It’s no secret that men and alcohol don’t mix. But what if you’re taking erectile dysfunction medication called Viagra? Does drinking make the drug less effective? Let’s dive into the facts.
The History Of Drinking And Viagra
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection that is sufficient for successful sexual performance. It’s also known as impotence. In the United States, about 30% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 suffer from ED. And, while it may be caused by a variety of factors, ED is mostly associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Despite this, there is still a lot of misinformation and false stereotypes surrounding ED and its treatment.
In the 1960s, Viagra was first approved for sale in the United States. However, it wasn’t until 1994 that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Viagra for sexual activity. At the time, the agency cautioned that drinking alcohol while taking the drug could cause adverse effects. But since then, further research has verified that this isn’t actually the case. In 2011, the FDA even lifted its ban on drinking while taking Viagra and clarified that there’s no need to refrain from alcohol when taking the drug.
Does Drinking Make Viagra Less Effective?
Based on the results of a recent study conducted by the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, men who consumed alcohol while on a dose of Viagra experienced no significant changes in the effectiveness of the drug compared to those who avoided alcohol. The researchers concluded that there’s no need to alter your drinking habits if you’re taking Viagra, as long as you’re not drinking near to or in excess of what is recommended. Otherwise, you may experience serious health problems like blurred vision, dry mouth, or even sudden cardiac arrest. So, while you may be discouraged from having alcohol while taking Viagra, there isn’t anything to worry about as long as you’re not overdoing it.
What Should You Be Drinking While On Viagra?
As noted above, the Texas Tech study found that moderate drinkers (up to 2 drinks per day) experience no significant changes in Viagra’s effectiveness when compared to non-drinkers. However, those who drink more than 2 drinks per day show a slight decrease in drug efficacy. So, if you’re taking Viagra and want to remain sexually active, it’s best to keep your alcohol consumption to a minimum. Otherwise, you may experience negative side effects such as impotence, headache, or nausea. Plus, drinking while on Viagra puts you at risk for dental and medical problems.
Are There Any Precautions You Should Take While Drinking And Taking Viagra?
As we’ve established, drinking alcohol while on Viagra does not appear to be detrimental to the overall effects of the drug. However, it’s still not advisable to drink while taking Viagra, as there are various precautions you should take. For example, you should not combine alcohol with certain medications, particularly blood pressure medications. Also, be sure to avoid eating large meals while drinking, as this may cause you to become drowsy or even fall asleep while on the job. Plus, hold off on having additional alcohol-containing drinks at night, as this may interfere with the sleep you’re already getting. Simply avoid drinking within two hours of bedtime, and you’ll be fine.
Are There Any Special Drinks You Should Avoid While On Viagra?
There are certain drinks that you should avoid while on Viagra, as they may interfere with the effectiveness of the drug. These include grapefruit, black cherry, and lemon drinks, as they contain high levels of vitamin C. Excessive amounts of vitamin C can cause adverse effects, particularly when combined with alcohol. So, if you consume these types of drinks, you may experience reduced effects from the medication. On the other hand, you may feel the effects of alcohol more intensely. Plus, some people report that certain alcoholic beverages diminish the effects of Viagra, while others believe they may even potentiate the drug’s effects. So, if you’re not sure how a drink will affect your medication, it’s best to avoid it.
Is There A Safe Way To Consume Alcohol While On Viagra?
If you decide that drinking while on Viagra is okay, it’s best to do so in moderation. As the Texas Tech study showed, consuming alcohol in moderation doesn’t seem to diminish the effectiveness of the drug. Instead, it may even improve it. This is presumably why the researchers found no change in effects among those who consumed alcohol in moderation while taking Viagra. So, if you’re going to drink while on this medication, it’s best to drink in moderation. Otherwise, you may experience negative side effects that could potentially be dangerous.