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Erectile dysfunction is a medical condition characterized by a man’s inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. Learn here about the Sildenafil Side Effects.
Occasional erectile dysfunction isn’t usually a big deal. Many men experience ED symptoms, especially during stressful moments. However, frequent ED can be a sign of a health problem that requires immediate medical attention. What’s more, it can be a sign of emotional or relationship issues that you may want to address with a professional.
While there are other treatment options for erectile dysfunction, sildenafil, or Viagra, is currently the most popular ED treatment medication.
Sildenafil belongs to a group of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It works by increasing blood flow to your penis, allowing you to maintain an erection. However, it’s worth noting that it only works if you are sexually stimulated.
If you are considering taking Viagra as a treatment medication for your ED symptoms, you might be wondering whether it causes side effects. As experts, we want to provide you with everything you need to know regarding the potential side effects of sildenafil.
What are the most common side effects of sildenafil?
Just like any other drug, sildenafil does come with its fair share of potential side effects. Thankfully, sildenafil’s side effects are usually mild, and may include:
- Headaches.
- Nosebleeds
- Upset stomach.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Fever.
- Vomiting.
- Sore throat.
- Runny nose.
- Respiratory infection.
- Bronchitis.
- Flushing.
- Nausea.
As already explained, these sildenafil side effects are usually very mild and should diminish within a few days or a couple of weeks. Of course, should they fail to disappear or become more severe, seek immediate medical attention.
In rare cases, serious sildenafil side effects might occur! You are strongly advised to immediately contact your healthcare provided should you experience any of the below side effects:
- Low blood pressure, associated with symptoms such as blurry vision, confusion, fainting, sleepiness, general weakness, vomiting, and lightheadedness.
- Trouble breathing, or increased shortness of breath.
- Priapism, a condition characterized by an erection that lasts more than 4 hours.
- Vision problems.
- Hearing problems.
- Heart problems, including irregular heart rate, chest pain, dizziness, confusion, vomiting, and feeling lightheaded.
- Heart attack or stroke.
What should you avoid when taking sildenafil?
It is imperative to note that taking sildenafil with certain medications can potentially increase your risk for side effects from sildenafil. Examples of these drugs include:
- Blood pressure medications such as amlodipine: Increased side effects may include a dramatic drop in blood pressure.
- Alpha-blockers, such as doxazosin, alfuzosin, tamsulosin, terazosin, or silodosin. Increased side effects can include fainting and a decrease in blood pressure.
- Other ED drugs such as avanafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil: Increased side effects can include a significant drop in blood pressure or erections that last longer than four hours.
Also, you need to avoid any drink that contains alcohol. Taking sildenafil with alcohol will equally raise your risk for low blood pressure.
What are the long-term effects of taking Viagra?
There are not many long-term side effects associated with the use of Viagra. However, long-term use of the drug can potentially enhance your risk of psychological dependency. Because Viagra is a treatment and not a cure for erectile dysfunction, many ED patients may choose to use it for an extended period. And your psychological dependency on the drug may mean you’ll be unable to get hard if you don’t take the drug!
Is Sildenafil the same as Viagra?
Viagra is arguably the most popular ED prescription drug across the globe. Sildenafil is the active ingredient present in Viagra and is available without the brand name. Sildenafil is also known as generic Viagra and is usually sold without the brand name.
These two drugs not only feature the same active ingredient, but work the same way in your body. However, these two medications differ in terms of price. In this regard, the brand name Viagra is relatively expensive.
Also, the two pills might have different physical appearances. Viagra, the brand name sildenafil will have the word ‘Pfizer’ engraved into it in small letters and usually comes as a diamond-shaped blue pill. On the other hand, the generic version can either be blue or white and is available in different shapes, depending on the manufacturer.
Still, when you are looking to buy Viagra, whether it’s sildenafil or brand name Viagra, you will want to make sure you are purchasing it from a licensed, reputable pharmacy. In the U.S, these medications are only available with a prescription. This is crucial because if someone provides Viagra or sildenafil without a prescription, the chances are high that it’s a fake one!
