Now that you’re aware of the wonders that are Viagra, it might be time to face the cold, hard facts about this popular medication. While there are many upsides to taking Viagra, there are also some potential downsides that you should be aware of. Keep reading to discover more about the adverse effects of Viagra.
Increased Risk of Stroke
The most significant and possibly serious side effect of Viagra is an increased risk of stroke. This is especially true in men with diabetes or heart disease, or those who are 60 or older. Men with these risks factors should not take Viagra, as it could prove to be fatal. The FDA officially warned about this potential risk back in 2012, and since then, the warnings have not gone unheeded. Men with these risks should be especially mindful of the warning signs of a stroke, as timely treatment can mean the difference between life and death. If you’re one of these men, ask your doctor about safer alternatives before you start taking Viagra.
Worsening Of Heart Failure
Another serious side effect of Viagra is worsening of heart failure. Just like with stroke, heart failure is also more likely to occur in men with certain medical conditions. Men with heart failure should not take Viagra, as it could make their condition worse. If you have heart failure, you should try to avoid taking any medication that could potentially worsen your condition.
Mental Disorders
While most men will experience a physical reaction to Viagra (such as an erection), some may experience a psychological reaction as well. Specifically, people who take Viagra have a heightened risk of developing a condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms include anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. If you suspect that you might be developing PTSD as a result of taking Viagra, you should consult your doctor immediately. In most cases, this condition can be treated successfully, but it can also be a sign of other more serious problems such as bipolar disorder or depression. If you’re taking any medication for depression or anxiety, you should let your doctor know about your use of Viagra so that he can monitor your progress or adjust your medication as needed.
Kidney And Eye Problems
A very rare side effect of Viagra is kidney and eye problems. Just like with heart failure, kidney and eye problems are more likely to occur in men with other medical conditions. The most common kidney problem is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which can result in some obstruction or infection. People with BPH should also not take Viagra, as it could potentially cause further repercussions. People with a history of these conditions in their family should also be mindful of this risk before they start taking the medication.
As with other medication, eye problems are also more likely to occur in people who take Viagra for a long time. This is because the longer you take the medication, the more likely it is that you’ll develop tolerance to the effects of this drug. After prolonged use, your eyes may start to feel heavy and dry, even if you’re using water-efficient products to keep your eyes hydrated. If you’re already using a prescription eye drop, you should consider discussing this with your doctor so that he can refer you to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation.
Sexual Dysfunction
Another significant side effect of Viagra is sexual dysfunction. Just like with increased risk of stroke and heart failure, sexual dysfunction is more likely to occur in men with medical conditions. People who take Viagra for erection problems have an increased risk of developing sexual dysfunction, as well as those who take the medication for heart disease. The most common sexual dysfunction in men who take Viagra is reduced blood flow to the penis, leading to ED. If you’re already taking Viagra for ED, it’s important to let your doctor know about your continued use of this medication. In most cases, this condition can be treated successfully with additional medication or counseling. However, if it’s not controlled, it could lead to more serious problems. Be sure to consult with your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Decreased Libido
- Pain With Erection
- Blackouts
- Decreased Potency
- TMI (tension, mortification, and inflammation)
- Recovery Period
- Facial Flushing
Many men have found relief from uncomfortable sexual symptoms thanks to Viagra, and it’s important not to forget that it’s also an effective treatment for ED. However, if you’re going to continue taking the medication, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor so that he can assess your progress and make sure that you’re taking the right dose for your specific needs.
Other Serious Reactions
While most men will experience some sort of physical reaction to Viagra (such as an erection), some may also experience other, more serious reactions. These reactions are more likely to occur in people with medical conditions. The most significant and possibly life-threatening side effect of Viagra is a rare occurrence of paradoxical hyper-relaxation. This is when the medication causes the body’s natural relaxation response to become unresponsive. People who experience paradoxical hyper-relaxation have a heightened risk of suffering a stroke or cardiac arrest. For this reason, people with this condition should not take Viagra, and it’s important to let your doctor know if this happens to you. If you have a history of paradoxical hyper-relaxation in your family, be sure to discuss this with your doctor so that he can refer you to an emergency room immediately if this should ever happen to you.
The risks of taking Viagra are mostly associated with people with certain medical conditions. If you have any of these risks, be sure to let your doctor know before you start taking the medication. In most cases, this will prevent you from experiencing adverse effects associated with the medication. If you’re already taking Viagra for another purpose, be sure to let your doctor know so that he can continue to monitor your progress or adjust your medication as needed.
The use of Viagra is quite common, especially among older men who experience erectile dysfunction. While there are many upsides to this medication, it’s also important to remember that there are risks associated with it. By letting your doctor know about your use of Viagra, you can ensure that you’re not harming yourself by taking this medication. If you experience any adverse effects, be sure to seek medical help immediately so that you can keep your health at the forefront of your mind.