Viagra is one of the most popular drugs worldwide. Its sildenafil citrate drug is effective in treating male erectile dysfunction (MED). It is also the best-selling product in the history of drugs, with over 300 million pills sold as of 2014. It is a remarkable feat for a drug that was originally designed as a veterinary pill. However, while its effectiveness is unquestioned, it is still a prescription drug, and that means there are side effects and risks associated with it. One of the biggest concerns with the drug is the lack of informed consent. Many people have had negative experiences with the drug and aren’t even aware that it is capable of causing adverse effects. In fact, many men taking it don’t even need it!
This is precisely why it is important to be certain that you are taking the right medication for your needs. In this article, we will discuss a number of the side effects of Viagra that you should be aware of and the risks associated with them. We will then explore how you can tell if this medication is right for you.
Side Effects And Risks
One of the most significant and well-known side effects of Viagra is headaches. The drug has been known to cause headaches in 10% of men taking it and 3% of women. They are most likely to occur 12 hours after taking the drug and last for three days. The headaches are generally mild, and only impact about 16% of people. In clinical studies, the side effects of Viagra were also widely reported to include dizziness, blurred vision, and a temporary increase in heart rate. These are all potentially serious side effects, and in some cases, they can be fatal.
It is also important to be aware of the risks associated with taking Viagra. The FDA lists the side effects as follows:
- headache
- dizziness
- vision halos
- difficulty breathing
- heart attack
- heart failure
- palpitations (an increase in the rate and frequency of heartbeats)
- fainting
- tachycardia (rapid or irregular heartbeat)
- stroke
- tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
- hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
- vasodilation (dilation of blood vessels)
- flushing (reddening of the skin)
- edema (swelling due to buildup of fluid in tissues)
- hearing loss
- depression
- drowsiness
- numbness
- difficulty concentrating
- sexual dysfunction
- diuresis (increase in urine output)
- anemia
- nasal obstruction
- nasal dryness
- nasal congestion
- urticaria (hives)
- pruritus ani (itching of the skin)
- photosensitivity (sensitive to light)
- loss of appetite
- indigestion
- stomach pain
- vomiting
- dyspepsia (indigestion or feeling of discomfort in the stomach)
- fever
- weight gain
- pains in the joints
- muscle aches
- weakness
- insomnia (problems falling asleep)
- fluid retention (edema)
- headaches
- irritability
- mood swings
- confusion
- mood retardation
- anxiety
- aggression
- hallucinations
- hallucinatory behavior
- personality changes
- disorientation
- dysphoria (mood changes associated with depression)
- apathy (indifference)
- agitation
- irritability
- anger
- numbness
- tremors
- convulsions
- shivering
- sweating
- chills
- facial flushing
- facial rash
- itchiness
- trouble breathing
- stomach pain
- vomiting
- nausea
- drowsiness
- sedation (feeling of exhaustion)
- toxicity (poisonous effects)
- dry mouth
- sore throat
Who Is This Product Right For?
The primary consideration in deciding whether or not to take Viagra is your current medical condition. You should not take the drug if you are already suffering from any cardiovascular diseases or if you are taking medications for other mental or physical health problems. Your doctor may also have specific guidelines for when you should not take the medication. Some of the contraindications (things that you should not do while taking the drug) include taking nitrates (medication used to treat heart disease) and recreational drugs. If you have any of these contraindications, you should consult with your doctor before taking the drug.
Men should not take Viagra if they already have an erection that lasts more than four hours or if they have previously undergone surgery on their penile nerves. In such cases, it may be better to seek alternative treatments. Women who are taking the drug for hypertension should also monitor their blood pressure closely because it can increase while on the medication. They should also not drink alcohol while on the medication because it can cause fluctuations in blood pressure.
Does It Work For Everyone?
The short answer is no, it does not work for everyone. In clinical trials, only about half of the participants were found to have benefited from the drug. That means that about half of the men taking it did not experience any improvement in their erectile function, and it also means that there is a chance that it could be harmful. Remember, though, that even those who did not experience any improvement in their erectile health may still have benefited from the drug in other areas of their lives. The bottom line is that while Viagra may be effective for some men, it is still an experimental drug and there are still risks associated with it.
Where Can I Buy Viagra Safely?
If you want to buy Viagra safely and effectively, you should look for a reputable supplier. The FDA does not regulate the sale of over-the-counter medications, so they do not verify the quality of the products that they allow to be sold without a prescription. Unfortunately, there are many fake and substandard products on the market that can be dangerous if they are consumed. Buying from a reputable company ensures that you are getting a high-quality product and that it has been tested for safety and effectiveness.
Are There Any Dangers Associated With To Going Off The Drug?
The short answer to this question is yes. It is very dangerous to stop taking Viagra abruptly or to go off of it without a proper plan. Doing so can result in serious medical problems. If you want to be on the safe side, you should taper off of the medication gradually. Some doctors may also advise against taking the medication if you are taking other ED drugs because it can cause serious interactions.
It is also essential that you consult with your doctor about any plans to wean off of the medication. Going off of it without consulting with your doctor first could put your health at risk. Although the risk is low, you should still take the time to gradually reduce your dosage until you are off of it entirely. This will minimize the risks associated with the medication. Be sure to follow any instructions your doctor gives you regarding tapering off of the drug.