As you know, medicine is evolving as society changes. Some medications were created to cure one disease, but have been found to be effective for treating others as well. One example is Viagra. In the 1950s, this drug was developed to treat angina pectoris (chest pain due to coronary artery disease). But, over the years, studies have shown that Viagra may also help men with erectile dysfunction (impotence) and improve their sex lives.
So how does Viagra work? What are its mechanisms of action? Let’s take a closer look.
How Does Viagra Improve Erectile Dysfunction In Men?
The major function of Viagra is to relax the muscles in the penile chambers and help with blood flow. In other words, when taken by a man, it helps him to develop an erection adequate for vaginal penetration. This is very important because it means that ED (erectile dysfunction) may now be treated with medication instead of just relying on surgery or other physical remedies. Thus, men with ED no longer have to worry about their condition getting worse because they cannot control it physically.
In some men, this drug may take some time to fully take effect. But, once it does, it provides consistent and reliable erections allowing for intercourse without pain or side effects. Interestingly, there are some men for whom this medication does not work at all. Thus, it is very important that your doctor or nurse practitioner prescribes it for you and not just suggests it.
What Is The Most Effective Dose Of Viagra For Every Person?
Unlike many other medications on the market, such as Advil or Aleve, the dosing recommendations for Viagra cannot be determined simply by looking at a patient’s weight or body mass index. This is because different people may require different amounts to achieve the same desired results. For example, elderly men may need a higher dose to reach the same results as younger men.
Additionally, people with certain health conditions may require a doctor to prescribe them this medication. Therefore, if you have ever had a heart attack or stroke, you need to consult with your doctor before taking any pill that may affect your heart. Similarly, if you have diabetes, you will need to take into consideration how this medication may affect your blood glucose levels. Other patients may require less or even no dose at all due to previous adverse reactions to the drug in question or due to the nature of their illness. These are just some of the variables that affect how a person needs to take this medication and depending on your own personal situation, you may require a different dose than what is recommended by your doctor or healthcare provider. This is why it is always a good idea to discuss your personal situation with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication. They can provide you with the recommended dose based on your personal situation.
How Does Viagra Work For Treating Angina Pectoris (Chest Pain Due To Coronary Artery Disease)?
While the primary use of Viagra is to relax the penile chambers and improve erectile function in men, it was also developed to treat angina pectoris (chest pain due to coronary artery disease). In fact, in the 1960s, this drug was found to be more effective than nitroglycerin in relieving angina. Therefore, before you were told to consult your doctor if you experienced chest pain, you may have already taken this medication. In these instances, the dosing is usually as follows:
- One oral dose (tablet or capsule) for angina treatment
- If this is your first time taking Viagra, then you will need to start with a low dose (25 mg) and increase it after a week or so if it is effective.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose (50 mg) or take it for longer than 10 days without talking to your doctor. Excessive use can lead to tolerance (a reduced effect due to increased usage) and withdrawal symptoms (insomnia, anxiety, etc).
Are There Any Side Effects To Viagra?
Of course, like all medicines, there are risks associated with taking Viagra. However, unlike many other medications, the side effects associated with this drug are usually minimal. This is mainly because it was developed with safety in mind and its design prevents it from causing serious damage to the human body. Still, like all medications, there are some side effects that are more common than others.
Some of the more common side effects of Viagra include headache, flushing, upset stomach, and stuffy nose. Additionally, in some men, this medication may cause an enlarged prostate which in turn may cause urinary retention, painful urination, and in some cases, urinary tract infection. Overall, these are not serious side effects, but they should not be ignored either.
Is There Any Warning After Taking Viagra?
This medication is safe to take when used as directed by your doctor, but just like any other medication, there are risks associated with taking it inappropriately or in larger doses than recommended. Therefore, just like many other medications, there are some things you should avoid after taking this drug. These include alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs. Additionally, it is best to avoid exposure to sunlight because this may cause the drug to degrade (break down). Once again, these are not serious warnings, but they should not be ignored either.
Can Viagra Be Tolerated (Overdose Tolerated)?
As mentioned above, tolerance and withdrawal are two side effects that may appear after prolonged use of this medication. Tolerance occurs when your body gets used to the drug and requires a gradually increasing dose to maintain the same desired effect. Withdrawal is very similar but happens when you stop taking the drug after prolonged use (more than 10 days). In both cases, the symptoms are similar and include insomnia, anxiety, depression, and irritability. If either of these problems persists or becomes bothersome, it may be a sign that you are addicted to this medication and require professional help to detox (remove) from the drug.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
Just like any other medication, this drug has a minimum effective time (minimum effective time meaning that you will begin to notice a difference even if you take it for just one dose) and a maximum effective time (meaning that you will need to continue taking it for the entire prescribed period to notice a difference).
The recommended effective time for Viagra is 4 to 6 hours, but in some men, this can take as little as 30 minutes and in others, it can take as long as 12 hours. Therefore, it is always a good idea to take this medication at least 2 hours before sexual activity to ensure that you have the desired effect. If it does not work for you in the first hour, it may be ineffective for the rest of the day. Additionally, if you are planning to drive after taking this medication, make sure that you have enough rest beforehand to ensure that you do not have any mishaps due to drowsy driving.
Is It Possible To Prevent In Vivo (In Vitro) Oxidation By Taking Vitamin C Before And After Consumption?
In some men, Vitamin C can help improve erectile function by protecting the bodies’ vasculature from damage caused by free radicals (oxygen-based molecules that are highly reactive and can lead to cell damage). Free radicals are highly reactive because they can steal an electron from a molecule, causing that molecule to become unstable. This may lead to cell damage.
Even though there is a lot of scientific evidence supporting the use of Vitamin C, there is only limited, if any, supporting evidence suggesting that it can help prevent in vivo oxidation. Still, many doctors and patients alike believe in the positive effects of this potent antioxidant on erectile function. Therefore, if you are interested in trying this therapy for erectile dysfunction, make sure to discuss it with your doctor beforehand.
What Forms Does Viagra Come In?
Because this medication is a combination of both an active ingredient (sildenafil) and an inactive ingredient (sugar), it may be available in several different forms. These include tablets, gel capsules, and liquid solutions. Regardless of the form in which it is available, this medication is typically prescribed by mouth and needs to be taken just once a day at the same time. Additionally, it is very important to keep tablets and gel capsules at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Any of these items should be kept in the original package until they are needed for treatment. Once removed for use, extra precautions should be taken due to the potential for damage from oxidation.