Does Viagra keep you hard after coming?
Viagra and sildenafil both work by inhibiting the enzyme PDE5, thereby enhancing blood circulation toward your penile region, and undermining the ability of that blood to quickly leave your penis. Simply put, it helps to send blood to where it’s required for you to easily achieve and maintain an erection.
But does the drug keep you hard after coming? Before we can answer this particular question, it’s first worth noting that Viagra remains in your system for 4-6 hours after taking it. And while it does not keep you hard after ejaculating, studies have shown that it reduces your refractory period; the time it takes to get another erection after coming.
And once your refractory period is over, you will have no problem achieving another erection provided the medication remains active in your system.
Does sildenafil make you bigger?
As earlier explained, Viagra works by increasing blood flow toward your penis. And it’s this increase in blood flow that essentially allows you to get hard.
Bearing in mind that Viagra enhances blood flow toward your member, you are able to get a bigger erection! However, neither Viagra nor sildenafil will alter the physical size or shape of your penis. These medications only work to make it harder! And this simply implies that sildenafil is not a solution for penis enlargement.
Can you drink alcohol and take sildenafil?
First and foremost, it is worth noting that your risk of developing erectile dysfunction increases as you age, and lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption and smoking, or substance abuse, may increase your risk of ED.
Some men may love the idea of using alcohol to feel relaxed before intercourse. And while a glass of wine might help spur you in the mood, overindulging before sex can easily result in erection difficulties. And if you are an individual who regularly drinks alcohol, your erection problems can potentially become more frequent as well, and eventually, the norm!
And if you are already an ED patient, drinking alcohol will ultimately make it quite tough to either get or achieve an erection. This is because alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, implying that it slows down your brain signals.
In case you didn’t know, your central nervous system plays a crucial role in an erection, so slowing these vital signals down can potentially result in erection problems.
Is it OK to take sildenafil every day?
Because every person is different, you may need to consult your healthcare provider about whether it’s good to take Viagra every day. However, generally, it is OK to take Viagra or its generic version, sildenafil, every day.
Once you consume the drug, it usually starts working after an hour and will remain in your system for about 4-6 hours. It usually takes 24 hours for all Viagra or sildenafil traces to completely leave your system.
So, if you have taken sildenafil and didn’t get the response you expected, you need to wait 24 hours or a whole day before you take another dosage.
How to reduce the side effects of sildenafil?
As previously explained, most of the mild sildenafil side effects usually disappear a few minutes or hours after taking the drug. What’s more, most of these sildenafil side effects can be easily relieved.
For instance, headaches, flushing, and dizziness can easily be eased by getting a decent amount of rest. Avoiding alcohol consumption and substance abuse might also help minimize the severity of these sildenafil side effects.
Increased sensitivity to light and headaches can also be managed by turning off any bright lights around your space. And should you experience any worrying headaches after taking Viagra, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor to recommend a painkiller that’s safe for you.
If you suffer indigestion after taking Viagra or sildenafil, you can try taking the drug with a light meal. However, it’s important to note that taking Viagra with food, especially a heavy meal, may result in the sildenafil effects taking longer to be realized.
Also, keep in mind that some sildenafil side effects tend to occur with higher doses. These include common sildenafil side effects such as flushing, headaches, indigestion, and a stuffy nose. So, if these sildenafil side effects are a concern for you, your healthcare provider might recommend lowering your dosage.
The Bottom line – Sildenafil Side Effects:
Sildenafil is generally safe and highly effective when taken according to instructions from a recognized healthcare provider. However, just like any other type of medication, sildenafil can cause a few side effects, ranging from headaches, flushing, indigestion, and nausea, among others.
Thankfully, these sildenafil side effects usually diminish after a few minutes or hours. It is important that you inform your doctor about any underlying conditions you may be suffering from, including heart problems, stomach ulcers, prostate issues, or a history of stroke.
It’s also important to tell your doctor about any drugs or prescriptions you might be using at the time. Of course, should you experience any serious sildenafil side effects such as a drop in blood pressure, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor immediately!
