Viagra is the world’s #1 advertised prescription drug, and for good reason. It’s safe and effective to help men with their erectile dysfunction issues, and arguably the best-known drug in the world because of its fame.
However, as great as Viagra is, there are definite risks associated with its use. While there are relatively mild risks related to interactions and side effects, there are some more serious ones that you need to be aware of. Let’s go over them.
Headache And Dizziness As Side Effects
The most common side effects of Viagra are mild to moderate in intensity and mostly effect the head. These include headache, dizziness, light-headedness, and fainting. However, if you experience these side effects after taking Viagra, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve gone catastrophically wrong; it could just be a result of the drug’s effects. If these effects are too much for you to handle, either consult your doctor about an alternative treatment plan or take a break from using Viagra.
Heart Risks
As great as Viagra is for people with erectile dysfunction, it’s not necessarily a good choice for those who have heart disease. Because of the drug’s impact on blood pressure, people with heart disease are generally warned against using it. If you have heart disease, you should consult your doctor before taking any medications, including Viagra. You should also be aware that the drug can interact with other medications that you are taking, and some evidence suggests that it might even be dangerous in combination with nitrate medications.
Drowsiness
Another common side effect of Viagra is drowsiness. As a result of the drug’s mild sedating properties, people who take it report feeling slightly less awake and more relaxed than usual. Some individuals experience this effect so strongly that they end up falling asleep while driving or operating heavy machinery. This is why the drug is often referred to as a “date rape drug” because it can make a man more amenable to engaging in sexual activities while under the influence of alcohol. Because of this, people who take Viagra should be wary of operating heavy machinery or driving on unfamiliar roads or in bad weather conditions.
Bloating And Gas
While some experience a drop in blood pressure and dizziness as a side effect of taking Viagra, others report feeling more bloated and gassy than usual. This is because the drug enhances digestion, leading to increased gut activity and, consequently, flatulence. If you have gastrointestinal disorders that cause you to belch frequently or suffer from severe indigestion, you should avoid taking this drug. If you experience bloating or gas frequently, it might be a good idea to consult your doctor about trying a different medication.
Other individuals have complained that the gas produced by their digestive system increases in volume and is very painful. If this is the case for you, you should consult your doctor about how to treat the underlying cause of your gastrointestinal disorders. Aside from seeking help from your doctor, you might want to try taking a digestive enzyme pill to help reduce the volume of the gas in your digestive system.
Infections
Infections are a major cause of death in cases of Aids, and many people living with the disease have noted a significant correlation between their usage of certain medications, including Viagra, and the development of certain infections. Because the drug lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, both of which are important for preventing infections, it’s not necessarily a good idea for people with HIV to take it. People who are taking other medications for chronic conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol should also be aware of this risk.
This risk is more theoretical than real, but it’s still something to consider. The important thing to remember is that while Viagra can be very helpful for some people, it’s not for everyone. If you have questions regarding the risks or side effects of Viagra, you should consult your doctor. He or she will be able to advise you of the risks and help you find a medication that’s right for you.