Most men will experience some sort of side effect while taking Viagra, but they will not all be serious. Learn about the most common side effects of the popular erectile dysfunction medication.
Numbness or Tingling
Some men taking Viagra have reported feeling numbness or tingling in their extremities. This most notably occurs in the hands, which can make handling items such as a pen or mobile phone difficult. It has also been known to occur in the feet, which may make walking and standing difficult. These symptoms generally do not represent a serious health risk, but they can be quite annoying and disrupt one’s daily routine.
Dizziness
Dizziness is another common side effect of Viagra, particularly in the older generation of the drug. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies this as a minor health concern, but it can still cause some discomfort. The dizziness usually comes on immediately after taking the medication and can last for a few hours before easing. Some men taking Viagra have also reported temporary hair loss as a result of this side effect, which is quite alarming as it could lead to an inability to run after a crime or to work on construction sites.
Headache
Some men taking Viagra have complained of experiencing headaches, especially when standing up after sitting for a long time. The pain can be so bad that it inhibits one’s ability to work, which is why this side effect is considered a minor concern by the FDA. The headaches usually go away after a while, but they are still not considered to be pleasant phenomena.
Chest Pain
Chest pain is another unpleasant side effect of Viagra, particularly in the form of heartburn or indigestion. Fewer than one in ten men taking the drug have reported experiencing this side effect, but it is still considered a significant concern by the FDA. The chest pain is usually accompanied by upset stomach, which further compounds its severity. Although it is rarely fatal, it can still cause a man to miss days at work, which could lead to considerable financial loss. The chest pain usually begins eight to ten hours after taking the medication and can last for several hours.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is another common side effect of Viagra, particularly in the form of thirst or excessive thirst. A small number of men taking the drug report experiencing this issue, which is why it is still considered a minor concern by the FDA. The dry mouth usually comes on suddenly, reaching its peak intensity in under ten minutes and lasting for several hours. It is then followed by a phase of slight wetness, which is normal and will not be a cause for alarm. Some men taking this medication have also complained of having an increased need for food and water, which is why it is still considered a minor concern by the FDA.
Shortness of Breath
Men taking Viagra have also complained of experiencing shortness of breath while lying down. This may be caused by the medication, but it may also be a sign of undiagnosed asthma or heart disease, of which Viagra is not a known therapy. The shortness of breath is usually mild and will not present any serious health risks, but it can still cause some men to refrain from participating in strenuous activity.
Fainting
Some men taking Viagra have reported fainting, which is a severe drop in blood pressure that results in a temporary loss of consciousness. The fainting usually occurs while driving or while participating in any sort of activity that requires physical effort, which is why this side effect is still considered a significant concern by the FDA. Other less common symptoms include severe dizziness, loss of coordination, and heart palpitations. In all cases, the fainting is accompanied by a temporary loss of consciousness and can be brought on by exercising or alcohol consumption. The fainting usually lasts for several minutes and is then followed by a recovery period. Although it is not always fatal, it is still quite alarming and can be a cause for concern.
Blurred Vision
Some men taking Viagra have complained of having blurry vision while staring at objects or in poor lighting. The FDA considers this to be a minor health concern, but it is still considered a significant side effect by many men taking the medication. The blurry vision is usually temporary, but it can still cause some men to refrain from participating in activities that require sharp vision, such as reading or driving. If this side effect continues to persist or become more frequent, it could be a sign of a more serious health issue.
Faster Heart Rate
A small number of men taking Viagra have reported experiencing a faster heart rate, generally in the form of a skipped beat or an early heart beat. This is another unpleasant side effect of the drug, considered a minor health concern by the FDA. However, it is still a significant side effect for many men taking the medication, which is why it is still listed on the drug’s official warning label. The heart rate spike is usually accompanied by chest pressure and can be brought on by stress, anxiety, or excitement, which is why it is still considered a minor concern by the FDA.
Decreased Sex Drive
A small number of men taking Viagra have reported a significant decrease in their sex drive, mainly in the form of a lack of desire or inability to engage in any sort of sexual activity. This side effect is considered a significant concern by the FDA and is still listed on the drug’s official warning label. The decreased sex drive is often accompanied by emotional changes, such as anxiety or depression, and can be a cause for concern if it persists or if it impairs one’s ability to perform in his daily life. A similar situation occurs in women, albeit to a much lesser extent.
Dry Eyes
Finally, some men taking Viagra have experienced dry eyes, which is an issue that the FDA does not consider to be a significant health concern. Nevertheless, it is still considered a significant side effect by many men taking the medication. The dry eyes are usually accompanied by a stuffy nose and can be brought on by excessive exposure to heat or alcohol. Like most other side effects of Viagra, the dry eyes can be quite annoying and can lead to decreased performance at work or school. If this problem continues or becomes more frequent, it could be a sign of a more serious health issue.
What About The Benefits of Viagra?
There are also some men taking Viagra who have noted significant improvements in their sexual performance. These men consider the side effects to be insignificant in comparison to the benefits of the drug. Some of the reported benefits of Viagra include improved blood circulation, stronger erections, lower cholesterol levels, and less stress. The FDA officially lists these benefits and continues to affirm them, but the medications side effects are still considered significant enough to be mentioned on the Medication Guide and included on the drug’s warning label. It is still considered quite controversial whether or not these reported benefits are actually caused by the drug, but it is known that they can occur while on or after taking the medication.
It is important to remember that while the side effects of Viagra are usually minor and/or temporary, they can still be quite unpleasant for some men. In some cases, the side effects can be so significant that they are considered fatal. A man’s experience with the drug will vary, depending on a number of factors, including age, health, and dosage. If a man experiences any of the side effects listed above, he should consult his healthcare provider immediately to determine the cause. Some men have also developed a tolerance for the medication over time, which has necessitated an increase in dosage to maintain desired effects. It is always crucial to maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly to avoid any potential health concerns. These two things alone can help prevent many of the side effects of Viagra and ensure that a man continues to enjoy the benefits of the drug for as long as possible.