How would you feel if you just finished a 30-minute flight from London to New York, and the plane’s pilot announced at the end of the journey that your plane was just 75% full. You would feel pretty annoyed, wouldn’t you? Especially if you paid full price for your ticket.
Well, that’s how people feel when they’re given Viagra. It’s the most popular drug in the world, as well as in the UK, and it’s been around for more than 50 years. In the UK, it is classified as a Class C drug – a category that includes drugs with “risk of harmful effects” such as alcohol and certain medicines – and it’s only available on prescription. Yet, despite its safe and proven track record, many people still fear or avoid taking Viagra because of false notions about what it is and how it works.
Here we answer some of the most common questions about the drug, including what is it, how is it used, and is 75mg enough? Let’s find out.
What Is Viagra?
Viagra is short for “Sildenafil”, which is a chemical compound originally developed in the 1970s at the University of Southern California. The compound is a member of the phosphodiesterase family of enzymes, which break down a natural substance in the body known as cGMP – typically, this is done so the body’s natural erection processes can occur. When Viagra is given together with oxytocin – a naturally occurring compound found in the uterus and brain – it increases the chances of a successful sexual experience for men and women who are experiencing low libido or erectile dysfunction. However, the drug is not approved for use in people with certain health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. Side effects of Viagra include headache, flushing, and stuffy nose. While these are generally harmless, they’re not desirable.
Viagra is one of the most popular and effective medications prescribed for men with erectile dysfunction, a condition in which an inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficiently for sexual intercourse is a problem. The name “Sildenafil” is a combination of the first names of the scientists, Dr. George H. Buck and Dr. Mildred A. Buck, who first identified and experimented with the drug. In the UK, Viagra is prescribed for more than 250,000 men, with one in four having tried it. In the United States, it’s been prescribed to more than half a million men as of 2012.
Is 75mg Of Viagra Enough?
This is a common question among men who have never tried Viagra before, especially since it is considered a generic drug and, therefore, is relatively cheap to buy. The short answer is “yes”, and there is also a long answer. It depends on your goals and the nature of your erectile dysfunction. For example, if you want to increase your libido or the sizes of your erections, you will need to try at least 100mg of Viagra. If you want to treat your erectile dysfunction completely, and don’t want to try any other medications or treatments, you can start with 75mg. However, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor first to find out what dose is suitable for you.
The United Kingdom’s General Medical Council (GMC) advises that the maximum recommended dose for Viagra is 100mg taken orally (in pill form) every 24 hours – though a low dose of 25mg taken orally four hours before a planned sexual encounter may be sufficient for some men. Because generic Viagra is relatively cheap, its maximum recommended dose is designed to be as affordable as possible. This is also the dose used in the vast majority of clinical trials.
In general, the higher the dose, the better the effect. However, too much of a good thing can be harmful, especially if you take it daily. The GMC advises that the optimum dose for Viagra should be used cautiously, especially if you are already taking certain other medications or supplements. This is because some medications or supplements interact with some elements of the drug, such as sildenafil or vitamin E.
How Is Viagra Usually Taken?
Most people take Viagra as instructed by your physician. The drug is typically administered in tablet form under the tongue or inside the cheek. However, if you are taking the drug for erectile dysfunction and your physician hasn’t specifically mentioned anything about taking it orally, then you can take it in the way you were taught to take your medicines – with a glass of water first thing in the morning and again before going to sleep. This is to ensure the most effective absorption of the drug into your bloodstream. It may also help prevent some of the drug’s side effects, if properly taken in this manner. But, again, the way you take it is important – make sure you do it the same way every time you take it.
Is Viagra Available OTC?
Although Viagra is relatively simple and safe to use, it’s still not approved for use by those with certain health issues, such as heart disease or diabetes. Because of this, many people with these conditions are not able to use it safely, and it’s also not easy to get ahold of without a prescription. Fortunately, there is an unapproved – and, some would say, dangerous – alternative called Viagra OTC that is designed to be used by people with erectile dysfunction. It’s not exactly the same as the prescription drug, but it’s very similar – and, in many cases, it’s manufactured by the same company (Revatio).
Some pharmacists have questioned whether or not this alternative is actually a safe and effective way to treat erectile dysfunction. Although the risks are probably minimal – especially when compared to the risks of untreated erectile dysfunction – it’s still not recommended by any medical body. Using unapproved prescription drugs, particularly when used inappropriately, can seriously harm your health.
Does Viagra Have Any Other Benefits?
Aside from helping with erectile dysfunction, Viagra has several other documented benefits. It can increase sexual desire and pleasure in both men and women, helping them to relax and breathe more easily during sex. In pre-clinical studies, it’s been shown to improve the function of the cardiovascular system and to lower blood pressure. Furthermore, it’s been suggested that the drug might protect the heart and brain from damage caused by stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Despite these promising findings, the evidence is still considered to be preliminary. More clinical trials are needed to establish the drug’s true potential.
When Should You Try Other Treatments Before Going To ADoctor?
Although Viagra is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, it’s not the only medical option available. If your doctor has prescribed the drug and you’re not satisfied with the results, then there are other medications and treatments to consider. However, before you try any other treatment, it’s important that you exhaust all other reasonable options, since it’s not always easy to find out what treatment is suitable for you. Your doctor may be able to recommend some treatments that are appropriate for you, depending on your specific case.
The bottom line is this: if you want to try something new, do your homework beforehand to make sure it’s the right choice for you. If you’re not satisfied with the results of medication or therapy, then there are alternative treatments available. But it’s still important to rule out any serious health issues before you start popping pills or using other treatments.
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