Sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient of Viagra, was first synthesized in 1991 and was approved for marketing in 1996. Since then, it has become one of the most popularly prescribed medications worldwide. Viagra is a brand name for sildenafil citrate, which is a substance commonly found in nature and synthesized in a lab to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is a medical condition in which a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for engaging in sexual activity. In 2016, it was reported that Viagra was the #1 best-selling medication in the world.
The Most Popular Brand
Although many different brands of Viagra exist, the most popular of these is undoubtedly VIAGRA. The reason behind this is that it is one of the few medications available that are both safe and effective in treating ED. In fact, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Viagra is one of the safest medications available and has been determined to be generally safe and effective for treating any type of ED, including chronic and age-related ED. Furthermore, as previously stated, Viagra is the #1 best-selling medication worldwide. There is also a wide range of clinical trials that have proven the safety and efficacy of sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in Viagra. In total, these trials demonstrated that sildenafil citrate is superior to placebo and is effective in raising blood flow to the penis, thus resulting in an erection suitable for sexual activity.
Sildenafil Citrate Works By Boosting Relaxation
As mentioned above, Viagra is known to be helpful in treating erectile dysfunction. However, its active ingredient sildenafil citrate operates in a different fashion from that of other ED medications like yohimbine and tadalafil. Actually, as it turns out, sildenafil citrate works by boosting relaxation in the nerves that control blood flow to the penis. In layman’s terms, this means that Viagra can help to reduce anxiety, which in turn can improve erectile function. This is quite an interesting phenomenon, as most ED medications work by enhancing blood flow to the penis or by causing smooth muscle relaxation in the corpora cavernosa, the spongy tissues that line the inside of the penis. For this reason, sildenafil citrate is sometimes referred to as a “nervine.”
To further illustrate the different mechanism of action of sildenafil citrate, let’s examine the effects of this drug in more detail. First, as it turns out, sildenafil citrate can prevent the transformation of vasoconstrictive neuropeptides (Vasopressin and Neuropeptide Y) into their more potent forms, which in turn can lead to increased blood flow and an erection. In other words, sildenafil citrate prevents the “up-regulation” of these neuropeptides, which are known to cause vasoconstriction and anxiety. Consequently, sildenafil citrate has the potential to be more effective than other ED medications in helping to relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure and anxiety, and thus improve erectile function.
Sildenafil Citrate Is Easy To Take
Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of Viagra is that it is easy to take. In general, as long as you follow the instructions on the product’s package, it is not difficult to achieve peak blood levels of sildenafil citrate in around 30 minutes. Furthermore, since sildenafil citrate is a medication that is orally administered, it is also quite easy to take. Simply follow the instructions on the product’s package and take the pill with a glass of water. Although these oral medications do not always taste great, they are generally considered to be less harmful than other medications that are typically injected into the body. Because of its relative safety and effectiveness in treating erectile dysfunction, many people have found that they are able to enjoy sex more frequently and comfortably while on a regimen of Viagra.
Sildenafil Citrate Improves Sleep Quality
Another unique characteristic of sildenafil citrate is that it can sometimes improve sleep quality. Specifically, it has been noted that men suffering from erectile dysfunction often report difficulty in falling asleep and/or frequent nighttime awakenings. In light of this, it is not surprising that sildenafil citrate is sometimes prescribed to treat insomnia, particularly as the two are known to operate in a somewhat reciprocal fashion. That is, poor sleep quality has been indicated as a potentially serious cause of ED, and conversely, ED can make it more difficult to relax and enjoy a good night’s sleep.
In cases like these, it can be helpful to take a sleep medication along with sildenafil citrate in the hopes of improving both sleep quality and sexual function. Specifically, the prescription for sildenafil citrate might include something like lorazepam or zolpidem, which are both quite safe and effective in helping patients get some much needed sleep. In fact, one multi-center study examined the efficacy of sildenafil citrate in combination with zolpidem (a common sleep aid) and found that this medication regimen significantly improved both sleep quality and sexual function in men with mild to moderate ED. For this reason, if you are currently struggling with poor sleep quality and you suspect that this could be part of the problem causing your erectile dysfunction, it might be worth considering a trial therapy of sildenafil citrate with lorazepam or zolpidem.
Sildenafil Citrate Has Few Side Effects
Even though sildenafil citrate is a medication that is relatively safe and effective for treating erectile dysfunction, it still carries with it certain risks. The most common side effect associated with this medication is headache. In fact, according to the FDA, the risk of experiencing a headache while on sildenafil citrate is higher than that of men taking a placebo. Other side effects that have been noted include indigestion, dizziness, and nasal congestion. These are all relatively common and mild side effects that would typically go away after a few days or weeks of medication use. To further illustrate its safety profile, sildenafil citrate has been clinically tested in a wide array of subjects and has been proven to be generally well tolerated. In other words, as long as you follow the instructions on the product’s package, there are very few negative side effects associated with sildenafil citrate.
Sildenafil Citrate And Erectile Dysfunction Are Not Mutually Exclusive
Lastly, it is important to note that sildenafil citrate does not operate in a way that is mutually exclusive to erectile dysfunction. That is, although sildenafil citrate can be quite helpful in treating this condition, it is not the only medication worth considering. In fact, if you are experiencing erectile dysfunction and are not satisfied with the way things are going, it might be worth trying a different medication or combination thereof. Nevertheless, for those who are fortunate enough to get results with sildenafil citrate, it is a medication that can be recommended without reservation.