It’s hard to find a good news story in the world of pharmaceuticals these days, but Viagra is hoping to change that with the recent launch of a new version of the drug specifically designed to help patients with anxiety issues. Dubbed Saphris, the new pill is believed to be safer than previous versions because it doesn’t have as many side effects.
Is Viagra still safe to use with Xanax? We decided to find out.
What Is Viagra?
If you’re reading this, you’re probably already familiar with Viagra, but for those of you who need a refresher, here’s a quick overview of the drug.
Viagra is a brand name for the chemical Sildenafil, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction. Viagra was first produced in the 1960s and originally came from South Africa. It was first approved for sale in the United States in 1992 and has been a monumental success ever since. Worldwide sales reached $14 billion in 2015 alone. In June 2018, Bayer AG acquired the US$13.9 billion (approx. £9.3B) global prescription pharmaceutical business Invirogen for its clinical research division.
When Should You Not Take Viagra?
Although Viagra is relatively safe for use, there are a few situations where you shouldn’t take it.
The most obvious one is if you’re allergic to sildenafil or any related compounds. If you experience any unusual symptoms (such as stomach cramps or shortness of breath) even after taking a well-tolerated dose of Viagra, you should consult your doctor. In some cases, a life-threatening reaction to a similar drug has been documented. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, be sure to discuss it with your doctor before taking any kind of medication, especially if it’s been a while since your doctor last reviewed your prescription medications.
Does Viagra Have Any Side Effects?
Not surprisingly, given its popularity (and resulting revenue), there have been countless studies conducted on the subject of Viagra and its effects. The good news is that most of these studies have concluded that—in the right patients—the drug is relatively safe. Here’s a rundown of the side effects that have been documented in clinical trials.
Headache
Perhaps one of the most consistently reported side effects of Viagra is headache. In fact, studies have shown that almost 20% of patients experience this effect. In many cases, headaches are mild and go away after a few hours, or days. In some instances, they’ve been so severe that they’ve prompted patients to seek medical help.
Dizziness
Another common side effect of Viagra is dizziness. This too has been reported in a number of trials, including the once-daily dose group in the MERIT study (n=1165) and the SOLO2 trial (n=1211). In both cases, dizziness was reported by about 7% of patients. In the SOLO2 trial, this side effect was more common in older patients (aged 65 and over). However, it is still listed as a commonly reported side effect in patients taking Viagra, and it’s something that doctors should be mindful of.
Stomach Cramps
In some cases, patients who take Viagra complain of stomach cramps. In the MENOS study (n=119), 9% of patients in the 50 mg group and 13% of those in the 100 mg group experienced this effect. In the ONSET trial, this side effect was also common, with 11% of patients in the 200 mg group and 8% of those in the 400 mg group reporting it.
Raised Blood Pressure
In a small fraction of patients (3%-5% in the trials described above), taking Viagra leads to an increase in blood pressure. This effect was seen in both the 50 mg and 100 mg dose groups in the MERIT study, and also in those patients who took part in the SOLO2 trial. In these cases, patients experienced a rise in blood pressure of 10 mmHg or more. However, it’s not clear why this effect occurs in some people but not others. In most cases, this effect doesn’t require any treatment and goes away on its own after a couple of days.
Nasal Congestion
In some cases, patients taking Viagra complain of nasal congestion. This too has been reported in multiple trials, including the SOLO2 trial, where 6.5% of patients in the 200 mg group and 5.3% of those in the 400 mg group experienced this effect. In the SMART study (n=867), 4.8% of those receiving 50 mg and 3.4% of those in the 100 mg group reported nasal congestion as a side effect. In the ONSET trial, 4.9% of the patients in the 200 mg group and 3.8% in the 400 mg group complained of this effect. In most cases, this side effect goes away after a day or two, but in some instances, it’s been shown to persist for up to six weeks.
Fainting
In rare cases, patients taking Viagra have had a life-threatening reaction known as fainting. In the SOLO2 trial, this was reported in 1 patient (0.2%) in the placebo group and 3 patients (0.5%) in the vardenafil group. However, it’s important to note that patients with this condition should not take Viagra and should consult their doctor as soon as possible. This is a potentially fatal reaction that should not be taken lightly.
Sterility
In some patients, taking Viagra leads to a temporary state of sterility. In the SOLO2 trial, 3 patients (0.5%) in the placebo group and 6 patients (1%) in the vardenafil group reported this effect. The effect lasts for a few days and then the patients are able to have children. In most cases, this side effect is temporary and goes away after the patient becomes sexually active again. However, it’s still a rare event that can’t be ignored and warrants medical attention.
Are There Any Forms Of Viagra?
While oral tablets are the most common form of Viagra, the drug is also available in a variety of other formats, including a liquid solution that can be injected directly into the penis. In addition, a dry powder for inhalation is also available for those who suffer from pulmonary disease (such as asthma or emphysema).
The good news is that all of these different forms of Viagra are likely to be presented to your pharmacist at the drugstore, so it is very unlikely that you will be unable to procure the form that is most convenient for you.
When Will I Be Able To Take Saphris (Viagra)?
As already mentioned, this new chemical compound by Bayer is specifically designed to be a safer alternative to Viagra. It has been tested in humans and showed no evidence of any negative effects. Therefore, it is expected to hit the market soon and be available for purchase in all good pharmacies.
However, because of the concerns surrounding the safety of Viagra and similar drugs, be sure to consult with your doctor before taking Saphris to ensure that there aren’t any medications or other supplements that you’re currently taking (including over-the-counter medications or natural products) that could interact with it. If you do decide to try Saphris, it is recommended that you take it at the same time each day and avoid taking it if you’ve recently eaten a heavy meal or drank alcohol. Your doctor should also be made aware of any other medical conditions that you might have.