Ever wonder what makes men stay glued to their screens longer than needed, delaying chores like cooking, cleaning, and intimacy with their partners?
Well, it’s probably because they’re obsessing over a digital detox, or trying to avoid the side effects of aging, or both. And while there are plenty of O.T. pills out there that can help with the second factor, Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is the wonder drug for the digitally addicted.
If you’re curious about what makes Viagra so special and why it’s become such a popular drug for those who struggle with social anxiety or erectile dysfunction, keep reading.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is a medication that allows men to attain and maintain an erection which they can use for intercourse. It was initially developed to treat erectile dysfunction, or impotence, but has since been shown to be effective in treating other conditions such as heart disease and depression. In 2016, global revenues were valued at US$15.9 billion and are expected to reach US$26.9 billion by 2025.
How Effective is it?
In studies, Viagra has shown to be around 90% effective in treating erectile dysfunction. This makes it among the most popular medications for men with sexual performance problems. And while it doesn’t work for everyone, it’s definitely a step in the right direction.
It’s important to remember that not all men will experience the same benefits from Viagra treatment. The medication might not be effective in regards to enhancing your sex life and could even have the opposite effect. Your doctor will likely have to try a few different dosages before finding the right one for you. However, at the same time, it’s important to also remember that not all men need to take Viagra to experience improvement. It really depends on the individual.
Which Type of Men Should Not Take Viagra?
Like with most medication, there are certain types of men for whom Viagra shouldn’t be taken. If you’re one of these men, you might not experience the desired results from taking the medication. Here are a few reasons why.
- You have diabetes
- You have liver disease
- You have kidney disease
- You are taking drugs that affect the liver or kidneys
- You have a history of drug abuse
- You are taking nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate) which are found in certain medications for heart disease
- You have heart disease
- You are taking blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel) which are found in certain medications for heart disease or stroke
- You have cancer
- You have a neurological disorder (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or HIV dementia)
In addition to these contraindications, there is also the possibility that taking Viagra could cause psychological changes. Since it affects the brain’s ability to regulate blood pressure, the medication could potentially alter your mood or induce paranoia. This is why your doctor will need to monitor you for signs of these changes while you are on the medication. If you experience any of these effects, you should consult with your doctor so that he can put a stop to it.
How Long Should You Take It?
Although once-a-day dosing has become a popular option for many medications (e.g., Viagra), the recommended course of action for most medications is to start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find the right combination for your body. In most cases, this will mean starting with a low dose for a few weeks before increasing it to the point that you begin to notice improvement, and then continuing on a maintenance dose.
In some instances, it might take months or even years before you notice the full benefits of your medication. But don’t worry; your doctor will keep trying to find that perfect dosage for you.
Is It Safe To Take With Other Medications?
Another important factor to consider when choosing a medication is whether or not it interacts with other medications. As was mentioned previously, Viagra is among the most popular medications for those who struggle with erectile dysfunction. Since it affects the blood pressure regulating systems in the body, it is often prescribed to those who are already taking blood pressure medication. If you’re also taking medication for depression or anxiety, it’s important to let your doctor know that you’re doing so so that he can avoid any potentially dangerous interactions between the two medications. This is especially important for people who are already at a high risk of experiencing poor blood pressure response to nitrates (e.g., those with preexisting heart disease).
Similarly, Viagra should not be taken with alcohol or any other medication that contains alcohol, as it will likely cause a severe interaction between the two medications. Combining alcohol with certain medications can also cause liver damage, so it’s best to avoid this if possible as well.
When Should You Take It?
Once again, since we’re talking about medications here, it’s important to consider when you should take them. Some people prefer to take their medications at night while some others prefer to do it in the morning. But the general rule of thumb is: try to take your medications as soon as possible after coming home from work, and avoid taking them just before going to sleep.
Now is a good time to take into consideration the type of medication you’re going to be using, as well as the time of day. Some individuals may require more frequent dosing throughout the day while others may work best at night. So think about this before you run out and buy that new smartphone app you’ve been wanting to try out.
What Forms Do You Take It?
Depending on the medication you’re taking and how you prefer to take it, there are certain forms that the medication comes in. Some people may prefer to take their medications in liquid form while others may prefer to take them in solid form. In most cases, the medication is available in both forms and it’s up to the discretion of the patient which one they prefer. So, in general, you may take liquid or solid doses of medication as directed by your doctor.
If you’re using Viagra for erectile dysfunction, it’s important to keep in mind that the medication is highly effective when taken as needed, or as directed by your doctor. Since it affects the nitric oxide (NO) pathway in the body, it may be beneficial to take the medication less frequently than once a day, or even just once or twice a week, as needed. Frequent over-use can cause health issues and may even cause an increase in your blood pressure, so don’t be afraid to ask your doctor how often you should be taking the medication.
How Do You Store It?
Like with most medications, the storage temperature of Viagra is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer to keep their medications stored in the refrigerator while others prefer to keep them on the pharmacy counter. The important thing is to store the medication in a way that avoids moisture and other elements which could cause the medication to deteriorate.
If you store your medications improperly, this could potentially cause harm to you or your family. So make sure that you take the time to learn how to store medications safely, and make sure that you do so.
Whether you prefer to keep your medications cooled or uncooled, as long as you keep them in a cool, dark place away from moisture and other elements, you will be fine. So make sure that you pack your medication appropriately and securely, and take the time to learn how to store medications safely.
How Much Will It Cost You?
Since not all men are going to benefit from a medication like Viagra, it’s important to remember that not all medication is created equal. So while it’s important to possess information regarding its safety and efficacy, it’s also important to take this into consideration when choosing a medication plan. Just because a medication is available for purchase at a discounted rate or is covered by insurance doesn’t mean that it’s the best option for you. Always check with your doctor to see what would be the best option for your body, or ask the pharmacist for assistance.