Erectile dysfunction is a common problem among older men. Sometimes the cause of erectile dysfunction is psychological, and sometimes it is physical. When the condition is purely psychological, it can be treated effectively with counselling or with medical drugs that boost serotonin levels. However, in cases where erectile dysfunction is caused by physical factors, the condition is referred to as organic erectile dysfunction (OrgED). Common causes of physical organic ED include trauma to the penis (such as a car accident or a penile injury), diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. For these cases, treatment options include medication and surgery. One of the most popular medications for treating physical organic ED is Viagra. In this article, we will discuss some of the very important interactions that you need to be aware of when taking Viagra.
When To Take Viagra
To best benefit from the medication, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor. Most doctors will suggest that you take your medication at least thirty minutes before sexual activity. This allows sufficient time for the medication to take effect and for the erection to be maintained for a satisfactory length of time. If you wait too long to take your medication, the effect may not be apparent, and you may not be able to maintain an erection. In addition, if you take Viagra when you are already having sex, the medication may end up being harmful rather than helpful. Finally, some men may experience a delayed onset of effect with Viagra, so it is important to be aware of this as well.
Cautions While Using Antibiotics
Erectile dysfunction is more commonly caused by bacteria than by viruses, so many doctors will recommend antibiotics as a treatment for the condition. When taking antibiotics, it is very important to be aware of the risk of low testosterone levels. This is because antibiotics can reduce the bodies ability to produce testosterone, causing low testosterone levels in men (and women, for that matter). If you notice a significant drop in your sex drive while taking antibiotics, it is important to consult your doctor so that you can be put on a medication that enhances your sex drive or so that your antibiotic medication dose can be adjusted. Unfortunately, some antibiotics can cause very serious side effects, so it is important to be aware of the risk of low testosterone levels before you start taking antibiotics for any reason.
Dosing
Viagra comes in different forms, including tablets, capsules, and a liquid form that is suitable for oral use. The recommended starting dose is one capsule (or several minutes before sexual activity) and the maximum dose is one tablet daily. Some men may require higher doses to achieve an erection adequate for sex. However, it is best to work with your doctor to determine the proper dose for you based on your body weight, how long it has been since you last had sex, and other factors (such as your general health status). If you start experiencing unwanted side effects or if your erection significantly drops in quality or duration, you should consult your doctor to adjust your medication dose or schedule.
Drug-drug interactions
Just like any other medication, Viagra can cause interactions with other medications. When taking Viagra, it is very important to be aware of how certain medications may affect you and how they may interact with Viagra. Some of the interactions are serious and may cause adverse effects, while others are relatively harmless and may even enhance the effectiveness of Viagra. Some of the medications that most commonly interact with Viagra include:
- Cyclosporin
- Propecia
- Ketoconazole
- Hepatitis C medication (such as RibaVERT, Incivek, and Synivid)
- Antihistamine medications (such as Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Citrus fruits (such as oranges and grapefruit)
Many other medications may also interact with Viagra. Be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information and to determine if any of these medications are appropriate for you to take with your medication. In addition, you should be aware that certain dietary supplements may interact with Viagra and that some may even be harmful if taken with the medication.
Serotonin syndrome
One of the most dangerous side effects of Viagra is serotonin syndrome. This is a condition that occurs when there is an overdose of serotonin-acting medications. This can be very dangerous, and it can be hard to differentiate from other medical conditions. Thankfully, serotonin syndrome is a rare condition, and it is usually caused by an overdose of a very specific type of medication. The most common type of medication that can cause this condition is fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine (often found in combination with dimethylglycine or miglyol). If you suspect that you or a loved one might be suffering from this syndrome, you should immediately consult your doctor to determine the proper course of treatment.
Alcohol
Another dangerous medication interaction that most men need to be aware of while taking Viagra is the interaction with alcohol. It is well known that alcohol can be very harmful to your health if you are not used to drinking it, and it is even more dangerous when taken with Viagra. However, there is a safe way to enjoy a drink with your medication, and that is to drink low-alcohol, calorie-free drinks together with your medication. The best option is to avoid all alcohol while taking Viagra, as much as is possible. If you do decide to have a drink or two, you should do so only at night, and you should try to limit yourself to only a few drinks per night.
When To Avoid Taking Viagra
There are some times when it is best not to take Viagra. If you are already having sex, it is generally not recommended to take the medication. In fact, doctors will often tell men with ED not to take Viagra until they have tried other forms of treatment and it has been at least three months since their last sexual encounter. Many men with ED will argue that this is a drastic measure, but it is usually the best course of action. Sometimes the disease can be so debilitating that the side effects of the medication are not worth it. In these cases, the damage to the erectile function may be irreversible, and there will be no benefit to the patient from taking the medication. While it is sad to see a man with ED who is not able to have sex and experience pleasure, it is often for the best to avoid medications that can cause these kinds of side effects.
Taking Viagra at the wrong time or in the wrong dose can also cause significant problems. If you notice any of these side effects occurring or if you experience an unexpected drop in your libido or erection quality, it is important to consult your doctor so that you can be properly treated: