Viagra has been a commercial success since it was first introduced to the market in 1998. More than 12 million prescriptions have been written for Viagra nationwide as of 2017. The drug has helped men who suffer from erectile dysfunction get and maintain an erection long enough to have sex. However, while the drug has been a massive success, it also has a dark side.
Because it was originally designed as a short-term solution for ED, doctors may have overprescribed it and men may have become dependent on the drug. This may explain why, as of 2017, 22.1% of men in the U.S. reported taking Viagra daily, while 15.4% said they took the medication twice a day. Because of this, men who take Viagra chronically are at risk of developing serious side effects, such as liver damage and heart failure. If you’re thinking about taking Viagra, ask your doctor about the long-term effects.
How Long Does Viagra Last?
Viagra is a sildenafil citrate (Sildenafil) drug. It’s a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE-5I). This means it inhibits an enzyme that normally breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) within the walls of the penis. When this occurs, the lining of the blood vessels in the penis relaxes and blood flows into the organ to cause an erection. After the erection subsides, the cGMP is again broken down, resulting in the ejaculation of semen.
The citrate salt of Sildenafil is more stable than the free acid and therefore provides a better taste experience when swallowed. Additionally, the salt is water soluble, which allows for easier absorption. Sildenafil is primarily metabolized in the liver, with fewer than 10% of the drug being removed before it is excreted in urine. Most of the drug is removed through the urine. Because of its short half-life, the dosage of Viagra must be administered frequently, usually about every 6 hours, to maintain an erection. Some men have found that taking the medication at the same time each day helps maintain consistent blood levels and ensures the most effective dose is taken at all times. However, frequent administration may lead to problems because it’s easily accessible and abuse-prone individuals may find it easier to simply increase the amount they use rather than taking the medication as prescribed.
The Problem With Being Over Or Underdosed
If you exceed the daily dosage recommended by your doctor, the result may be substandard blood levels of the drug. When this happens, you may experience some side effects but will likely not experience the intended effects of the medication. For instance, if your blood levels are too low, you may experience none of the side effects associated with nitric oxide (NO) because there isn’t enough of it to cause an effect. Similarly, if you take too much of the medication or use it intermittently, it will break down quickly and you may not experience the intended effect of the medication either. When this occurs, you’re either overdosed or underdosed.
If you’re taking too much of the medication or using it intermittently, it will break down quickly and you may not experience the intended effect of the medication either. When this occurs, you’re either overdosed or underdosed.
Watch Out For Side Effects
Although much of Viagra’s success is attributed to its ability to treat erectile dysfunction, it’s actually a medication that’s dangerously easy to abuse. This is why it’s critical to pay attention to any side effects that it may cause. Just because a medication is effective at treating a certain condition doesn’t mean it’s harmless. There are often dangerous side effects that come along with a drug’s use but are not always reported by the media. If you experience pain when taking the medication, this is always a concern and should be brought to the attention of your doctor.
Painful Erection Or Headache
According to the FDA, one of the most commonly reported side effects of Viagra is headache and painful erection. The agency also lists “dizziness, tachycardia, asthenia (numbness, weakness, and lack of energy) and nasal congestion” as other side effects that have been reported. However, unless these side effects are extremely severe, they probably aren’t problematic enough to bring to the attention of your doctor. Your doctor will be able to prescribe you an individual dosage that alleviates these side effects. Additionally, they may be able to help you avoid these side effects altogether by adjusting your dosage or changing your medication.
Longer Term Effects
While many men experience only short-term side effects from Viagra, these are generally harmless. However, if you take the medication frequently and for long periods of time, you’ll increase your risk of developing long-term side effects. If you develop liver problems while taking the medication, this could be serious because it may lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Even if you don’t develop liver problems, you could still experience other effects from long-term exposure to Viagra including headache, dizziness, and tinnitus. All of these are potential symptoms of liver damage and should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible.
This is not meant to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting any new medication program.