Viagra, sildenafil citrate, is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) and infertility in men. It was introduced to the market in 1998 and has since gained a lot of popularity, especially since its invention. The medication is now available in a wide range of forms, including tablets, liquids, and powders, and it is often bought and used over the counter (O.C.). However, if you want to know more about Viagra, including its history, you cannot just purchase it without a prescription from your doctor. This article will answer all of your questions about this popular medication.
What Is Viagra, And How Does It Work?
Let’s start with the chemical name of this medication. Sildenafil citrate is the chemical name of Viagra, and it is a drug that works by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). PDE5 is an enzyme that breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which is an important chemical in the body. When this medication is introduced into the body, it helps to improve the blood flow into the penis during an erection, thus enabling the man to achieve and maintain an erection. When taken at the same time as a nitrate medicine, such as those found in most prescription drug cocktails, the effect is believed to be even more powerful.
Inhibiting PDE5 has other advantages as well. For example, many men with erectile dysfunction have been able to successfully use Viagra to improve their quality of life. Another enzyme, phosphodiesterase type 6 (PDE6) is also inhibited by this medication, which helps to increase the overall levels of cGMP in the body.
How Is Viagra Typically Prescribed?
In 2011, according to the American Urological Association (AUA), about 61 million prescriptions for Viagra were written in the U.S., while in 2014, the number had risen to nearly 74 million. This is truly a staggering number, considering that not even a decade earlier, the association estimated that there were only 18 million American men aged 18 and older who had erectile dysfunction (ED). These prescription drug sales indicate just how popular this medication has become, especially since its invention in the 1990s, and also how successfully it has been prescribed for curing ED and improving men’s quality of life.
Are There Any Side Effects To Viagra Use?
Yes, there are. Viagra may have side effects, both beneficial and detrimental, although the former outnumber the latter. Typically, men taking Viagra experience the following:
- headaches
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- stomach pain
- back pain
- muscle pain
- diarrhea
- freckles
These are all fairly common side effects of the drug, especially at first. If those persist or worsen, then it’s a sign that you need to discontinue using this medication or change your dosage. Most of the side effects described above are mild and go away after a few days or weeks of use. However, there is one major side effect that most individuals experience after using this medication. That is, men taking Viagra are five times more likely to develop acute kidney injury than those who have never used the medication. So, whenever possible, you should avoid using this drug if you have kidney disease or are at risk for developing it. Your doctor should be informed of this as well.
On the other hand, men taking Viagra are less likely to experience the following side effects:
- migraines
- depression
- heart problems
- anxiety
- dyspepsia or acid reflux
These are all fairly common side effects of the medication, though. If you encounter them, then it’s a sign that you need to discontinue using this drug or change your dosage. Once again, though, the benefits of using Viagra often outweigh the risks.
Can Viagra Be Abused To Get High?
Although the majority of men using this medication for erectile dysfunction are not doing so to get high, there is always the possibility that a few might abuse this medication and try to get a rush similar to that which they would get from alcohol or other mind-altering substances. This is especially dangerous for men already using these substances, as it might cause a dangerous interaction that could prove fatal. For this reason, you should always be careful about the substances you take, especially if you are taking prescription drugs, as the interaction with these drugs is virtually unknown. This could put you at risk for serious medical complications.
What Forms Does Viagra Come In, And Is It O.K. To Take It With Beer (or Other Alcoholic Beverages)?
According to the Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR) online, Viagra comes in the following forms:
- liquid
- tablet
- capsule
- powder for inhalation (e.g., Alza Whisper)
- tablet for oral use (e.g., Cipla Tabs)
You are certainly allowed to take this medication with beer or other alcoholic beverages, as long as you inform your doctor beforehand. This is actually a fairly common practice among men hoping to increase the effects of this medication. While in theory this should not be a problem, as long as the alcohol does not interfere with the medication’s absorption into the blood stream, it should not cause any issues. Furthermore, if you already take this medication daily, then it’s a good idea to have a drink after taking it, as this might increase the effectiveness of the drug. This is especially important if you want to maximize the benefits of this medication.
Is There Anything Other Than The Chemical Name Of Viagra That You Should Know About?
Besides the chemical name, sildenafil citrate, there is actually one other important fact that you should know about Viagra. This is that while it has been proven to reliably improve erectile function in men, and has been prescribed for this purpose, it has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of infertility. However, this does not mean that it is ineffective in treating infertility or that it has not been studied thoroughly in this regard. It simply means that the drug has not been approved for this use yet, and therefore, it is not supposed to be prescribed for this purpose. Additionally, the AUA advises that men with infertility should look into alternative treatment options, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). If you’re not sure what IVF is, check out this informative graphic on the various types of infertility treatments available.
In summary, Viagra is a popular medication used to treat erectile dysfunction and improve men’s quality of life. However, since it has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of infertility, it is not advised for this purpose. Regardless, the drug has been proven to be highly effective in treating this issue and has helped millions of men across the world improve their quality of life. If you’re interested in trying out this medication, then you should consult with your doctor to discuss appropriate use and possible side effects. This way, you can experience the benefits of this medication for yourself.