I am sure that by now, you have all heard of the fabulous Viagra. If not, then you have probably at least seen or heard of it. With its popularity comes great responsibility, especially when it comes to the side effects that people experience. Sometimes, the medicine can cause things to go awry, and for that reason, I want to point out that there is actually a correct way to take the medicine. To begin with, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane…
Recall The Good Old Days
Before we begin our discussion on the correct way to take Viagra, it would be best to go over some historical data. As most of you know, Viagra was originally developed to treat angina pectoris and high blood pressure. It was originally approved as a dietary supplement in the United States in 1998 and as a prescription medication in 1999. Since then, it has become quite the popular drug, with many people experiencing remarkable benefits from the little blue pills.
While the drug was initially designed to be taken daily, many practitioners have begun suggesting that patients try to taper their dosage later on, especially if they are experiencing some side effects. This is because some people have found that continuing to take the drug on a regular basis can lead to dependency and tolerance, effectively negating the medication’s therapeutic benefits. On the flip side, others have noted that taking the medication on a more frequent basis can actually enhance the effects, creating a ‘positive opioid tolerance’. Unfortunately, while this is a rare occurrence, it is still something to consider.
Common Side Effects
Regardless of whether you are taking Viagra for hypertension or erectile dysfunction, you will most certainly experience some side effects. As a general rule of thumb, the side effects from the medication will subside after a few days, but you should still be wary of experiencing the following symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Vivid Dreams
- Muscle Aches
- Anxiety
Of course, you should consult with your doctor about any of these symptoms, as they can all be symptoms of a more serious medical problem. Nevertheless, it is still important to be aware of the possibility of experiencing these side effects and the possibility that the problem may be caused by an excess consumption of the drug.
How Do You Take It?
Now that you are aware of the possible side effects that you may experience from taking Viagra, it is time to discuss how and when you should take the medication. Like I mentioned before, daily dosing is usually recommended for people with hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions, with some experts even suggesting that patients take the medication a few hours before sexual activity. However, for people with erectile dysfunction and angina pectoris, experts suggest starting with a low dose and titration upward as needed. Taking the medication too frequently or in larger doses than prescribed may cause side effects, and that is why it is key to go slow at first and build up a tolerance to the medication before increasing your dosage or taking it more frequently than prescribed.
In terms of the lowest effective dose, the experts state that 25 milligrams (mg) may be sufficient for people with mild erectile dysfunction, while those with more severe cases may require up to 50 mg per day. For those with cardiovascular disease, experts suggest starting with a dose of 12.5 mg per day and increasing the dose by 12.5 mg every two weeks until you achieve the desired effect.
After you have reached your desired dose, continue to take the medication daily or as needed to maintain the effect. Experts stress the importance of slowly decreasing the dosage as you neared the end of the week to avoid any withdrawal symptoms, particularly in those with erectile dysfunction. The symptoms of withdrawal are often mistaken for low blood sugar or another problem, and it is critical that the correct cause is identified to prevent any serious repercussions. Like I mentioned before, for people with hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions, the experts suggest starting with a low dose and titrating upward as needed, but for those with erectile dysfunction, it is important to go slow at first and build up a tolerance to the medication before increasing the dosage or taking it more frequently than prescribed.
What About Storage?
Another thing to consider is storage. Just like any other medication that you may take, it is important to keep Viagra at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. This is because heat and light can cause the drug to break down and potentially cause adverse effects.
As for the former, if you need to transport your medication from one location to another, it is advisable to keep it in a cool place, out of direct sunlight. This is usually no problem for people who live in a cooler climate, but if you are planning on moving the medication to a warmer location, then it is essential to keep it in a cool location, out of direct sunlight. Otherwise, the effects may be diminished or even nullified. As for the latter, experts state that light exposure can cause Vitamin A to breakdown, leading to the formation of potentially toxic substances. This can lead to retinal damage and even blindness. Essentially, light has the ability to break down the ingredients in Viagra, which could potentially lead to dangerous side effects if exposure is frequent or prolonged.
In some instances, people have experienced color changes or have even seen their medication disappear over time. While this is an unlikely scenario, it is still something to keep in mind.
Final Takeaway
Overall, Viagra is a fantastic drug and has changed the face of medicine. However, like any other drug that you may encounter, there is a correct way to take it. To begin with, it is always a good idea to consult with your physician or pharmacist about the proper way to take your medication. Next, it is imperative to go slowly while building up a tolerance to the drug if you are undergoing treatment for cardiovascular disease or other serious ailments. Last but not least, make sure to store your medication correctly and away from direct sunlight to prevent any potential harm.