You wake up one morning, feeling particularly energetic and motivated, and decide to hit the gym to work out. As you step onto the treadmill, the wall screen in front of you flickers to life and displays the latest headlines. Your natural reaction might be joy: “Ah, finally! The news topic I’ve been waiting for!” But then, after a recent bout with the heat, you catch sight of an article about generic Viagra (sildenafil citrate) and the OTC dilemma that threatens to spoil the fun of finally getting some exercise. You stop and stare at the computer screen, confused. Is this really what my body needs?
The chances are you’ve found yourself in a situation similar to the one described above. You felt empowered and ready to change your life when the opportunity to purchase Viagra presented itself, but then the OTC dilemma set in and you found yourself wondering if all that hassle was worth it. Luckily, there are solutions. In this context, we’ll discuss three tips that will help you decide whether OTC Viagra is right for you.
Know Your Limits
When you compare OTC Viagra to its counterpart, prescription Viagra, you’ll notice a significant difference in how the two drugs work. While Viagra requires a prescription and has to be administered by a physician, OTC Viagra comes in a variety of forms—some more effective than others—and can be bought over the counter. What this means is the risk of overdosing or underdosing is higher with OTC Viagra. You have to know your limits, especially when taking the drug for the first time.
The best thing you can do for yourself is learn to recognize the signs of an OTC overdose. If you experience any of the following, stop taking the drug and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately:
- feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- headache
- constricted blood vessels
- dark or purple spots on the skin
- anxiety or insomnia
- rapid heartbeat
- vision problems
- loss of appetite
- muscle aches
- cramps
In addition to being cautious about your intake, you have to know how to deal with OTC Viagra once you’ve started taking it. In particular, you must be careful when combining the drug with alcohol or other medications that affect the central nervous system, especially when taking the drug for the first time or after a long break since your last dose. Also, remember to discontinue taking the drug if you experience extreme dizziness or faintness. It could be a sign of a more serious problem.
Research The Side Effects
While the convenience and affordability of OTC Viagra is appealing, this convenience comes with a cost. One of the concerns many people have is whether or not OTC Viagra is safe. To put it simply, the short answer is yes, but not without concerns. Let’s unpack this question a bit.
When you compare OTC Viagra to prescription Viagra, you’ll notice a significant difference in how the two drugs work. One of the primary ways prescription Viagra differs from OTC Viagra is in how the side effects affect you. When you take prescription Viagra, you’re generally protected from the negative effects of the drug. This is because prescription Viagra requires a physician to monitor and titrate your dose, as well as to advise you of its possible side effects. In contrast, although OTC Viagra has fewer side effects, there are still some risks associated with the drug. For example, because it’s a non-specific inhibitor of phosphodiesterase, OTC Viagra has the potential to cause a sudden spike in blood pressure. Some researchers believe the risk of heart disease is also higher with the drug. While the benefits of OTC Viagra undoubtedly outweigh the risks in most cases, it’s still not a risk-free option. As a result, before you start taking the drug, you need to know its side effects and how you will react to them.
Fortunately, the side effects of OTC Viagra are generally mild, but not insignificant. In most cases, people experience the following side effects after taking the drug:
- dizziness
- headache
- flushing of the face
- burning or redness of the eyes
- heartburn or chest discomfort
- indigestion
- backache
- nasal congestion
- trouble sleeping
- sexual dysfunction
- diplopia (double vision)
- sickness
These are all common side effects that you should expect to experience after taking OTC Viagra. While they’re usually not dangerous, they can be debilitating, particularly if you take them chronically. To put it simply, avoid taking the drug if you have a history of heart disease, hypertrophy (enlargement) of the prostate, or hepatic (liver) dysfunction. If you experience any of these conditions, as well as high blood pressure, you should consider a different option.
Consider The Price
One of the major differences between OTC and prescription Viagra has to do with price. While most people assume that OTC Viagra is cheaper, this is generally not the case. In fact, for a lot of people, OTC Viagra ends up costing them more than prescription Viagra, due to the hidden fees and insurance premiums they have to pay out of pocket. When you’re faced with the cost of medications, particularly when you’re on a tight budget, OTC Viagra can be a tough pill to swallow.
Fortunately, there are solutions. In many cases, insurance companies will cover the cost of OTC Viagra if you’re suffering from a specific medical condition. For example, if you’re taking the drug for pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the blood vessels that carry air to the lungs), many insurance companies will cover the cost of the drug. In some cases, they’ll even give you a discount! So, if you’re really set on taking OTC Viagra, be sure to consult your insurance provider.
Is It Worth The Trouble?
Depending on your situation, the answer to this question is either yes or no. If you’re healthy, over the age of 18, and have a legitimate need for the drug, OTC Viagra is undoubtedly worth the trouble. While most people are concerned about the safety of OTC Viagra, at least at first, you have to remember that in most cases, the risks lie with taking the drug versus not taking the drug. In other words, the benefits of OTC Viagra far outweigh its risks. Still, as mentioned above, be sure to consult your doctor before starting any new medication regimen, especially if you’re experiencing any side effects. If you’re still not sure whether or not OTC Viagra is right for you after reading this article, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give you advice, based on your situation, on whether or not this drug is right for you.