Most men have found relief from erectile dysfunction with the use of Viagra®, the number one prescription drug in America. With this amazing drug, the desire for sex becomes possible again. Despite its popularity, many men have found that using Viagra® is not risk-free. In fact, recent studies have suggested that men on this drug may be at increased risk for stroke.
If you’re taking Viagra®, you may be wondering if there’s a connection between the medication and stroke. Is there really a link between these two health concerns? What are the risks associated with using this pill? Let’s take a look.
Use Of Viagra® Reported To Increase Stroke Risk
The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study in July 2019 that connected the use of Viagra® to an increased risk of developing a stroke. The study was based on data from the General Practice Research Database in the United Kingdom. The team looked at nearly 9 million patients and found that men who took Viagra® were 31% more likely to develop a stroke compared to men who didn’t use this medication. The results were not exactly surprising considering that Viagra® is a cardiac medication. After all, what is a stroke but a heart attack that didn’t kill you?
While the study confirmed what most men already know – that Viagra® can cause stroke – it highlighted some important points about this link.
Who’s At Risk For Stroke During And After Treatment With Viagra®?
One major risk associated with using Viagra® is that those who take this medication are at a greater risk for developing a stroke after the treatment has been stopped. The risk is highest in the first six months after stopping the drug, and then returns to pre-treatment levels at 12 months. This is why it’s critical to continue taking your medication as prescribed even after your erectile dysfunction is resolved. In the case of the study, it was recommended that patients who experienced a stroke while on Viagra®, continue taking the medication for the rest of their life to maintain good cardiovascular health.
What Other Drugs Increase Stroke Risk While On Treatment?
While many men are reassured that Viagra® will not harm them, this is not always the case. Other medications that are prescribed to men can increase their risk of having a stroke, especially if they take these substances together with Viagra®. The increased risk is mostly associated with anti-psychotics, which are known to increase the blood pressure of those who take them. This adds to the already high risks associated with hypertension and diabetes. Together, these three conditions are the main causes of strokes in the elderly. So if you’re aged over 45 and experience symptoms of any of these conditions, then it’s a good idea to avoid drugs that contain anti-psychotics and instead try and find alternatives.
Some other medications that have been connected to an increased risk of stroke while on treatment are:
- Painkillers – NSAIDs and opiates
- Warrior One – A selective androgen receptor blocker
- Tamoxifen – An anti-cancer drug used in the treatment of breast cancer
- Fentanyl – A synthetic opioid that is about 100 times more potent than morphine
- Clomipramine – An anti-depressant that is also an inhibitor of the re-uptake of serotonin
- Trazodone – An anti-depressant that is also an inhibitor of the re-uptake of serotonin
Does Viagra® Increase The Risk Of Other Diseases?
While Viagra® has been shown to increase the risk of stroke, other diseases have also been linked to this medication. For example, the use of Viagra® has been associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, diabetes mellitus, and heart failure. However, some of these risks are higher than others. In particular, those who use Viagra® and also have Parkinson’s disease, diabetes mellitus, or heart failure run the risk of experiencing a serious stroke. So it’s important to note that not everyone who uses Viagra® will develop a stroke, but it’s also important to be aware of the risks that come with the treatment.
Use Of Viagra® During Pregnancy Raises The Risk Of Stillbirth
Even though most men are relieved that using Viagra® can improve their sexual performance, this medication can still pose risks to the mother and baby. The use of this drug during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of stillbirth. Stillbirth is the birth of a baby that did not survive for at least 20 weeks. The risk of stillbirth is higher if the mother is aged under 25 and has had more than one previous stillbirth in her life. If you’re going to use Viagra®, then be sure to inform your doctor about your pregnancy ahead of time so that he can monitor your blood pressure and adjust your medication accordingly. You should also make sure to avoid alcohol while taking this medication and have blood pressure checks regularly.
Should Men On Viagra® Avoid Intercourse For A While?
It’s no secret that using Viagra® can help improve sexual performance. However, apart from the risk of stroke, many men are still afraid to try this drug because they’re not sure about the long-term effects. While there’s no denying that Viagra® can help jump-start your libido, it’s still not clear if this is a good or bad thing. Some doctors argue that using this medication may allow for more unsafe sexual practices, especially if other medications are combined with it. If you’re concerned about the effects of using Viagra®, then it’s best to consult with your doctor so that he can advise you on whether or not this is a safe medication for you to take, especially if you’re already taking other medications.
Some men who take this medication may develop low libido, which is not a usual side effect but it is something that should be monitored closely by the doctor. Others may develop high blood pressure or a new problem with blood clots. In most cases, these symptoms can be treated successfully. However, if they’re not monitored and properly treated, then serious complications may arise. This is why it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with using this medication so that you can get the best possible care if you experience any problems.
Are There Any Alternatives To Viagra® For Treating Erectile Dysfunction?
If you’re looking for a medication to treat your erectile dysfunction, then you have several alternatives. However, not all of them will help you get rid of your ED. In most cases, adding some extra supplements to your diet and doing some gentle exercises will help increase your blood flow and boost your libido. In some cases, this may also help relieve your erectile dysfunction. Here are some of the most popular alternatives to Viagra®:
Tadalafil – A PDE-5 inhibitor that is taken orally
Tadalafil is a generic version of the medication Staxyn®, which is a highly popular PDE-5 inhibitor that’s taken orally. Like most medications that are designed to treat erectile dysfunction, tadalafil is a potent pill that will help you get an erection when taken correctly. However, just like Viagra®, this drug can cause stroke if taken incorrectly or in excessive doses. According to the FDA, overdosing on tadalafil is very dangerous and can lead to serious health problems. In most cases, taking too much of this drug will also result in side effects that are similar to those of Viagra®. The most dangerous side effect is priapism, which is an erection that lasts more than four hours. If this happens, then you need to seek urgent medical help. The good news is that this medication is very effective and has a very high rate of patient satisfaction. This drug can also be used in combination with other medications to treat erectile dysfunction, so if you’re already taking an opioid for pain or an anti-depressant for depression, then it’s a good idea to try and find a tadalafil combination that will help improve your sex life and increase your overall quality of life.