Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is one of the most famous and popular ED (erectile dysfunction) medications. So famous that it has its own hashtag on TikTok (#OTWViagra), and so popular that it even has its own emoji ( 😌 ).
But while the drug is a proven therapy for ED, some online stores selling the drug claim that there’s “no right amount” for anyone.
In this article, we’ll explore the science and myths around Viagra use, with a focus on how much should you take and for what conditions.
What Is Viagra And Why Should You Take It?
Viagra is a chemical compound originally extracted from the fruit of the genus *Capsicum*. It was patented and approved for medical use by Pfizer in 1998.
It’s important to note here that while the FDA has approved the use of Viagra for treating erectile dysfunction, the drug is not meant to replace medical therapy or treatment for any other condition. Furthermore, the drug is a vasodilator, and while it’s great for treating ED, it also causes blood flow to the penis which in turn can cause priapism (painful prolonged erections) in some people. If you have severe heart disease or are taking other medications that cause blood pressure to drop, then it’s best to avoid taking Viagra. Otherwise, the drug is generally considered safe and effective for most people.
How Much Should You Take?
When it comes to the right dose of Viagra, just like with any other medication, it’s all about finding the right balance between efficacy and harm. Too much Viagra can cause unwanted side effects (mostly involving the gastrointestinal tract, but it can also cause dizziness and headaches), while too little can cause your ED to go untreated. So, like any other medication, you need to find the right dose for you.
When To Take It?
The most important factor to consider when it comes to the right time to take Viagra is your current time of day. Due to the drug’s mechanism of action (primarily affecting the nitric oxide pathway), it tends to work better at night when blood flows more slowly through the body and consequently to the erectile tissues. So the general rule of thumb is to take it at least two hours before you eat a meal (to reduce the possibility of interactions with food), or at least four hours before you drink alcohol (to reduce the possibility of alcohol-related interactions).
Some pharmacies have noted that taking Viagra with food can increase its efficiency by 30% or more, so one can argue that you might want to skip a meal before you take the drug in order to maximize its effect.
For What Conditions Should You Take It?
The best information for determining the right conditions and the ideal dose of Viagra comes from studies conducted and published by Pfizer. These studies identified several variables that can alter the drug’s efficiency, including:
- age
- food intake
- liver function
- time of day
- smoking status
- alcohol consumption
- health status
- drug therapy
- weight variations
- menopause
- and more
Based on these factors, Pfizer has published a chart that can be found here which provides information on how much Viagra each patient should take, as well as the ideal time of day and day of week for taking the medication.
Considering all these variables it is not difficult to see why some websites might claim that there’s “no right amount” of the drug and that everyone should “treat their ED” with Viagra. However, based on the information provided by Pfizer, it is still possible to determine the appropriate dose for a given patient.
How Can You Take Viagra?
While it is best taken orally (as with any other medication), it is still possible to administer the drug directly to the penis. There are, however, some important cautions that must be followed when using this route of administration.
- Do not take the drug if you have an allergy to any ingredient in the medication.
- Do not use the drug if you have a heart condition or are taking other medications that could cause a hypotension (low blood pressure).
- Do not take the drug if you are currently under 18 years of age.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose.
- Do not stop taking the medication without first consulting your doctor.
Additionally, if you consider that there’s “no right amount” of Viagra, then why are there so many different doses available? Well, the truth is that different people will require different doses to achieve the desired effect. Some will need more, some will need less. While most people will experience some level of benefit from the medication, it is not always possible to predict just how much or at what dose someone will need to experience relief from their ED.
Are There Any Side Effects From Taking Viagra?
The most common side effects of Viagra are headaches, dizziness, diarrhea, and, in some cases, mild transient skin flushing or an abdominal pain (usually in men). More rarely, people have reported heart attacks and fainting spells. While these side effects are generally mild and transient, they can be problematic in some situations (mostly involving older people, those with pre-existing heart conditions, and/or people who take other medications).
In most cases, these side effects resolve themselves after some time has passed, and most patients will not require further treatment (except in the case of people with pre-existing heart conditions or those who are at risk of tachycardia or heart failure). Some individuals, however, may require additional medication or, in some cases, even surgery to resolve these issues. So it’s always important to remember that while Viagra is generally safe and well-tolerated, it’s not perfect.
Also remember that like any other drug, there are interactions with other medications and natural substances (especially alcohol and tobacco). So it’s always important to check with your doctor before you start taking any medication or herbal supplement (especially if you’re already taking other medications).
What About Storage?
Many medications require specific handling and storage to prevent potential damage to the medication or overdose. Since Viagra is a chemical compound, it’s not particularly susceptible to damage from light or heat (unlike, say, an antibiotic). This means it doesn’t need to be refrigerated and can be stored, without any special precautions, at room temperature.
However, it’s still recommended to store the medication in a cool, dark place to ensure maximum potency. You should also try and keep the bottle tightly closed to prevent any moisture from getting inside and degrading the medication.
In some cases, people have reported that storing the medication at room temperature for a few days before use has resulted in improved efficacy. While this variation can be useful in some situations, it’s not always convenient and can’t be guaranteed. So while there’s no specific recommendation for how long you should keep Viagra at room temperature, it’s still generally good practice to use the medication as soon as possible after opening the bottle.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, while there’s no “one size fits all” approach to medication, there’s also no question that Viagra can and does work for many people with erectile dysfunction. Even better, with the right dose and for the right patient, it can be a very effective treatment (much more effective than many people think).
Taking the time to find the right dose for yourself can and will improve your quality of life. And remember, there’s always something new to learn, whether you’re a seasoned user or you’re just now starting out. So make sure to check back here often for the latest info and additional tips and tricks!