As the world becomes more digitally connected, the lines between commerce and pleasure are blurring. Online marketplaces, such as Amazon, have created virtual worlds where customers can discover, research and purchase whatever they desire. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which significantly altered the way we interact socially and purchased products, the online shopping experience is seeing an upgrade. However, as businesses and consumers learn to navigate these new landscapes, many questions arise regarding proper protocol and etiquette. 

One product that has enjoyed an unprecedented rise in demand as the world recovers from the pandemic is Viagra. More and more people are seeking to gain the benefits that this product provides; however, not all methods of administration are created equal. Different pills and forms of the medication have different rates of success and side effects, so it’s imperative that one first establishes a method of ingestion that provides the maximum benefits with the least amount of risk and side effects.

How Do I Take Viagra?

The first step to safely and effectively taking Viagra is discerning the right form of the medication for your personal needs. There are several different pills and forms of the medication that provide varying degrees of benefits and risks, so it’s important to discover which one works best for you. To that end, we’ve compiled a detailed guide with the most common and popular forms of the medication, along with which one’s preferable in each case. Bear in mind that pharmaceutical companies regularly alter their medications to fit an individual’s needs and lifestyle, so one size definitely does not fit all when it comes to prescription drugs. Take time to learn about each of the different forms of Viagra and what makes them unique before making a decision. 

Regular vs. Extended-Release (ER) Viagra

Among the variations of Viagra, regular and extended-release (ER) are the most commonly prescribed and, as a result, most readily available forms of the medication. Regular Viagra is an immediate release pill that is available in both tablet and capsule form. The benefit of this type of medication is that it provides a fast and consistent response to sexual stimulation, oftentimes within 20 minutes. The downside is that because it is an IR formulation (immediate release), it provides less opportunity for customers to take the medication at their own discretion and time frame than an extended-release version. ER is a time-released version of Viagra that is taken just before sexual activity, providing more flexibility for when the medication is ingested and its effects felt. This type of medication is commonly available in the form of a gel capsule that gradually dissolves in the mouth, allowing the medication to be absorbed into the system over a period of 10 to 30 minutes. Although there are minor differences in the way each of these formulations function, they serve the same basic purpose and are all highly effective in treating men with erectile dysfunction. 

What Are the Risks of Taking Viagra?

As a rule of thumb, it’s always best to consult the FDA-approved prescribing information for any medication that you are planning on taking, particularly when it comes to drugs that you are entirely unfamiliar with and/or suspect to have risks associated with them. In the case of Viagra, the prescribing information for the medication does indeed list a number of adverse effects that could potentially occur, including headaches, blurred vision, nasal congestion, upset stomach, and sexual dysfunction. However, because Viagra is such a commonly prescribed medication, these risks are mostly mild to moderate in nature and should not cause you any significant concerns unless you are experiencing them. Nonetheless, as with any medication, there are risks associated with taking Viagra that you should be mindful of. If you are already experiencing these effects at the same tolerable level as prescribed or are experiencing any other potentially serious side effects, it may be a good idea to talk to your doctor about adjusting your medication dosage or switching to a different formulation of the drug.

Will Viagra Work for Everyone?

One of the most common questions that patients asking about Viagra ask is whether or not it will work for them. Truthfully, like any medication, not everyone will respond favorably to it. Some individuals may even experience unwanted side effects from taking this particular drug. Therefore, before you start popping the pills, it is essential to determine whether or not you are an ideal candidate for the medication based on your personal background and current medical conditions. If you are unable to achieve or maintain an erection that is satisfactory for your partner, you may not be the right person for the medication. On the other hand, if you have a clear history of heart disease or liver dysfunction, you may want to avoid this medication due to the risk of experiencing potentially serious side effects. In all likelihood, the only safe and sound approach to treating erectile dysfunction with Viagra is to first consult with your doctor to determine whether or not the medication is right for you, and only then proceed to take it, if and when prescribed.

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