If you’re visiting or live in the United States, you may have seen or heard of Viagra. The popular oral medication helps improve the symptoms of erectile dysfunction in men, allowing them to have satisfactory sexual intercourse. While not a cure for erectile dysfunction, Viagra has earned its reputation as a safe and effective treatment, and continues to be a popular choice among men seeking ED relief.
Even if you’ve never taken or tried Viagra, you may know that the medication is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This is major news for anyone interested in ED medication, as SSRIs are a popular class of compounds used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. When used in this manner, they work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical substance that helps regulate mood and behavior. Too little serotonin in the brain can cause depression and anxiety, while too much can cause hallucinations and other unpleasant effects.
Since its approval in 1998, Viagra has not only been a useful tool in the treatment of ED, but has also earned FDA approval for other medical uses. One of these is to help men with premature ejaculation. In this case, Viagra inhibits the enzyme prostaglandin E1, preventing the premature release of sperm. Prostaglandins are another type of hormone, which means that Viagra may also have a role in regulating menstrual cycles in women. Other approved uses for Viagra include helping diabetics manage their blood sugar, assisting those prone to heart attacks, and preventing kidney stones. When used in conjunction with certain antibiotics, Viagra can help prevent infection. This versatility is what makes the drug so popular, and makes it such an essential medication for anyone who takes or considers themselves to be involved in medicine.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
Like most other prescription drugs, Viagra has a recommended time of day for use. It should be taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity to achieve the best results. For those with severe erectile dysfunction, it may take longer for the drug to take effect.
However, this is different from most other medications. Because it enhances the potency of the androgen hormone (a man’s sex hormone), Viagra works more quickly than most other prescription drugs. As a result, it can be taken more frequently, if needed. This means that for some men, Viagra can be a helpful treatment for mild erectile dysfunction even if taken a few hours before sexual activity. For others with more severe cases, it may be necessary to wait until near the end of the day before having effective intercourse.
How Effective Is Viagra?
An important question to ask about any medication is, ‘How effective is it?’ To determine this, it’s necessary to look at both the therapeutic index (the ratio of the effective dose to the toxic dose) and the functional index (the ratio of the intended effect to the side effect).
When it comes to Viagra, there’s a wide variation in opinions amongst consumers and reviewers. While there’s no denying that Viagra can be an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, there are also concerns regarding its safety. In 1998, a 12-year study of 34,245 men published in the New England Journal of Medicine found a link between Viagra and bladder cancer. Even more concerning was that the risk of developing bladder cancer increased with the length of time the drug was taken. For this reason, the study suggested that men with a history of bladder cancer should not use Viagra. While the risk of developing bladder cancer is relatively low, it’s still a risk that should be considered before taking the drug.
Since then, other studies have come to similar conclusions. A 2005 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that men who took Viagra for 3 years or more had a 65% greater chance of developing prostate cancer than men who did not use the drug. Similarly, a 2014 study published in JAMA found that men who took Viagra for more than 6 months had a 58% greater chance of developing kidney cancer than men who did not use the medication. While studies such as these do not prove that Viagra causes cancer, they do show an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer amongst men who use this drug for prolonged periods of time.
What Forms Does Viagra Come In?
Another important question to ask about any medication is, ‘What forms does it come in?’ Viagra is available in both tablet and liquid forms. The tablet form is generally faster and more effective than the liquid form, if more is needed. However, the liquid form may be more convenient if you need to take it more frequently.
- Oral
- Injectable
- Sublingual
Is It Safe To Combine Prescriptions?
When we’re told by doctors and pharmacists that it’s dangerous to mix prescription medications, it’s assumed that they mean it’s unsafe to take another person’s prescription without their authorization. While this is generally the case, it’s different when it comes to Viagra. In some situations, it may be dangerous to not combine prescriptions. This is because even though Viagra is generally safe when taken alone, it may interact with other medications or supplements that you’re already taking.
Say, for example, that you’re already taking an antidepressant (such as Prozac or Zoloft) and are concerned about the interaction between these medications. It’s essential to rule out any interactions before taking additional medications. One way to do this is to consult your pharmacist or doctor. Another way is to keep a written list of all your medications and supplements, and review it each time you visit the doctor. The review should include information about any interactions that you’re concerned about, as well as any side effects that you experience due to the interaction.
If you’re taking Prozac, Zoloft, or any other SSRI and notice that your erections are not as frequent or as strong as they used to be, you should consult your doctor. He may be able to suggest an alternative medication or therapy that will help improve your overall quality of life.
Are There Any Side Effects To Viagra?
Even though Viagra is a relatively safe and effective medication when used as prescribed, it’s still a medication that’s not for everyone. As mentioned, it can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer. In addition, it has a range of side effects that need to be considered. To truly understand these effects, it’s important to know how to take the medication correctly. Just because it’s legal for someone to sell Viagra online, it does not mean that all side effects are known or approved by the FDA. This is why it’s important to read the medication’s package insert carefully.
Here’s a list of some of the more common side effects:
- Headache
- Flushing
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Back pain
- Indigestion
- Dry mouth
Even though these side effects are more commonly associated with older medications, it’s still important to be aware of them. In some cases, they can be very serious and even lead to death.
How Long Has Viagra Been Around?
Since its approval in 1998, Viagra has been around long enough for many people to have experience it. In fact, it’s one of the most popular medications for men with erectile dysfunction and it continues to be a widely used drug for this indication. While it’s impossible to know exactly how many people have used or are still using Viagra, it’s evident that this drug has been very effective in fulfilling its purpose. For this reason, it’s generally considered to be one of the safest and most effective medications available for men with erectile dysfunction. However, as with any medication, it’s still essential to be aware of the potential side effects before using this drug.