Viagra is one of the most popularly-prescribed ED drugs in the world, with over 125 million prescriptions written in 2017. It’s been called the “wonder drug” because of its ability to boost low sexual desire in men, and help them achieve an erection sufficient for sexual activity. But what is the best way to take it? How many pills should you take? How much liquid should you drink? Are there any food interactions? Do you need to take it with other drugs? Let’s discuss.
When To Take It
Like many other ED drugs, Viagra should be taken as soon as possible after the onset of sexual activity. In fact, the FDA recommends taking it as soon as you wake up in the morning and before you go to sleep. If you are unable to obtain and maintain an erection within 10–15 minutes of sexual activity, it is best to assume that your body is not able to react sufficiently to the drug and you should discontinue its use. However, if you are able to get an erection without problem within 30 minutes of taking it, you should take it at any time of the day without regard to food consumption.
Some men may experience an erection delayed by up to 2 hours after taking Viagra, so it is important to remember that the drug does not provide instantaneous results. You should take into consideration, also, that the drug may take several weeks to show noticeable effects. Finally, it is important to avoid taking too much of the drug, as this may cause severe side effects. It is best to take a moderate dose, as prescribed by your physician, and wait for the effects to occur.
How Many Pills?
When it comes to the question of how many pills to take, this again depends on many factors, including how long it has taken for the drug to start working and how long you plan on staying married to your wife. For most men, a single pill will do the trick, as long as you take it at the same time every day. Some men, however, may require 2 pills every day, while others may need to take 3 or even 4 pills per day. It is best to discuss this issue with your physician and find out what is the best way to take your ED medication.
When Should You Use Oral V.S. Rectal?
Another important factor to consider is which method of administering the medication is best for you. Some men may find that the effects of the drug are better when taken orally, while others may find that injecting the medication directly into the penis is more effective. Your physician can advise you on which method is best for you to take, or if a change is necessary, he can help you make the necessary injection. Keep in mind, though, that some men may find that the effects of the drug are improved when administered rectally. This again, is something you should discuss with your physician to find out what is the best way to take your medication.
Which Drinks Should You Avoid?
It is also important to know which drinks you should avoid while on ED medication, as some liquids contain a high alcohol content and this may increase the risk of having an adverse reaction to the drug. Tea, coffee, and alcohol should all be avoided by men on ED medication, as they contain the substance caffeine. This is extremely dangerous when consumed alongside ED medication, as it is a known excitatory factor and can cause vasoconstriction and blood pressure elevation. A similar effect can be caused by alcohol consumption, especially at excessive levels. On the other hand, it is a well-established fact that fluid intake can prevent and even reverse the effects of ED medication. It is best to consult your physician to find out what is the best way to take your medication and what drinks are recommended to be avoided during treatment.
Is It Safe To Take With Other Medications?
Many physicians will advise against the use of ED medication if you are already taking other prescribed medications, especially when it comes to the use of nitrates. Nitrates are a class of medication used to treat heart disease, and many physicians believe that the two drugs may interact and produce potentially dangerous effects. While it is generally considered safe to take ED medication alongside most other medications, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, if you are already taking a beta blocker for heart disease, it is generally safe to take an ED medication, as this is considered to be a neutral drug when it comes to interactions with other medications. If, however, you are taking a calcium channel blocker or an alpha blocker, it is generally not advisable to take an ED medication, as these are considered to be competitive blockers and can interfere with the effectiveness of ED medication. This is something you should discuss with your physician to find out what is the best way to take your medication while on other medications.
Are There Any Food Interactions?
Like many other medications, Viagra is known to interact with certain foods and beverages, especially when they contain caffeine. The amount of caffeine in some foods, such as chocolate, can cause dangerous effects in men on ED medication, as it is a stimulant and increases the heart rate and blood pressure of those men already at a high risk for heart disease. Caffeine also inhibits the effectiveness of certain medications and so it is best to avoid it when co-administering other drugs. In addition, wine and beer contain substances known as ethanol and tyrosine, respectively, which can cause vasodilation in men and so again, it is recommended to avoid these types of drinks while taking ED medication.
Is It Better To Take It With Food?
It is also important to remember that certain foods can help improve the effectiveness of your ED medication. For instance, berries are one of the best natural sources of antioxidants and so they can help protect your body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are a type of molecule that can lead to heart disease. Therefore, eating foods high in antioxidants can help improve the effectiveness of your ED medication and reduce the number and severity of side effects. Some men may also find that taking ED medication with food can help decrease the drug’s adverse effects. For example, men taking sildenafil citrate may experience less gastrointestinal side effects if they eat a high-fiber diet during treatment. This is something you should discuss with your physician to find out what is the best way to take your medication while on a diet.
Summing Up
While the ideal way to take ED medication is still uncertain, knowing how to take it correctly can at least reduce the risk of adverse effects. Like other medications, it should be taken as instructed by your physician. Remember to drink lots of fluids while on this medication, especially if you are already drinking alcohol or taking caffeine. You should also consult your physician if you are taking other medications, especially nitrates, as this can increase the risk of having adverse effects from ED medication. In addition, it is a good idea to take your medication at the same time every day and avoid any foods that contain caffeine or ethanol. This can help to reduce the risk of interactions and improve the overall safety of this important drug. In summary, knowing how to take ED medication correctly can increase your enjoyment of sexual activity and improve your overall health and wellbeing.