Since its approval by the FDA in 1998, the drug Sildenafil has changed the lives of men everywhere who struggle with erectile dysfunction (aka Impotence or Erectile Dysfunction). Sildenafil is a drug that helps to increase blood flow to the penis, which in turn allows for an improved erection.
While Sildenafil is a superb medication that can dramatically improve a man’s sex life, it is not designed to replace other treatments for ED such as counseling, exercise, and diet changes. For this reason, it is essential that you and your doctor discuss the ideal dosing regimen for you so that you can get the most from this medication.
How Much Should You Take?
Based on your body weight, you will need to take a certain dose of Viagra to see an effect. The most common dose is 25 mg for an average-sized person. Your doctor may recommend a different dose, however, if you are a heavy or a light person, you should probably try a different regimen. If you are not sure whether or not you should try this medication, please consult with your doctor.
When Should You Take It?
Like many other ED drugs, Viagra is not effective if taken too late in the day. Many men with ED have found that it is best taken about ten to thirty minutes before sexual activity. Although there is not a standard time for when you should take it, after having a good meal (such as the one made from scratch with all the necessary nutrients your body needs) or some light exercise (such as a walk) the medication will most likely work better. Drinking alcohol prior to taking Viagra can also interfere with its effectiveness.
Is It Safe?
Yes, as long as you follow the instructions of your doctor and consume the recommended amount, Viagra is completely safe. It has been known to help men with various health issues including liver disease and hypertension, among others. Men with these conditions need to check with their doctors before taking any medication, though. Viagra should not be used by men with certain other health problems including heart disease, diabetes, and prostate problems. In these cases, it can cause additional complications. If you have any questions about whether or not Viagra is safe for you, you should definitely talk to your doctor.
Side Effects
Like many other medications, Viagra is not completely risk-free. It can cause side effects such as nasal congestion, facial flushing, and stomach irritation. These usually go away after a few hours, but some men experience them for several days. If you experience any sort of negative reaction to this medication, it is important to report it to your doctor so that he can advise you on how to treat it. Some of the possible side effects of Viagra are shown below:
Headache
Some men have reported experiencing headaches after taking Viagra. These headaches are not harmful but they can be quite annoying. Your doctor may be able to help you with this problem or suggest a different medication that does not cause headaches. If you are thinking about trying this medication, you should definitely discuss it with your doctor.
Dizziness
A small number of men in clinical trials reported experiencing dizziness after taking Viagra. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you a different medication or suggest a different dose of this medication if you experience dizziness. If you do, this could impair your quality of life and make it somewhat difficult to complete the daily tasks we all have to do. So it’s worth it to try and find a solution to this problem. If you experience dizziness, you should not take Viagra.
Nasal Congestion
Like many other medications, Viagra can cause nasal congestion. This is mostly evident in the morning after you wake up. If you experience nasal congestion, it should be no great concern as it usually clears up within an hour or two. There is no known cure for nasal congestion, but it is often able to be managed with proper medication and/or treatment. If you experience nasal congestion, you should not take Viagra.
Facial Flushing
Some men have reported experiencing facial flushing after taking Viagra. This is a fairly common side effect and it usually goes away after a few hours. Again, there is no known cause for this phenomenon but it is not adverse. It’s just something you have to learn to live with. If you experience facial flushing, it can be quite frustrating especially if it happens during sexual activity. Sometimes the flushing can be so pronounced that it is difficult for the person experiencing it to have an effective sexual experience. Your doctor may be able to help you with this problem or suggest a different medication that does not cause facial flushing.
Stomach Irritation
Like many other medications, Viagra can cause stomach irritation in some men. This is especially prevalent in the first few days after you start taking it. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you a different medication or suggest a lower dose of this medication if you experience stomach irritation. He may also be able to suggest a different route of administration (i.e. sublingual vs. oral) if the irritation is too much to handle. If you experience stomach irritation, you should not take Viagra.
How Long Does It Last?
Like most other medications, Viagra has a half-life. This is the amount of time it takes for your body to process and get rid of it. The half life of Viagra is fairly short and it usually passes within four to five hours after consumption. It is commonly known as a ‘one-and-done’ medication. This may mean that you will need to take it more than once to achieve the desired effect. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you a different medication with a longer half life if this is the case. Some medications that are used to treat ED have a half life of up to twelve hours. If you experience any adverse reactions to this medication, you should report them to your doctor so that he can advise you on how to treat them. Some of the possible side effects of Viagra are shown below:
Drowsiness
A small number of men in clinical trials reported experiencing drowsiness after taking Viagra. Like most other medications, this is usually a mild and temporary side effect that goes away after a few hours or a day. If you experience drowsiness, you should not be much concerned as it is usually not a serious problem. Sometimes it can even be helpful with sleep during the day if you are not getting any at night. Your doctor may be able to help you with this problem or suggest a different medication that does not cause drowsiness.
Tiredness
A small number of men in clinical trials reported experiencing tiredness after taking Viagra. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you a different medication or suggest a different dose of this medication if you experience tiredness. If you are thinking about trying this medication, you should definitely discuss it with your doctor.
Dry Mouth
A small number of men in clinical trials reported experiencing dry mouth after taking Viagra. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you a different medication or suggest a different dose of this medication if you experience dry mouth. If you are thinking about trying this medication, you should definitely discuss it with your doctor.
Flatulence
A small number of men in clinical trials reported experiencing flatulence (also known as ‘gas’ or ‘bloat’) after taking Viagra. Once you learn to live with this problem, it’s not really that bad. It usually goes away after a day or two. Some men have even reported a reduction in their symptoms after just a few days on the medication. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you a different medication or suggest a different dose of this medication if you experience flatulence. If you experience flatulence, you should not take Viagra.