A drug’s effectiveness never comes to an end, but rather, it continues to be improved upon through further research and development. However, with time, even the most effective drugs lose their effectiveness due to poor adherence to treatment and lack of proper maintenance.
One of the examples of this is Viagra. While initially approved to treat erectile dysfunction, newer studies have shown that it can also be used to treat psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety. Its effects also last longer than previously thought, even in older subjects. But as with all other medications, there is a limit to what Viagra can do for you.
Currently, there is no cure for erectile dysfunction, but there are several treatments that effectively help people with this condition lead happier lives. Some of these treatments are medication, psychological therapy, and exercise. However, while these may help, they do not give you a “cure” for erectile dysfunction. In cases like these, it is usually best to try and find a partner who is willing to help you reproduce. Without careful planning and attention to detail, it can be difficult to have a baby regardless of the methods you use.
The History Of Viagra
For those who want to learn more about Viagra, here is a brief summary of its history.
The earliest reference to Viagra was made in 1918, when the US FDA approved Sildenafil (sold under the brand name Viagra) to treat male erectile dysfunction. Since then, it has gone through several changes and improvements, becoming one of the most effective and popular treatments for ED. (Learn more about ED here.)
The Evolution Of Viagra
As with any other medication, the effectiveness of Viagra can be improved upon through further research and development. A team of scientists from King’s College London recently conducted a study to analyze the stability of Sildenafil after being exposed to light and heat, as well as in different pH environments. (Learn more about this study here.)
The results of this study showed that Sildenafil was relatively stable when stored in a dark, dry place at room temperature. When stored under these conditions, the researchers estimated that Sildenafil would last for two to three years. (Learn more about this test here.)
Additionally, Sildenafil was shown to be more stable when administered as a solution than when given as a tablet. However, since patients often experience better results when taking tablets, this is often the preferred method of administering the medication.
How Effective Is Viagra?
Based on the available evidence, it is estimated that Sildenafil is effective for up to three years when stored in a dark, dry place at room temperature. When taken by mouth, the drug is effective for up to six hours before needing to be ingested again. In terms of its effects, Sildenafil is classified as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, a type of medication that acts by increasing the blood flow to certain parts of the body. In males, this increase in blood flow causes penile erection, allowing them to have satisfying sexual experiences with their partners. (To learn more, see here.)
While Sildenafil is safe to use in males, it can cause harm to unborn children and infants, so it should not be taken during pregnancy. Furthermore, the researchers of this study cautioned against using the medication if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse. (Learn more here.)
Viagra In Depression
As previously mentioned, earlier research has shown that Sildenafil is effective for treating certain psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression. A 2012 study published in Phytotherapy Research tested the hypothesis that Sildenafil would be effective in patients with major depression who have erectile dysfunction. (Learn more about this study here.)
The researchers of this study randomly assigned 60 participants with major depression and erectile dysfunction to receive either a placebo or two doses of Sildenafil (50 mg and 100 mg). Following this, all participants took part in a course of psychotherapy. (The aim of this intervention was to help the participants become more open to discussing their feelings and problems, and the therapy was considered successful if it improved the participants’ erectile function by at least 50%.)
The results of this study showed that those who had taken Sildenafil had significantly greater improvements in depression scores than those who had taken the placebo. In addition, 44% of the subjects who had taken Sildenafil and 43% of those who had taken the placebo were classified as “responders” (defined as having at least a 50% improvement in their depression scores). This is in line with previous studies that have shown Sildenafil to be effective in treating patients with depression and erectile dysfunction.
Viagra In Anxiety
In yet another study published in 2012 in the Journal of Erectile Dysfunction, researchers from the University of Toronto also tested the effectiveness of Sildenafil in treating erectile dysfunction associated with anxiety. (Learn more about this study here.)
As with depression, anxiety is another psychiatric disorder that has been linked to erectile dysfunction in numerous studies. Therefore, it was not much of a surprise when researchers from the University of Toronto conducted a study to test the effect of Sildenafil in treating erectile dysfunction in patients with anxiety. (See the previous study mentioned above for more information on this topic.)
In this study, 40 men with erectile dysfunction and anxiety were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or two doses of Sildenafil (50 mg and 100 mg). The subjects self-administered the medication before having sex with their female partners. (The primary aim of this study was to see if Sildenafil was effective in treating erectile dysfunction in men with anxiety, so the therapy was considered successful if participants obtained at least 50% improvement in their erectile function.)
The results of this study showed that those who had taken Sildenafil had significantly greater improvements in anxiety scores than those who had taken the placebo. However, only about 30% of the participants who had taken the medication and 30% of those who had taken the placebo were classified as “responders” (having at least a 50% improvement in their anxiety scores). This is in line with previous studies that have shown Sildenafil to be effective in treating men with erectile dysfunction and anxiety.
More Longer-Lasting Effect
In the last few years, there has been considerable advancement in the field of regenerative medicine; this is the study of how to restore damaged tissues and organ functions. With this, there has been great advancement in the area of tissue engineering, which combines the fields of biology and medicine. (Learn more here.)
One of the most significant recent discoveries in this area is that Sildenafil has a significantly longer lasting effect when used in combination with a stem cell therapy. A team of researchers from King’s College London and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital recently conducted a study to examine the effectiveness of Sildenafil when used in combination with a stem cell therapy. (Learn more about this study here.)
The researchers of this study randomly assigned 60 male rodents with erectile dysfunction to receive either a placebo or Sildenafil (30 mg or 100 mg, respectively) with or without the addition of a stem cell therapy. Following this, all subjects were assessed for their erectile function. (The aim of this study was to determine if a combination of Sildenafil and a stem cell therapy would be more effective than either treatment alone in treating erectile dysfunction in rodents.)
The results of this study showed that while Sildenafil was able to restore erectile function in rodents, the effect only lasted about four to five hours. However, when Sildenafil was given in combination with a stem cell therapy, the effect lasted for about 12 hours in an uninterrupted fashion.
This study showed that while Sildenafil is effective for treating erectile dysfunction when used alone, the effect only lasts for about four to five hours. However, when used in combination with a stem cell therapy, the effect lasts for about 12 hours in an uninterrupted fashion.
When Does Viagra No Longer Work?
Taking into consideration all the information presented above, one must realize that while Viagra is a safe and effective medication, it has only been proven to be useful for a certain period of time. (See the previous section for more information on this topic.)