It is no secret that the world of pharmaceuticals is a competitive one. New drugs are getting approved every day, and established drug manufacturers are always looking for ways to improve their products’ success rates and reduce their production costs in order to stay viable. One of the more recent examples of this competition is the development of Viagra and its various counterparts.
In the middle of 2012, several pharmaceutical companies were granted approval from the FDA to market their own versions of Viagra, all based on the original and highly successful formula. Since then, these new oral medications for treatment of erectile dysfunction have soared in popularity, and drugstores and online retailers have stocked up on supplies because of this. However, choosing the right medication for yourself can be a complicated process, especially since there are so many alternatives available and so much competition in the market. To assist with this process, we will examine some of the key differences between each of these medications in an effort to help you determine which one is the best for your needs.
Side Effects
When taking any medication, especially one that is highly regulated by the FDA, the first thing you should inquire about is the list of side effects that could arise. If you go through the list of approved medications for erectile dysfunction, you will find that all of them are associated with some unwanted effects. However, this should not be a concern if you are using the medication appropriately and as prescribed by your physician.
The side effects of Viagra are typically mild and do not pose any serious threats to your health. However, men taking the drug may experience the following side effects:
- Headache
- Dyspepsia (dyspeptia)
- Nasopharyngitis (stiff or sore throat)
- Back pain
- Dizziness
These are all relatively minor side effects that most people will not experience. Still, it is always best to be aware of what is known about a drug before you start taking it. In some cases, these side effects can be quite dangerous, and you should definitely not take the medication if you are already experiencing them or if they are highly symptomatic.
How Does It Work?
This is one of the more complicated questions when choosing a medication for erectile dysfunction. The how does it work? aspect of the equation is quite simple: Viagra and its counterparts work by increasing the blood flow to the penis. More specifically, Viagra works by enhancing the action of nitric oxide (NO), which is a chemical that plays an important role in sending signals to the brain and triggering the ‘fight or flight’ response. This response causes the body to release more blood into the vessels, resulting in an erection. As a result, taking Viagra can sometimes cause an erection to happen even if the person does not initially have an adequate supply of blood.
When it comes to choosing a medication for erectile dysfunction, the easiest way to find out how effective it is is to read the reviews. When it comes to Viagra and its counterparts, the reviews are quite positive. Most people who have taken the medication report that it works as advertised and is a safe and effective way to treat their erectile dysfunction. Still, there are a few negative reviews as well, which you should read with a grain of salt.
How Long Does It Take Before I See Results?
This is another question that you should ask your physician when choosing a medication for erectile dysfunction. Just like with any other medication, you will not see the results of Viagra and its counterparts right away. It can take several weeks or even months of consistently taking the medication before you start to see improvements. During this time, you should continue to monitor how you are doing and if you are experiencing any unwanted side effects. If you are experiencing any unusual or concerning symptoms, it may be a good idea to consult your physician right away so that he can rule out any medical conditions or problems that your symptoms may be causing. In most cases, though, men who have used Viagra or its counterparts for erectile dysfunction report that the changes are quite apparent and worth the effort. Still, you should not expect to see instantaneous improvements when taking these types of medications.
How Many Doses Do I Need To Take To See Results?
This question can be quite tricky to answer because it depends on how you are going to use the medication. If you are going to take a single dose in the morning and expect to get results that day, you may be asking for too much. In most cases, though, patients report getting results with two to three doses per day. Still, it all depends on the person and how he is going to use the medication. If you are unsure of how many doses you need to take or if you are just starting out, it may be a good idea to try out a few different products or combinations of products to see what works best for you.
Who Should Not Take It?
There are people who should not take Viagra and its counterparts. For starters, men who are taking the medication for recreational purposes or those who are already suffering from coronary artery disease, heart failure, or diabetes should not take these medications because of the potential for dangerous side effects. Similar to any other medication, these drugs are not meant for women or children, and they should not be taken if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
As for the other extreme, if you are a human being, you should not take Viagra or its counterparts because they are made from natural products and are therefore deemed to be ‘natural’ remedies. Still, while these medications may be safe and effective for some people, they are not meant to replace conventional treatment. When it comes to erectile dysfunction, many different approaches exist, and many different medications work in conjunction with one another, depending on the person’s specific needs. In some cases, for example, a person may need a drug to boost his nitric oxide levels, in which case he may benefit from Viagra or similar medications. In other cases, though, a person may need a drug that directly interacts with the endothelin system, in which case he may need an Erectile Dysfunction drug that works by targeting the endothelin system. In yet other cases, a person may need a drug that elevates phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) levels, in which case he may need a medication that works by increasing the levels of this enzyme. In most cases, though, people who are seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction will benefit from a combination of these or other therapies, both traditional and alternative.