So you’re over 50 and interested in trying Viagra. congratulations! You’re in the right place. We’re going to tell you everything you need to know about Viagra and its effectiveness for men over 50.
The Basics
Before we begin, let’s establish the basics. What is Viagra? Viagra is the trademark name for sildenafil citrate, which is a pill that helps with erectile dysfunction (i.e., the inability to achieve or maintain an erection). Sildenafil citrate is a widely-used medication that was approved by the FDA in 1998 and is prescribed to men with erectile dysfunction.
So that’s the short version. Now, let’s move on to the fun stuff. Are you really getting older if you have to ask?
How Effective Is It?
Like many pills, Viagra doesn’t guarantee immediate results, but it does help with the most common male sexual dysfunction. According to clinical studies referenced in the Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR), sildenafil citrate is effective for about 70% of men with erectile dysfunction. So what does that mean in practical terms? If your issue is with maintaining an erection, then sildenafil citrate can help. However, if your issue is with getting an erection, then it might not be as effective as you’d hope.
The PDR also lists the usual side effects of sildenafil citrate as being headache, flushing, and stuffy or runny nose. These are mild and reversible, so they don’t pose any serious safety concerns. On the contrary, sildenafil citrate has actually been proven to improve cardiovascular health. So if you’re already taking prescribed medication for another condition, then it’s probably safe to assume that sildenafil citrate will be prescribed to you again for erectile dysfunction. But if you’re planning on trying it for the first time, then it’s advisable to consult with your doctor first to make sure that it’s the right fit for your needs.
Is It Safe?
Another important consideration when taking any medication, especially if it’s been a while since your last dose, is whether or not it’s safe. This is especially pertinent with regards to older adults who are more likely to have several medical conditions. Fortunately, sildenafil citrate is generally considered safe for use in men with erectile dysfunction. In fact, as long as you’re not also experiencing heart problems, then it’s generally considered safe to use whenever you want. The more common side effects of sildenafil citrate include headache, flushing, stuffy nose, and indigestion.
Because it’s a relatively new medication, there aren’t many reported cases of serious side effects. But if you’re still worried, then it’s always better to be safe than sorry. So in terms of safety, the pill itself isn’t all that dangerous. But it could hurt your wallet if you abuse it. Sildenafil citrate is considered a PDE-5 inhibitor, which means it acts on the same cellular pathway that’s blocked by medications such as Viagra’s counterpart, Levitra. So if you’re already taking a PDE-5 inhibitor, then it would be unwise to try and stop taking it on your own to try and see if sildenafil citrate works. It’s also unwise to try and combine it with other medications. The best scenario is that you consult with your physician, so that he can recommend the right course of action for you.
Is It Legal?
Not only is it not illegal to possess or purchase sildenafil citrate, it’s also not against the law to try it. However, if you’re planning on buying it online, then you should be aware that it’s a prescription drug and thus, may be illegal to buy without a prescription.
If you’re out of state and want to purchase sildenafil citrate online, then you should be aware that it’s a controlled substance and that you could face federal charges. So while it’s not illegal, you could still be subject to severe penalties if you’re caught.
How Long Does It Last?
Like most medications, sildenafil citrate has an elimination half-life of about 4 to 6 hours. This means that it takes about that long for your body to rid itself of the medication. So if you’re planning on taking it at night, then you should do so at least 4 to 6 hours before you go to bed. Otherwise, you could experience some serious side effects.
Over 50s Treatment
If you’re over 50 and interested in trying sildenafil citrate, then it’s important to also consider what treatment might be right for you. The key word is “might”. It’s not certain that sildenafil citrate will be the best option for your particular situation. For example, if you’re already on medication for another condition, then it’s possible that it will make that medication less effective or even cause trouble. So if you are taking any kind of medication, then it’s important to consult with your doctor before you stop taking it. In addition, if you are taking any kind of medication, then it would be unwise to try to stop taking it on your own to see if sildenafil citrate works. It’s also unwise to combine it with other medications, as they might have serious interactions.
When it comes to treating older adults with erectile dysfunction, trial and error will be necessary to find the right medication for you. But at least, you’re on the right track. Now, all you have to do is find the right medication for you.