If you’re taking Viagra, you know how effective and, at the same time, how dangerous it can be. You may also know that the FDA has approved the drug for issues such as erectile dysfunction and heart disease, but also warned that it can be dangerous if taken by certain individuals. What works and doesn’t work for men taking Viagra? Let’s take a look.
Drug Interactions
While Viagra has no known drug interactions, it does interact with numerous medications and supplements, some of which can be dangerous. Men taking certain medications or supplements may experience adverse effects when taking Viagra, including but not limited to:
- Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Changes in vision
- Anxiety
- Weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Muscle pain
Because of these risks, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication or supplements, including but not limited to: aspirin, garlic, grapefruit, yeast, or fish.
Erections
The most useful and safest way to take Viagra is in conjunction with sexual stimulation. When administered in this manner, Viagra increases the blood flow to the penis, causing smooth muscles to relax and permitting the penis to stand at attention. The duration of the erection depends on the dose, but generally lasts for about half an hour. Like other medications and supplements, taking Viagra this way may cause drug interactions and side effects. The most serious of which are heart attack and stroke.
Health Benefits
There are numerous health benefits to taking Viagra. The medication has been shown to improve:
- Blood flow to the penis
- Penis size
- Sexual performance
- Fertility
- Heart health
- Mood
- Memory
Men with erectile dysfunction may experience improved sexual performance and more sustained erections after taking Viagra. For those seeking fertility, taking the drug may help increase the chances of conception. Some studies have also linked high blood pressure to heart disease. Even if you don’t have any of these conditions, you may still benefit from taking Viagra.
How Does It Work?
What makes Viagra so special is that it works within a fraction of the time it takes other medications to take effect. The active ingredient in the medication is Sildenafil Citrate, which is a compound derived from citric acid and sildenafil. Sildenafil Citrate is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, which is an enzyme that breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). When this happens, the levels of cGMP reach a higher plateau, resulting in increased blood flow to the penis and more sustained erections.
PDE-5 inhibitors increase the bloodflow to the penis, resulting in engorgement and an erection. The erection will last for about an hour, then the compound will break down, resulting in the blood flow returning to normal and the erection disassembling.
Although there are numerous medications and supplements that interact with Viagra, the risk of drug interactions is relatively low. This is mainly because Viagra is a prescription medication and is prescribed for a specific purpose. If you’re taking the medication for a condition that is controlled by a natural remedy or lifestyle change, there is a low risk of adverse effects.
If you have any questions about what works and doesn’t work for men who take Viagra, feel free to let us know in the comments below!