In case you haven’t heard, there is now a generic alternative to Viagra (sildenafil citrate). The drug maker Teva Pharmaceuticals created the generic equivalent to Viagra, and it’s been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Let’s take a quick look at how this impacts you, the consumer.
More Diverse Options
When the FDA approved the generic version of Viagra, manufacturers of the ED (Erectile Dysfunction) drugs quickly filed new drug applications to create additional variations of the pills. Before this approval, there was only one variation of the Viagra pill available: blue. It’s been a while since violet Viagra was a thing, and it wasn’t exactly popular (hence the lack of marketing for this particular color). Now, there are multiple options for men with ED who want something different than blue, including green, yellow, and pink. There is also a combination pill of Viagra and an antidepressant called Fluoxetine (Prozac).
New Discoveries
In addition to creating a more diverse range of options, the FDA approval of the generic Viagra opens the door for new drug discoveries. There are already studies underway to see if other medications or compounds can enhance the effects of sildenafil (commonly known as Viagra) on the human body. For example, researchers in Germany are currently testing a combination of the drug tadalafil (Cialis) and sildenafil to see if this will increase the effectiveness of the medications for men with erectile dysfunction. This is only the tip of the iceberg as far as drug combinations go with regard to Viagra, but it’s a start.
More Cost Effective
One of the major advantages of generic Viagra is its affordable cost. While it is still relatively expensive compared to its branded counterpart (which is sometimes called the “high-cost” version), it is often less expensive than the same medication sold in other countries. If you are on Medicare or have other medical insurance, this could mean significant savings in prescription drug costs. It’s not just limited to ED drugs either. Many insurers will cover the cost of generic versions of other medications, too, so you could save even more money by taking a combination of drugs.
More Flexible Scheduling
Since this is an FDA-approved generic medication, it is considered “safe” to take as often as needed. There are no restrictions on how often you have to take it, and it doesn’t matter if you take it before or after eating any food. While uncommon, some men with severe stomach acid reflux disease (or “burning” stomach syndrome) may feel unwell if they take sildenafil (Viagra) at the same time as their usual medication for reflux (such as proton pump inhibitors). In these cases, taking the generic version of Viagra at least two hours before the reflux medication helps prevent this interaction and associated side effects. However, if you do experience acid reflux, you should consult your doctor so that he can adjust your medication schedule or suggest alternative treatments.
More Confident Feelings
One of the major side effects of taking branded Viagra is the inability to feel overly confident or comfortable in social situations. This is often caused by a decreased sensitivity to the drug in question. If you are on medical terms of an ED court order, the branded version of Viagra can make you feel anxious and self-conscious because it interferesy with hormones and keeps you more exhausted. The difference is that with the generic version, this aspect should be much more subtle. For example, you shouldn’t feel more anxious than usual, but rather that there is simply no difference between your normal feelings and how you feel when taking sildenafil (Viagra). If this is a problem for you, it’s important to note that this is very much a “disorder” of perception. Your brain still thinks that you are a capable person, and it isn’t necessarily “wrong” for your body to respond in the way it does when taking Viagra. This is where therapy can be helpful, as it can help you identify underlying causes for these strange feelings and teach you how to manage them. For example, if you feel anxious when taking Viagra, but other than drugs and alcohol, you’re not particularly anxious in real life, it may be that there is a relationship with a past trauma that is now causing your anxiety. Your doctor may prescribe you anti-anxiety medication so that you can feel more at ease when taking Viagra (as well as your regular medication). This combination is more effective than trying to treat the anxiety directly with therapy or medication. Studies have also shown that yoga and meditation can help improve how you feel when taking the drug, so you may want to consider exploring those as a form of self-care.
More Inclusive
Another significant advantage of generic Viagra is that, regardless of your genitals, you will experience the same effects. Sometimes, men with a specific genitourinary disorder won’t be able to get an erection or maintain one for very long if they take certain medications. For example, men with Peyronie’s disease cannot get an erection if they are taking antibiotics, so they cannot take them for that condition. However, if they take Viagra, they will experience the same effects as everyone else. This is why it is important to discuss ED medications and what options are available with your doctor, so that he can prescribe you the appropriate treatment for your specific situation. Sometimes, this can mean changing how often you take the drug or how you take it (such as crushing or dissolving the tablet instead of swallowing it whole). In some cases, it can also mean trying a different medication altogether.
Increased Pleasure
Finally, let’s not forget about the increased pleasure that comes with taking generic Viagra. Even if you aren’t on prescription medication for ED, you may still be sensitive to this ingredient. In some cases, men have found that it is enough to simply take a little bit for themselves, without any other medication. This is what makes it so attractive to men who want an ED medication but don’t necessarily need it for medical reasons. If you want to increase your enjoyment of life, you could try seeing what effects this small dose has on your body and mind and whether it makes you feel more relaxed and able to engage in pleasurable activities. In some instances, it has been shown that this increased pleasure can be enough to make up for the side effects felt while taking branded medication. However, if you want to be sure, it’s important to consult your doctor so that he can prescribe you the right dose for your specific needs.
As you can see, there are many advantages to taking the generic version of Viagra. If you want to try it (or know someone who does), make sure to discuss the various side effects and implications with your doctor. He may be able to prescribe you the right dose for your needs, and it could make all the difference in your quality of life.