Viagra is one of the most popular prescription drugs in the world. Since its introduction in 1998, it’s been touted as a safer and more effective alternative to treating male impotence (E.D.). And while it most certainly is effective at treating erectile dysfunction, many men may not realize the side effects this popular drug can have.
According to the Viagra fact sheet, the side effects of this drug are usually mild and infrequent. However, as most men age, they begin to experience various health problems that are listed under the “common side effects” section of the prescribing information for Viagra.
“The most common adverse reactions associated with sildenafil are dyspepsia (severe indigestion), headaches, and photosensitivity reaction,” the sheet states. “These reactions are usually mild and manageable. However, elderly patients may be more susceptible to such reactions due to reduced kidney function which results in increased levels of drug in the blood.”
The photosensitivity reaction can cause mild to severe skin rashes or hives. In the extreme case, it can result in anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction). So if you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
The Dangers Of Taking Too Much Viagra
Viagra is a remarkably safe and effective drug. However, as stated by the prescribing information for Viagra, excessive doses can cause heartburn, nausea, and dizziness. If you notice any of these side effects, stop taking the drug and contact your doctor.
Forbes reports that excessive doses of Viagra (particularly when taken with alcohol) can cause an enlarged prostate and other serious health problems. While these risks are relatively low, they’re still significant enough to be mentioned in the prescribing information for Viagra.
The Dangers Of Not Taking Enough Viagra
On the other hand, if you notice any side effects from taking too little Viagra, you should consult your doctor. This drug can be both ineffective and potentially dangerous. Symptoms of either of these conditions include chest pain, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath (SOB). If you experience any of these side effects, discontinue use of the drug and contact your doctor.
Your doctor may recommend taking a low dose of this drug for the first few months until your body adjusts to it. After that, increasing your dose may gradually improve your erection quality and relieve your symptoms.
In some cases, taking too little Viagra may even cause death. If you’re at risk for vascular (blood vessel) problems, liver problems, or have decreased kidney function, you should consult your doctor before using this drug.
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra is a prescription drug that can help increase blood flow to certain areas of the body. That increased blood flow allows you to achieve and maintain an erection which, in turn, allows you to have sexual intercourse. This drug works by increasing the permeability of the blood vessels in your penis.
In clinical trials, Viagra was shown to enhance erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction. The drug is not effective in all cases, however, and it can take upwards of three months to start showing positive results. But, in most cases, patients report immediate improvements in erectile function after a week of taking the drug.
To get started, simply follow the instructions on the package or take as directed by your doctor. Keep in mind that the dosage and the schedule you follow depend on your specific needs and how you plan on using this drug (binge or regular use). Be sure to consult your doctor if you have questions about starting or continuing to take any medication.
Signs Of Trouble
Not all signs of trouble are due to aging. There are a variety of medical conditions that can cause erectile dysfunction or low blood pressure (hypotension). Some of these conditions are listed below.
Chronic liver disease can decrease your body’s natural sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen) which, in turn, can cause erectile dysfunction. In some cases, liver transplantation is the only treatment available. In other cases, a patient may need to take medication or supplements to boost their sex hormones back to healthy levels. In extreme cases, liver transplantation may be the only recourse. Unfortunately, this is a very serious condition and one that is certainly life-threatening.
Diabetes can cause low blood pressure, which makes it more difficult for your heart to pump blood to your penis. It’s also one of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction. If you have diabetes, it’s essential to monitor your blood sugar levels and take measures to control them as directed by your doctor. Otherwise, this may lead to serious complications including heart disease and blindness. In the worst case, it may even cause kidney failure.
Alcohol can be both toxic and affect your ability to have an erection. While there’s no clear evidence that supports a specific cause and effect relationship, heavy drinkers have been known to experience erectile dysfunction. If you’re an alcoholic, you must stop drinking or taking any medications containing alcohol before experiencing any improvement in erectile function. In the case of pregnancy, you must also discontinue use of this drug since it is known to be harmful. Furthermore, if you’re already on any medication, you must consult with your doctor before combining it with alcohol or taking any supplements containing this ingredient.
When To Seek Help
As stated by the prescribing information for Viagra, it takes a certain amount of time (three months on average) for this drug to start benefiting your erectile function. Once you do start experiencing improvements, you may need to continue using the drug for the rest of your life to maintain that level of improvement. So it’s important to remember to seek help if you start noticing any signs of erectile dysfunction after only a few months of use.
Similarly, if you’re already on any medication and it starts causing various side effects, it’s important to consult with your doctor so that he can wean you off of it. In the case of kidney problems, they may advise you to start on a low dose and gradually increase your dose until you reach the level that works best for you. In some cases, it may be necessary to consult with a urologist (urine gland specialist) to find the best treatment method for your specific condition.
If you or any of your relatives are overweight, there’s a chance that you may be at risk for heart disease and diabetes. If you experience any signs of these problems, it may be a good idea to have a consultation with a cardiologist or endocrinologist. They may be able to help diagnose the problem and offer you advice on how to manage it. Furthermore, they may be able to prescribe you medication to reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Certain medications or supplements can also cause erectile dysfunction. If you’re already on any medication and it starts causing side effects, it’s important to consult with your doctor about changing your regimen. There are also numerous supplements that can cause erectile dysfunction, so it’s essential to monitor what goods you’re using and how much of them you’re taking.
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