The arrival of generic Viagra in 2012 gave men the ability to benefit from the effectiveness of sildenafil without suffering from the debilitating side effects that were so common with its predecessor.
In the two years since then, much has been made of the similarities and differences between the brand name drug and its generic copy. While there are key differences, it’s also important to understand how they overlap. As someone who takes both medicines regularly, and who has an interest in the generic drug, here’s a closer look at how Viagra and its generic version compare. (Read more…)
Brand Vs. Generic
The first noticeable difference between the two drugs is in how they are presented in the pharmacy. Brand name Viagra comes in a fancy diamond shaped bottle with an elegant lid and a warning about taking it with food. Generic Viagra, on the other hand, comes in a plain rectangular bottle with no distinctive markings on the outside whatsoever. The only giveaway is the tiny letters “VG” stamped on the side.
The next difference has to do with the dosage. Brand name Viagra is presented in the form of 50mg, 100mg, and 150mg Sildenafil tablets. Each tablet is marked with the word “SIL” which stands for “Sildenafil”. A 200mg tablet, on the other hand, is simply called “Viagra” and the 100mg version is referred to as “Viagra Super”. The dosage for generic Viagra is the same, and it’s also presented in the form of tablets. However, the brand name medication is more commonly given as a liquid whereas the generic version is available in a solid form.
Key Differences
While there are some notable similarities between Viagra and its generic version, there are also key differences. One of the most pronounced differences has to do with the side effects that each drug causes. As mentioned, Sildenafil causes side effects that range from mild (such as headache and eye discomfort) to severe (such as extreme dizziness and fainting). Men on Viagra are also at a higher risk of developing an erection that lasts for more than four hours. This in turn can lead to permanent damage to the penis known as “arteriogenic impotence”. Because of this, men on Brand name Viagra should be very careful when using it, especially if they are already taking a compound that interferes with nitric oxide, or if they have a history of heart disease.
Another important difference between Viagra and generic Sildenafil has to do with the time it takes the drug to take effect. While Viagra is generally effective within 30 minutes of ingestion, it can take up to an hour for the full effects to be felt. Generic Sildenafil, however, is generally more effective and powerful than its brand name counterpart, having the potential to provide same-day relief for erectile dysfunction and even some cases of premature ejaculation. As a result, men on this compound do not need to be as careful about when they take it as they do with Brand name and other PDE-5 inhibitors. This makes it a popular choice amongst younger men who want to experiment with different sexual positions and don’t mind the spontaneity of the experience.
Yet another difference between Viagra and generic Sildenafil has to do with how each compound influences the body’s cannabinoid receptors. Brand name Viagra has the potential to activate cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which in turn can cause side effects ranging from headaches to mood swings and changes in appetite. Men on generic Sildenafil, on the other hand, can experience an improvement in their mood and mental function as a result of the drug, which is known to stimulate the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and in the gastrointestinal tract. This in turn can cause increased appetite and a decrease in the need to sleep, resulting in more energy and higher productivity at work. As you may have guessed, this differs slightly from person to person, but on the whole, men on generic Sildenafil seem to experience a greater increase in mental function and a decrease in the need for sleeping pills than men on Viagra. So if you’re looking to increase your productivity at work, or just want to experiment with different bedroom techniques without worrying about side effects, consider trying generic Sildenafil instead of Viagra.
Overall
In sum, Viagra Connect is a safe and effective option for men who are looking to try something new with their wives/girlfriends. It’s non-habit forming medication, which is a big bonus, and it’s easily available from most major pharmacies. As with all medications though, there are indications/warnings that you should be aware of before, during, and after treatment with this compound.