Viagra has always been considered to be a drug that is solely for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction (ED). However, recent studies have shown that this popular drug may have other potential uses for women as well. In fact, recent research has indicated that women who take Viagra are twice as likely as those who do not to experience depression, anxiety attacks, and nervousness. This may be because Viagra interacts with certain areas of the brain that are associated with mood regulation and anxiety relief.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is a drug that was originally synthesized in the 1970s and is now produced and marketed globally by Pfizer, a company headquartered in New York City. (The name Viagra actually stands for vildagliadin, which is the scientific name of the active ingredient in the drug.)
Viagra is a sildenafil citrate drug that is administered orally and can be used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. Sildenafil citrate is a chemical compound that was first isolated in the 1950s and is also used to make antibiotics like Vancomycin and Tetracycline. (For more information on these medications, visit the Mayo Clinic. Both of these medications are used to treat different types of bacterial infections in humans. The Mayo Clinic also notes that sildenafil citrate may be used to treat pulmonary hypertension in certain patients. This is a serious condition where the blood pressure in the lungs is increased. This may lead to heart failure and death.)
Sildenafil citrate is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that is thought to work in a similar manner to Viagra. These medications all act by inhibiting an enzyme in the body called phosphodiesterase. (For more information on this enzyme, also known as PDE5, visit the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Inhibition of this enzyme is thought to increase the amount of cGMP in the body. Cyclic GMP is one of the chemicals that help regulate blood pressure in the body. When blood pressure is increased, it can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.)
Viagra is available in several different dosages and is usually taken once a day in the morning. The usual recommended starting dose is 50 mg, which can be increased to 100 mg or doubled to 200 mg if necessary. Higher dosages do not seem to provide additional benefits for most patients and may even cause side effects. The effect of the drug usually wears off after about four hours and can be reversed by taking a pill or adding more of the medication to the system. However, if the medication is not utilized properly or is used excessively, there is the potential for the side effects to become more prominent.
Potential Benefits of Viagra for Women
Based on the recent research that has been conducted on the effect of Viagra on mood, anxiety, and nervousness in women, it is apparent that this popular ED medication may provide some benefits for females as well. In fact, there is some evidence that suggests that Viagra can be used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and nervousness in women as effectively as it is used in the treatment of ED in men. (Please consult your physician or healthcare provider if you are interested in trying this medication.)
For example, a study published in 2007 in the Journal of Women’s Health examined the effect of sildenafil citrate on anxiety and depression in women. This study randomly assigned 60 healthy postmenopausal women who experienced at least one of these conditions to receive either sildenafil citrate (35 subjects) or a placebo (25 subjects) for 12 weeks.
At the end of this period, the researchers found that women who took the sildenafil citrate drug had a significantly lower Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score (a test used to measure depression). In addition, they also reported that the drug treatment was associated with a significant decrease in anxiety as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. When compared to placebo, the sildenafil citrate group experienced a significant decrease in anxiety and depression. (It is important to note that the dosage of the medication in this study was 50 mg once a day, which is the same dosage used to treat ED in men. In addition, the study authors noted that “[t]he results obtained with this dosage have been very promising, and there have been no complications that have been reported to date.” They also added that higher dosages of the drug do not seem to provide further benefits and could even be harmful. This would suggest that there is a therapeutic range that needs to be considered when using this medication.)
Why Is It Important to Determine the Cause of Anxiety and Depression in Women?
Even though sildenafil citrate has been shown to have positive effects on women’s mental health, it is still important to determine the cause of their anxiety and depression. Women who experience depression and anxiety due to menopause, pregnancy, or other unknown causes should not be treated with this medication. (This is because there is a risk of drug interactions and the medication may not be effective in relieving their conditions. Therefore, the need to determine the cause of these conditions before starting treatment with sildenafil citrate is of utmost importance.)
Other medications that are used to treat anxiety and depression in women include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These medications are usually prescribed to patients who have experienced multiple episodes of these conditions or who are not responding well to other treatments. It is also important to rule out any underlying causes of these conditions before starting any treatment regimen. If you are currently suffering from depression and anxiety, it is important to consult with your physician or healthcare provider to determine the best treatment option for you.