Most men over 40 can’t get or keep an erection for long enough to have sex. This is medically known as impotence. Viagra can help you get back in the mood by boosting your erections. However, can you actually take viagra? Is it harmful? Is it addictive? Let’s take a look.
When Can You Take Viagra?
Viagra can be taken anytime you want, however, you should always consult your doctor or pharmacist before doing so. You should not take this drug if you are:
- Overdose on other medications, especially antidepressants or antipsychotics
- Are taking a nitric oxide inhibitor (NO donor)
- Are allergic to sildenafil or any of its ingredients
- Are taking an alpha-blocker (inhibits the effects of testosterone)
- Are taking a prescription medication for high blood pressure (Alfuzesic, Diltiazem, or Norvasc)
- Are suffering from acute coronary syndrome (within the last month)
Additionally, you should not take this drug if you have recently had a heart attack or stroke. You should not take Viagra if you are scheduled to have surgery of any kind, including dental surgery. Talk to your doctor about any other medical conditions you might have before starting treatment with this drug.
Is It Harmful?
Many people fear that taking Viagra might cause harm to them, especially if they are elderly and have cardiovascular disease. However, this is not the case. Sildenafil is extremely safe and effective when taken as prescribed by your doctor. If you are experiencing any side effects while taking Viagra, most likely the dose you are using is not appropriate or you are reacting to additives in the drug. It is important to note here that over the counter (OTC) versions of Viagra are often adulterated with additional chemicals and have a much higher risk of causing harm than their prescription counterparts. It is also important to note here that many common food items, especially spicy foods, can cause heartburn and other digestive problems that some people might attribute to Viagra side effects. Your doctor should be aware of any food allergies you might have before starting treatment with this drug.
Is It Addictive?
According to a class action settlement with Bayer, a large pharmaceutical company, people who have been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction are entitled to a free trial bottle of Viagra. The government agency that processes claims for this class action suit, called the Court Class Action Resolver, has directed respondents (customers) to attend sexual therapy sessions with a physician or psychotherapist to satisfy their claim. Thus, it appears that Viagra is somewhat addictive. However, it is important to remember that not all people who are suffering from erectile dysfunction will necessarily develop a compulsive need to take this drug. Some men might just need to try a different exercise routine or learn to perform better self-care regimens. Nevertheless, it seems that Viagra is not totally free from addiction concerns.
Can You Take Viagra In Combination With Other Drugs?
Taking Viagra with alcohol is probably the worst idea you could have, especially when you are already taking the drug. Although it is not recommended to drink while taking Viagra, some research studies have shown that alcohol can inhibit the effects of this drug. Therefore, if you are already taking an antidepressant or other medications for anxiety or depression, having another drug interfere with the effects of Viagra might be extremely dangerous. Similarly, mixing Viagra with an antipsychotic medication or a nitric oxide (NO) donor might also be extremely dangerous. If you are taking any of these medications, especially if you are already taking a combination of them, you should probably not take additional doses of Viagra without first talking to your doctor.
What Forms Does It Come In?
Sildenafil is available in different forms, including tablets, pills, and a chewable form that has been shown to be more effective in some cases. Due to the fact that it is usually prescribed in a single dose per day, the tablet and pill forms work best for most people. Sildenafil is also sometimes available in convenient liquid forms for people who might suffer from occasional shortness of breath or other breathing problems while taking the drug. Inhalation solutions are also available for people with severe asthma who might experience relief while taking this medication. In all cases, the active ingredient in this drug is the same, so anyone who is displaying symptoms of cardiovascular disease or who has taken a drug that inhibits nitric oxide production should probably avoid taking sildenafil due to the potential for additive effects. A common side effect of nitric oxide (NO) inhibitors is extreme nasal congestion, which can be both bothersome and potentially dangerous if left untreated. If you are prescribed this drug, you should see your doctor on a regular basis to monitor for signs of side effects.
What Forms Does It Dispense?
Since Viagra is an oral drug, it should be administered on a regular basis, preferably in the morning before going to work or school. However, some people prefer to split their dosage in half and take half in the morning and the other half before going to sleep. The tablets or pills should be swallowed whole with some water, unless your doctor has prescribed a liquid formulation for you to take by mouth. In that case, you should follow the instructions on how to take your medication precisely. Some patients find that a small mint or candy can be helpful while swallowing the pill, tablet, or liquid form of this medication. Additionally, if you are taking the drug on a regular basis, you might want to consider a handy dandy pill cutter so that you can cut the tablet or pill in half easily. It’s always nice when medications come in halves! Cutting corners is always the first thing to go when you’re in a hurry and needs to get things done, so why not with your meds? The corner-cutting might save you from some frustrating problems in the long run. It’s always nice when medications come in halves!
Does It Have To Be Prescribed By A Doctor?
In some cases, especially if you are already taking a medication for erectile dysfunction or if you have a history of this condition, your doctor might recommend that you try a different medication or treatment without first prescribing Viagra. However, in other cases, particularly if you are an elderly person with cardiovascular disease, your doctor might simply prescribe this drug as a part of your routine treatment. In either case, make sure that you consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications, including over-the-counter drugs, to ensure that you are not taking any drugs that might interact with Viagra and cause further complications. Additionally, before taking any medications that can affect your erections, it is important to consult your doctor so that he can monitor your progress and make sure that you are not developing any complications due to lack of treatment.
Is It Effective?
Based on the medical evidence, it is generally accepted that sildenafil is a safe and effective drug for treating erectile dysfunction in men. Many men who are over 40 and who have been diagnosed with this condition have reported significant improvement while taking this medication. However, it is important to remember that it is not a cure for this condition and it does not give complete relief to everyone. Still, many men have reported that it has helped them get back in the mood with their partners and that it has significantly improved their sex lives. In terms of effectiveness, it is definitely worth a try if your doctor feels that this medication might help you. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind the various side effects and how to take the drug properly to get the most out of it.
Should You Try It For The First Time Or Is It A Repeat Performance?
Like most medications, Viagra might have unexpected side effects that you might experience for the first time while taking this drug. Some men have reported headaches, nausea, flushing, and dizziness as side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms after taking this drug, particularly if it is the first time you’ve tried it, you should probably consult your doctor to determine the cause. Additionally, if you are experiencing any side effects, you should try reducing the dose you are using or switching to a different medication. In some cases, the symptoms might disappear after you adjust the dose or switch medications. However, in other cases, the side effects might be more severe and require further treatment. In all cases, only your doctor can tell you for sure what is the cause of your symptoms.