Since 1957, when the drug was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), millions of men have been able to benefit from the effects of Viagra. If you’re one of them, congrats!
While the magic pill has been hugely beneficial, it’s also brought with it some side effects that, in rare cases, could be severe.
With that in mind, it’s interesting to explore what other medications the drug interacts with. Turns out, there are several compounds out there that cause adverse reactions when combined with Viagra. So if you’re planning to drink beer while on this medication, here’s what you need to know.
Alcohol Has An Adverse Effect On Viagra’s Effect
Alcohol has always been known to interfere with a drug’s function, but it wasn’t until 1998 that the FDA officially recognized this interaction. In that year, after a seven-year-long clinical trial, the agency issued a report that confirmed what scientists had long suspected: Alcohol can decrease the effectiveness of Viagra. Specifically, when given simultaneously with the drug, alcohol significantly reduces the effectiveness of Viagra in treating erectile dysfunction (ED).
So if you’re planning to drink while on this medication, you need to stick to low-alcoholic drinks. Hard liquor, especially whiskey, has the same detrimental effect as regular beer and wine. If you’re not sure which ones are the safest, stick to regular beer and soft drinks (except for some wines, which have their own risks).
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
Another factor that determines a drug’s effectiveness is how long it takes for it to work. For Viagra, the answer is rather straightforward: It takes about 30 minutes for the medication to have its full effect. However, the substance doesn’t become fully active until it’s been in your system for a couple of hours. So after your first drink, your erection might not be fully developed and could potentially be compromised.
What Forms Does Viagra Come In?
Another important consideration when taking a medication is what forms it comes in. While most medications are available in tablets and capsules, Viagra is only available in a fluid form that’s easier for the body to absorb. So if you’re not used to taking tablets or capsules, this medication might not be the easiest to handle.
Do I Need A Prescription To Buy Viagra Online?
One of the major inconveniences of getting prescription drugs is having to go to a pharmacy and wait in line to pay for them. Thanks to the rise of the internet, it’s now possible to purchase most medications online. So what is the process?
If you’re in the U.S., you won’t have to go through a pharmacy to purchase Viagra. However, you will have to verify your identity through the mail. To do this, you will need to contact the company that distributes the drug and provide them with your name, address, and DEA number. Additionally, you might be asked to complete a short questionnaire about your medication history. You will then be given a PIN number and allowed to browse their online catalog. Once you find the drug you’re looking for, you can place an order conveniently from the comfort of your home. You will receive your medication within 5-10 business days.
What Is The Typical Dosage For Viagra?
Like most other medications, the correct dosage for Viagra is going to depend on the individual need of the patient. However, the recommended dosage for the drug is usually between 1 and 24 milligrams. In general, for an effective result, patients need to take around 10 milligrams per day. If you’re on this medication for erectile dysfunction, this dosage will help get you there (and keep you there).
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Viagra?
Like any other medication, the side effects of Viagra are something to be aware of. These effects can be mild or severe, depending on the type and the dose of the medication. The most common side effects include headache, muscle aches, upset stomach, flushing, and heartburn. In extremely rare cases, patients have experienced a complete blue coloration of their skin and even had to be hospitalized. While the vast majority of side effects are mild and transient, they can still be disconcerting for some especially those who are sensitive to medications or those who experience them frequently.
As with any other medication, especially if you’re not used to taking them, the side effects of Viagra might be somewhat unexpected. With that in mind, it’s advisable to keep a careful log of any adverse reactions you experience. If you experience a severe reaction, discontinue use of the medication and contact your doctor immediately. In general, if you feel that you’re having severe side effects, reduce the dosage or switch to an alternative treatment.
Is There A Generic Alternative To Viagra?
Since there’s often a need for multiple medications to treat various conditions, it’s important to keep in mind that not all generics are created equal. The quality control procedures that go into making them is often inferior and could potentially lead to severe adverse effects. That being said, if you’re looking for a medication to treat erectile dysfunction, there are a couple of options worth considering.
Primarily, Vardenafil (Levitra) is a medication that was approved by the FDA in 2003 and is regarded as a generic alternative to Viagra. It’s a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of blood vessels, which in turn allows more blood to flow into the penis. Studies have shown that this medication is nearly as effective as Viagra and has fewer side effects. However, it’s more expensive. Additionally, it does not come in the form of a beverage and has a slightly bitter taste that some patients find objectionable.
Another option is the combination of sildenafil (Revatio) and vardenafil (Levitra). This is known as a PDE-5 inhibitor, and it was FDA-approved in 2005. Similar to Viagra, Sildenafil and Vardenafil work together to increase blood flow into the penis and thus provide enhanced sexual performance. However, unlike Viagra, they are absorbed more readily by the blood and thus produce quicker and more substantial results. Finally, thanks to the availability of these medications in a variety of different doses, it’s easier for patients to obtain the correct dose for their needs.
What About The Longer-Term Effects Of Viagra?
While the short-term effects of a medication are usually what initially draws the attention, it’s also important to keep in mind the longer-term effects. In this case, the concern is not so much about the safety of the medication but about the risk of developing a drug dependence or addiction.
For as long as the history of medicine has existed, there have been medications that were considered ‘habit-forming’ because their use was associated with an increased risk of addiction or dependence. As we’ve learned from the opioid epidemic, this is a real concern that needs to be taken very seriously. So if you or a loved one is currently struggling with an opioid addiction, any mention of medication might be cause for concern. However, if you’re not sure what’s entailed in having an opioid addiction, it’s probably not safe for you to assume that all medications are created equal.
So what exactly is an opioid addiction? According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), an opioid addiction is “a chronic brain disorder that causes people to need and to continue using drugs for pleasure, despite knowing that it’s not good for them”. Opioids are a class of medications that can cause a patient to have increased cravings and feelings of euphoria. They’re typically prescribed for the treatment of pain, but they can also be found in many over-the-counter pain relievers and cough syrups. In order to qualify as an opioid addiction, a patient must meet a number of criteria, including giving the drug “regularly”, having a “history of addiction” to opioids or alcohol, showing signs of tolerance, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit taking the medication.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it might be a good idea to consult with your doctor or seek help from a medical detox facility. Withdrawal can be particularly severe when it comes to opioids, so being in a safe and comfortable place is of paramount importance. Depending on what kind of medication you’re withdrawing from, you might also need to take a different cocktail of medications to help with the process (such as an anti-anxiety medication or antidepressant).