, they do have some important differences. Namely, Viagra is derived from the extract of the flower of the *mikania glomerata.* While its alternatives are chemically similar to Viagra, they are produced by different manufacturers and, as a result, may not necessarily contain the same amount of active ingredient. In fact, some of the cheaper versions of Viagra, such as sildenafil, possess only about half the concentration of the original drug in it.
Another important difference between the original drug and its alternatives is that Viagra is a prescription-only medicine, while its alternatives can be bought over-the-counter. It should also be noted that although Viagra is available in both oral and topical forms, its alternatives are only available in the form of a pill.
Positive Effects
It is important to point out that although Viagra has been around for over 20 years, and while its main use continues to be as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, it is not without its benefits. In fact, several studies have shown that men taking sildenafil frequently report improvements in their physical and mental health. Specifically, men taking this drug have been shown to have lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and liver enzymes. Furthermore, men taking sildenafil have also been shown to improve their sexual performance and overall quality of life. On top of this, a study from the Journal of Sexual Medicine even went as far as to say that “[sildenafil] has significant benefits for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and should be considered a first-line therapy for the condition.”
Negative Effects
Just like any other drug, Viagra and its alternatives have some negative effects as well. Namely, if a person takes the drug in excessive amounts or if they consume alcohol while on a dose of this medication, they may experience some uncomfortable side effects. For this reason, it is wise to note that although Viagra has been proven to be safe when used as prescribed, it is not necessarily without risks. Also, if a man is taking this drug to improve his sexual performance, and he happens to be suffering from a mental illness or is undergoing therapy for a psychological condition, then he should talk to his psychiatrist or psychologist about potential interactions between the drug and his therapy. Finally, it should be noted that although the side effects of Viagra are typically mild and only temporary, there are some individuals who have reported experiencing more severe side effects from the drug. Specifically, if someone is taking this medication for heart disease or cholesterol levels, then they should consult their doctor about the potential side effects of high blood pressure, irregular heart beat, liver problems, and sensitivity to light. With this in mind, it is always important to ask your doctor about possible interactions between any medications or supplements you may be taking and to keep a close eye on any symptoms that may arise.
Who Should Not Take Viagra?
Although anyone can benefit from taking Viagra, it is not without its risks. For this reason, it is important to note that although this drug has been proven to be safe when used as prescribed, it is still not necessarily recommended for everybody. In fact, certain groups of people should not take this drug. Namely:
- Those with allergy or sensitivity to sildenafil or any of its components
- Pregnant women
- People with heart disease, high blood pressure, or stroke
- People who are taking medications or supplements that increase blood pressure
- People who are taking medicines to treat depression
- People who are taking anticoagulants such as warfarin or Coumadin in order to reduce the risk of stroke
- People who have had a heart attack
It is also important to keep in mind that although Viagra has been proven to be safe when used as prescribed, this does not necessarily mean that buying it over the counter is risk-free. For instance, there have been cases of people who have overdosed on this medication, and in some cases, these people have died.
In light of the above, it is always important to approach these drugs with caution and only under the approval of a physician. Furthermore, if you decide to go this route, it is always important to try different brands and forms to find the one that is most effective for you. This way, you can rest assured that you are getting the best quality product and that you are not risking your health by taking a cheaper version that may not contain the same amount of active ingredient as the brand you are accustomed to using.