Know the Side Effects of Viagra
When it comes to treating erectile dysfunction in men, Viagra is the safest and best medicine.
Viagra is an FDA-approved medication that treats erectile dysfunction in men—also known as the little blue pill, that contains Sildenafil citrate as an active salt. It helps to achieve hard erections under sexual stimulation. Doctors also prescribe Sildenafil citrate to treat conditions like pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH).
Though Viagra is safe & effective for most men, there is still a chance of experiencing some mild effects and severe effects.
Understanding the possible side effects of Viagra is necessary to help you decide whether it is the correct medicine for you to treat erectile dysfunction.
In this article, you will learn about the side effects of Viagra and how to deal with them.
The most common side effects of Viagra
Viagra belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase-type five inhibitors (PDE-5). It helps you to achieve hard erections by increasing blood flow to the male sexual organs.
Just like other ED drugs, Viagra can also cause some side effects. However, patients can experience these side effects when the medicine is active in their body.
On the other hand, some people can continue to experience the side effects for several hours, even after the effects of Viagra finish.
It is evaluated that more than 94% of men feel satisfied after treatment with Viagra and report very mild side effects. Taking higher doses of this medicine increases the chance of experiencing side effects.
However, mild side effects persist for some time and disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
Some common side effects of Viagra include:
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Rash
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Headaches
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Dizziness
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Back pain
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Low blood pressure
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Nasal congestion
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Changes in vision
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Facial flushing
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Muscle pain
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Prolonged or painful erection
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Irregular heartbeat
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Indigestion
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Nausea
Less common and severe side effects of Viagra
Most patients taking Viagra might not experience severe side effects of Sildenafil, but they can still happen.
Some rare side effects of Viagra include priapism, allergic reaction, and damage to the nerve that transfers electrical impulses from the eyes to the brain.
Patients who experience symptoms of these side effects should pay close attention and seek immediate medical help.
Priapism
Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the male sexual organ. However, sometimes, these beneficial effects can last longer and cause problems. This happens when blood does not drain out properly.
Though rare, an erection lasting more than 4 hours can happen. This condition can be excruciating.
Meet your doctor immediately if you suffer from a prolonged erection. Don't hesitate to contact your doctor immediately. Remember, priapism can cause permanent damage to male sexual organs when it is not treated on time.
Changes in vision
Viagra can affect an enzyme that plays a vital role in how your eyes work. Though rare, you can experience some changes in your eyesight during your treatment with Viagra. It mainly includes abnormal vision and vision loss.
Almost 3 to 11% of people taking Viagra experience abnormal vision changes. You will notice eye effects such as light sensitivity, blurred vision, and changes in color perception.
You can notice a slight blue tinge in your eyes. These effects might be mild and short-term.
If you lose vision in one or both of your eyes, contact the doctor quickly because this can be a sign of NAION. The risk of experiencing Non- arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy(NAION) is doubled in men who take Viagra.
Low blood pressure
As Viagra causes your blood vessels to relax, it can lower your blood pressure. When your blood pressure gets too low, you might suffer from dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness.
Effects on blood pressure get high after 1 hour of taking Viagra and return to its original levels within 4 hours. If you have a history of hypotension or you stand up quickly, these side effects can become worse.
The risk of hypotension is greater when you take blood pressure medicines, alpha-blockers, or nitrates with Viagra. If you take nitrates or drugs such as riociguat, do not take Viagra strictly.
Sudden loss of hearing
Very few men who take Viagra report a condition called sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). This condition involves damage to your inner ear that sometimes can cause permanent hearing loss.
Along with hearing loss, Viagra can also cause other hearing-related conditions like ringing in your ears. Though hearing problems from this medicine are uncommon, if you experience any changes in your hearing after taking the Viagra tablet, inform the doctor immediately.
Stuffy nose
If you suffer from a stuffy nose after taking this ED pill, don't worry because you are not alone. Due to its working mechanism, Viagra can cause your blood vessels to widen in your sinuses. It results in congestion.
Like other Viagra side effects, congestion is temporary and disappears on its own. If nasal congestion from Viagra becomes a problem, talk to your doctor because you might be recommended a lower dosage.
Upset stomach
Viagra causes the smooth flow of blood to male sexual organs for an erection by relaxing your smooth muscles. It can affect smooth muscle and the gastrointestinal tract, leading to an upset stomach.
Almost 3%-17% of people suffer from an upset stomach problem during treatment with Viagra. It is better to avoid alcohol consumption with this medicine.
Alcohol can worsen some side effects, such as upset stomach. If you experience stomach discomfort or heartburn during treatment, meet your doctor.
How to avoid the side effects of Viagra?
The best to avoid getting side effects from Viagra is to take your ED medicine as directed by a physician. Here are some tips that can help you lower side effects and get the most out of your ED treatment:
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When getting Viagra treatment, make sure you understand all the information given to you by a doctor.
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Carefully read the patient information leaflet that is provided with the medicine.
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Take only one tablet every 24 hours.
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Do not take Viagra tablets with other ED medicines, especially medicines used to treat high blood pressure. Combine use with these drugs can lead to a sudden decrease in blood pressure. Beware of possible drug interactions beforehand.
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Avoid grapefruit juice and alcohol consumption.
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Doctors recommend avoiding drug usage, mainly amyl nitrates (poppers)
Summary
Therefore, Viagra is an effective medicine for men to deal with erectile dysfunction. Ensure you understand this medicine's side effects to avoid severe problems and achieve maximum benefits.
