Viagra is one of the most popular drugs among men for treating erectile dysfunction. It’s taken more than 200 million prescriptions since its original approval in 1998. But what are the side effects of this drug? Can you take it safely? Here’s a quick guide on how to take Viagra safely and effectively.
Understand The Dangers
Before you start taking Viagra, you need to understand its risks. Like any other drug or supplement, it can cause serious side effects if used incorrectly or too often. In fact, Viagra is listed as a contraindicated drug in the USA, meaning it should not be used with certain medical conditions. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, it might not be the best choice for you. These conditions are mentioned on Viagra’s warning label as the drugs possibly dangerous interactions. Here’s a partial list:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Liver disorders
- Heart disease (including heart attack)
Also, if you’re taking any medication, it’s important to note that combination therapies are most effective when treating erectile dysfunction. Therefore, it’s best to take a non-prescription drug like Viagra along with a prescription drug like sildenafil (which is the active ingredient in Viagra). However, even then, only select patients will truly benefit from this treatment.
Be Prepared
Just like any other drug, you can develop a tolerance to Viagra. When this happens, you need to increase your dose to maintain the same level of effectiveness. This, however, could lead to harmful consequences. So, if you’re planning on taking it frequently, it’s important to build up your dose slowly. Begin with a low dose for a few days and then increase it by 50% each week. When you reach a satisfactory dose, continue to take it on a regular basis.
Some men have also developed a resistance to sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra. If this happens, your doctor may explore other options for you. Luckily, there are alternative treatments for erectile dysfunction besides Viagra, which you might try if your doctor deems it appropriate. For instance, vacuum therapy devices are one of the safest and most effective options available. They work by creating an external vacuum around the penis. A quick and easy to use, the devices come with a warning label because they can cause harm if misused or left in for too long.
Consult With A Physician
If you’ve been taking Viagra for a while and everything seems to be fine, it’s important to consult your physician about it. Some men experience side effects from taking the drug, but they can be easily overlooked. If you experience any concerns, be sure to bring them up to your doctor so that he can examine you and determine the root cause of the problem. In most cases, doctors can determine the root cause and help you find a solution. If you think that your doctor might be able to help you pinpoint the source of the problem, it’s best to bring it up. Even though Viagra is a safe and effective drug when used appropriately, it’s still a drug and might not be for everybody.
Overall, Viagra is a great choice for men looking to treat erectile dysfunction in a safe and effective manner. Just remember that like any other drug, it has the potential to cause harm if used incorrectly or too often. With that in mind, always consult your physician before starting any course of treatment and ensure that you understand the risks involved before taking any medication.