What Is It And How Does It Work?
You’ve probably heard of Viagra, the world’s best-selling drug. It’s got an interesting history behind it. In 1981, a Canadian pharmacist named Georges Spence invented a new drug to treat his failing eyesight. The drug eventually became known as Viagra and is today a multibillion-dollar business.
What you may not know is that, originally, Viagra was approved for use in Canada but never actually sold there. In fact, the first prescriptions were written in England. The drug was approved for sale in the U.S. in 1998 and is currently available over the counter. Now, before you go running for the hills, let’s discuss what Viagra is and how it works.
What Is It?
Viagra is a drug that affects the functioning of the human body’s largest organ: the penis. Specifically, it inhibits an enzyme called xanthine oxidase that is responsible for producing dangerous substances called hypoxanthine and xanthine.
Both substances can cause inflammation. When this occurs, the symptoms of the condition become apparent, and you could develop a persistent and painful disease that interferes with your sexual function. For this reason, Viagra was developed to treat the condition, known as erectile dysfunction or ED. On the surface, it seems like a perfect drug for ED, but there are many different causes of the condition, and Viagra won’t help all of them.
How Does It Work?
In the case of Viagra, it works via an oral or direct injection into the penis. It doesn’t require an explanation beyond telling you that it’s an enzyme inhibitor, which means it interferes with the body’s normal process of eliminating toxins. This process, known as “breaking down” or “clearing” toxins, is what allows your body to operate at its optimal level. When you’re exposed to toxins, your body will create more enzymes to break them down. Thus, with use of this drug, you will experience decreased production of these enzymes. As a result, your body will be unable to break down toxins as efficiently, resulting in increased toxicity. This, in turn, could lead to a number of adverse health effects, such as decreased immunity, which makes you more vulnerable to infections.
Are There Any Side Effects?
There have been no reported cases of harm caused by Viagra. In fact, the drug is extraordinarily safe. The biggest risk associated with using it is overdose, which is why you must always consult your doctor before using any medication, whether prescribed or not. If you’re already taking a drug or medication, and you start feeling worse, you might have taken too much and need to correct the level of intake. In this case, the side effects of overdose must be borne out.
Overdose can cause a number of issues, the most serious of which is that it can cause heart failure. In addition, excess intake of vitamin A can cause liver damage and mutations. This is why you must always consult your doctor before using any medication, especially if you’re already taking vitamin A supplements or have any history of cancer or liver disease.
How Long Does It Take For Effects To Appear?
The usual effect of Viagra is evident within 30 minutes to an hour of ingestion. However, this can take time to materialize. In some cases, it can take several hours for the drug’s full effect to be felt. Furthermore, the degree of effectiveness varies from person to person. Some people have reported being less sensitive to the drug than others.
Is It A One-Shot Deal?
No, it’s not. Just like any other drug you might try, Viagra requires continuous use to maintain its effect. Frequent dosing can increase your body’s tolerance to the drug, which can lead to addiction problems.
Are There Any Drug Interactions?
According to the experts at healthguide.org, there are a few drug interactions you need to be aware of when taking Viagra. Avoid consuming alcohol while on the drug and, at the same time, refrain from using grapefruit products or vitamin C supplements, as these might increase the risk of side effects. Consult your doctor if you’re taking any medications, especially if he has prescribed you any of the following drugs:
- Nephrotoxic medications
- Cyclosporin
- Warfarin
- Diuretics (“water pill”)
- Probenecid
- NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
- Allopurinol
Also, it’s imperative to see a doctor if you’re experiencing any side effects or problems that might be associated with the medication. Otherwise, you’re just going to have to keep taking it until you find a solution. Or until your doctor prescribes you another medication.
Ultimately, like any other medication, if you take it for too long, you’ll build a tolerance to it. However, since Viagra is a rather safe and effective drug, having a tolerance for it isn’t all that bad. In some cases, it might even help you in your quest for sexual pleasure.
Who Should Avoid This Medicine?
As mentioned previously, there are a few groups of people that should avoid using Viagra. First, keep in mind that this drug is only suitable for use by men. Second, people who are allergic to sulfonylureas or who have an allergy to any kind of nitrate medication should not use it either. Furthermore, people who develop a tolerance to the drug over time might want to consider reducing or temporarily discontinuing its use. In cases of overdose, people should seek medical help immediately. If you experience any serious side effects, you might need to discontinue use of the drug or change your dosage.
It’s also imperative to consult your doctor before taking any type of medication, including medications that are natural or herbal. In addition, people who are already taking certain medications or supplements should consult their doctor before taking this one, as it might interfere with their medication’s effectiveness or cause serious side effects. Some medications that interact with Viagra include:
- Rifampin (Rimatinib)
- Tramadol (Ultram)
- Ritonavir (Norvir)
- Amphetamines
- Diltiazem (Cardizem)
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Phenobarbital (Lumadine)
- Cocaine
Keep all of this in mind if you decide to try Viagra and would like a drug that’s both safe and effective. Otherwise, you might just have to keep searching.