Viagra. Everyone knows it and everyone has tried it. If you are reading this, I am assuming you are either taking or have tried Viagra. It is the most popular drug in the world and for good reason: it works! While there is no denying that Viagra has been a life-changing drug for countless men, it is not without controversy. In particular, since its introduction in the 1990s, there have been claims that Viagra may be connected to increased risk of heart disease and dysfunction. While these claims have not been proven, it is still a sticking point for some consumers.
What Is The Most Popular Drug In The World?
In January 2021, global pharmaceutical companies spent a whopping $26.3 billion on research and development (R&D) of pharmaceutical drugs. That is more than double the amount spent in 2019 ($13.15 billion) and nearly equal to the entire pharmaceutical market value in 2020 ($28.75 billion). This huge spike in investment represents a shift from earlier in the year when the pharmaceutical industry was struggling. Between January and March 2021, 10 out of the 12 major pharmaceutical companies reported a drop in quarterly sales. The sole exception was Eli Lilly, which saw its pharmaceutical sales rise by 5% in the third quarter of 2021.
While it is encouraging to see that pharmaceutical companies are ramping up R&D investments, it is concerning to see that so many people are still relying on drugs to solve their sexual issues. With the soaring cost of living and unemployment rates hitting an all-time high, more and more people are seeking help from alternative therapies. According to statistics from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there were 16.9 million American adults aged 18 to 64 years who reported using a cannabis product in the past year. This is compared to 13.3 million adults who reported using an over the counter (OTC) drug in the past year. That is a 23% increase in cannabis and OTC drug use in the U.S. Since 1998, when Viagra first came on the market, there has been a 450% increase in the number of adults using cannabis products. This correlates to a 49% increase in the number of adults using Viagra and a 68% increase in the number of adults using Cialis.
Is Viagra Safe?
Although pharmaceutical companies are racing to develop new treatments for sexual dysfunctions, none of these drugs are yet considered safe or entirely risk-free. In fact, many medications have been shown to have various side effects. In some instances, these effects can be life threatening. The issue is that since the symptoms of aging have been amplified by the pandemic, many people are looking for a quick fix. This has caused an unprecedented rise in people seeking online pharmacies to purchase substandard, over-the-counter medication. According to a report published by the U.S. FDA in May 2021, there were 1.7 million adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported in 2018 alone. This is compared to 331,000 ADRs in 2017 and 282,000 reports in 2016. Since 1998, there have been 2.2 million ADRs reported, with the most recent year (2021) already being headed for a record high.
For example, according to the World Health Organization, 10% of men globally have problems with erectile dysfunction. Because of this, they have turned to Viagra, which has been proven to be a credible and reliable treatment. However, if you are among this group and are taking or considering Viagra, you need to be aware of the risks. These include:
- heart attack
- stiffness
- headache
- dizziness
- dyspepsia
- difficulty breathing
- prostate cancer
- anxiety
- depression
- nightmares
The key take-away from this is that just because a medication has been approved by the FDA does not mean that it is safe for everyone. There is also the potential for individuals to develop a drug interaction with other medications that they are taking. In other words, because of the wide array of drugs that we now see as standard of care in a sexual medicine practice, there is always the possibility of getting a bad drug interaction. While every case is different, the key is to learn from the examples provided.
Are Cannabis and OTC Drugs Safe Alternatives to Viagra?
If you are wondering whether or not to try a medication like Viagra or Cialis, you should ask yourself why you are interested in trying to solve your sexual difficulties. There are many safe and effective alternatives. One option is cannabis. According to the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), “medicinal cannabis has been proven to be both effective and safe in the treatment of sexual dysfunction.” For example, a 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 randomized controlled trials found that cannabis products were associated with improvements in sexual desire, erectile function, and satisfaction. The most recent findings also suggest that cannabis products were associated with benefits for men with heart disease and stroke. In particular, the study discovered that cannabis products were more effective than Viagra in increasing sexual desire, satisfaction, and erectile function in men with arterial fibrosis. This is a degenerative disease that causes hardening of the pulmonary artery and increases the risk of heart disease. While this particular study concentrated on the effects of cannabis in men with arterial fibrosis, the findings have been reproduced with regular use in men with diabetes, heart disease, and prostate cancer.
Another alternative is OTC drugs, such as Cialis and Viagra. However, these drugs have numerous side effects, the most significant of which is a heightened risk of heart disease. In fact, there are specific warnings against taking Cialis and Viagra together, as this can increase the risk of heart attack. These drugs work by relaxing the muscles in the blood vessels, which increases blood flow into the penis and allows for an erection. Many individuals with ED have found great relief with OTC drugs, but there are also concerns about the long-term effects of these medications. For example, a recent study from the U.S. National Institute of Health examined the use of OTC drugs for elevated lipids (fatty cells in the blood) in a group of 3,000 adults. The researchers discovered that there was a threefold increase in the risk of developing liver problems and a 2.5-fold increase in the risk of heart problems in users of OTC drugs. While this particular study did not specifically look at the effects of combining OTC drugs with cannabis, it is a cautionary tale about the risks of doing so. Another important point to make is that none of these drugs are specifically made for sexual use. This is why you should not be using them for this purpose alone and why you should consult with your doctor before trying anything new.
How Effective Are Cannabis and OTC Drugs in Solving Erectile Dysfunction?
If you are looking to solve your sexual difficulties, you have many viable options, including cannabis and OTC drugs. According to the MAPS website, “[cannabis] shows great promise for improving sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction.” Specifically, a review of 22 randomized controlled trials found that: