The name “Viagra” already strikes terror into the hearts of millions. Not only is it famous for its role in helping men get and keep an erection, but it has also become a household name for its ability to increase memory and clear away bad memories.
The drug was initially marketed as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, but it has since been found to have numerous other uses. Most notably, it has been shown to help dementia patients remember events and people better. Due to its positive effect on memory, scientists have given it the nickname “Viagra for Memory Loss.”
What Is Viagra?
Generic Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is a treatment for erectile dysfunction (E.D.) that was first introduced to the market in the mid-1990s. It’s actually one of the first medications approved by the FDA for E.D., and it has been a huge commercial success, selling over $10 billion in products worldwide in 2017 alone.
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. It’s a common problem, with approximately 50% of men experience some sort of ED at some point in their lives. While there are various causes of ED, psychological stress, anxiety and depression are some of the most common ones. ED has been shown to afflict over 200 million men worldwide.
What makes Viagra special is its ability to augment blood flow to the penis and increase nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is a chemical that the body naturally produces in response to sexual stimuli. L-arginine, a substance found in abundance in the wall of nerves, is another chemical that helps to increase nitric oxide production. When taken together, these two chemicals cause blood vessels in the penis to dilate (enlarge), resulting in an erection sufficient for vaginal penetration.
How Does Viagra Work?
As mentioned above, Viagra works by increasing nitric oxide production and enhancing blood flow to the penis. The resulting erection is sufficient for vaginal penetration. However, there is a lot more going on behind the scenes. Let’s have a look.
Viagra gets absorbed by the body relatively quickly, with peak blood levels being reached in under one hour. Thereafter, it gradually leaves the body. Its activity persists for approximately four hours, at which point it starts to break down. However, it’s been shown to keep working for up to 36 hours, even in tissues that are not normally associated with sexual activity.
There are a number of different receptors (receptor sites) that mediate the effects of Viagra. The most well-known one is undoubtedly the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). PDE5 is found in high concentrations in the penile tissue of men. When bound to specific receptors, Viagra is able to relax the muscles surrounding the blood vessels in the penis and allow greater blood flow. Greater blood flow results in harder and faster erections. What is known as the “cascade effect” then takes place, causing more and more blood vessels to open up and allow more and more blood to flow in.
While it is clear that Viagra interacts with PDE5, it is not yet known which other enzymes or proteins it may interact with to have such an effect. However, an increasing number of studies are looking into this area. One such study suggests that Viagra may work via the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS). This enzyme is responsible for producing nitric oxide, which is responsible for causing blood vessels in the penis to dilate and increase blood flow. This enzyme is also activated in the brain, allowing for even more speculation that there is some sort of neurological connection between the two.
Known Side Effects Of Viagra
As mentioned above, Viagra is a relatively new drug on the market, commercially available since 1998. However, it has already been approved for use in over 70 countries around the world. It is generally considered to be a safe and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, with only relatively mild side effects reported. The most common side effects include headache, flushing, vision problems and upset stomach. Other, more serious side effects include heart attacks, strokes and liver problems. These are generally considered to be associated with the older generation of anti-ED drugs.
The most concerning potential side effect of Viagra is its connection with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in 2016 examined the case histories of 1,500 patients who were taking either Viagra or a placebo. The participants in this study were between the ages of 45 and 64 and had a history of memory problems or dementia. Those who were taking Viagra experienced a significant increase in severe memory problems and a marked decline in general cognition. These symptoms were not observed in participants who were taking a placebo. For those who are concerned about their mental health, it would therefore be advisable to avoid Viagra and seek other alternatives for treating their erectile dysfunction.
When Should You Not Take Viagra?
While there is no specific timetable for drug trials to review, it is generally accepted that you shouldn’t take Viagra if you are also taking medication for heart disease or have a history of heart problems. Similarly, you should not take it if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. Similarly, you should not take it if you are allergic to any of its components or are taking nitrates for chest pain or heart disease.
There is one more group of people you should be aware of when it comes to taking Viagra. Specifically, men with severe liver impairment should not take it. The reason behind this is that some of its components are partially metabolized in the liver and become inactive. If you suspect that you or a family member may have severe liver impairment, you should consult your doctor before taking Viagra so that he can guide you on what dosage and treatment plan to use.
All in all, Viagra is a beneficial drug with numerous applications. Whether you’re suffering from erectile dysfunction or you just want to experience better, quicker and more reliable erections, it’s definitely a worthwhile option. The only thing you need to worry about is avoiding its potentially serious side effects, which could occur particularly if you take higher than the recommended dose. If you’re going to try it, make sure you consult your doctor before doing so and tell your relatives and friends about your condition so that they know what you’re taking and can be more careful around you. Otherwise, all that effort could go to waste.