Sildenafil (brand name Viagra) is a medication prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction (prevalence 5.2% in the U.S.), improve sperm quality, and allow men to have better orgasms. Sildenafil is a prescription drug that can be purchased over the counter at most drug stores. However, only prescription drugs can be legally obtained from a doctor. This article will inform you of the risks associated with taking sildenafil.
Risks of Taking Sildenafil
Sildenafil is a relatively new drug on the market and has only been around for a few years. As a result, the medical literature on the side effects of sildenafil is still relatively small. However, what data does exist suggests that there are some risks associated with taking sildenafil. Here are some of the more common side effects of sildenafil as reported in the medical literature.
Dizziness
Dizziness is one of the more common side effects associated with sildenafil use. In fact, it’s been reported in the medical literature that up to 25% of those taking sildenafil experience some form of dizziness. Dizziness can be quite debilitating and makes it difficult to perform everyday tasks. It can also be a sign that you’re at a higher risk for experiencing other side effects associated with sildenafil use. If you experience dizziness while on sildenafil, it’s generally advised to discontinue using the drug and see your doctor to determine the source of the problem.
Headache
Another common side effect associated with sildenafil is headache. It has been reported that about 16% of those taking sildenafil experience some form of headache. However, the source of the headaches is often difficult to determine as they can be caused by many different underlying conditions. When a patient with an undiagnosed headache is taking sildenafil, it’s generally advised to discontinue using the medication and see a doctor so that the source of the pain can be determined. Even if the source of the pain is not found to be sildenafil related, it can be quite debilitating and affect a patient’s quality of life.
Vision Changes
Sildenafil has been reported to cause a number of vision changes in some patients. Specifically, it has been shown to cause blue flashes, starbursts, blurred vision, dark spots before the eyes, and floaters. While most of these vision changes associated with sildenafil are mild, it’s important to note that they can be quite distracting and annoying. If you experience any of these vision changes while on sildenafil, it’s generally advised to discontinue using the medication and see your doctor so that the source of the problem can be determined.
Sinus Tachycardia
Sinus tachycardia is another common side effect associated with sildenafil use. Specifically, it has been reported that about 10% of those taking sildenafil experience some form of sinus tachycardia. When the sinus node in your heart begins to race, it can dramatically affect your ability to perform everyday tasks. It has also been reported that some patients taking sildenafil have experienced more severe cases of sinus tachycardia than others, resulting in some patients needing to be hospitalized. If you experience sinus tachycardia while on sildenafil, it’s generally advised to discontinue using the medication and see your doctor so that the source of the problem can be determined.
Tachycardia
Tachycardia is yet another common side effect associated with sildenafil use. Specifically, it has been reported that about 3% of those taking sildenafil experience some form of tachycardia. Tachycardia is an abnormally fast heart rate and, when extreme, can result in cardiac arrest. There are many different causes of tachycardia including, but not limited to, anemia, dehydration, fever, infection, and thyroid problems. If you experience tachycardia while on sildenafil, it’s generally advised to discontinue using the medication and see your doctor so that the source of the problem can be determined.
Heart Failure
Heart failure is a condition where your heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It has been reported that 2% of men taking sildenafil experience some form of heart failure as a side effect of the medication. However, this is likely an overestimation as there is no standard definition for heart failure and it’s likely that many cases of heart failure went unreported. In any event, heart failure is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the symptoms of heart failure (e.g., shortness of breath, swelling, etc.) while on sildenafil, it’s generally advised to discontinue using the medication and seek medical help. In some instances, patients have been placed on mechanical support devices (e.g., artificial lungs, heart-lung machines, etc.) to regulate blood flow and increase the amount of blood pumped by the heart.
Hypertension
Hypertension is yet another common side effect associated with sildenafil use. Specifically, it has been reported that about 2% of men taking sildenafil experience some form of hypertension. When blood pressure is high, it can put a lot of stress on your heart and other parts of your body. If you experience hypertension while on sildenafil, it’s generally advised to discontinue using the medication and see your doctor so that the source of the problem can be determined. There are a number of different reasons why hypertension is more common in men than in women; however, it’s important to note that regardless of your gender, you still need to be careful about your blood pressure since too much stress on your blood vessels can lead to health problems.
Is Taking Viagra Bad for Your Health?
Based on the data currently available, it would appear that taking sildenafil is not a good idea for everyone. The risks associated with using sildenafil far outweigh the benefits that most patients experience. If you’re thinking about using sildenafil, or if you’re already taking it and experiencing any of the side effects listed above, it’s probably best to stop taking the medication and talk to your doctor about other treatment options.