Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It helps men suffering from ED to achieve and maintain an erection when sexually aroused.

Mild side effects from taking this medication usually go away within several days or weeks on their own.

Under certain medical circumstances and medications (like heart disease or chest pain medications) this drug should not be taken. Furthermore, this medicine has the ability to lower your blood pressure.

How It Works

Viagra is an oral pill prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It works by increasing blood flow to your penis when sexually aroused and widening blood vessels by blocking an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-type 5. Normally, this protein breaks down cGMP which prevents an erection; Viagra prevents this process as well as improving length and rigidity of erections.

Viagra has proven its ability to treat more than just ED; studies have also demonstrated its impact on lowering risk of heart attacks and strokes among those living with coronary artery disease. Furthermore, Viagra was shown to help treat left ventricular hypertrophy – an issue wherein thickened heart muscle becomes enlarged – in some patients; indeed in these instances Viagra restored normal function.

Viagra may cause side effects like headaches, flushing and indigestion; taking this medication with food may reduce these side effects; however, women with uncontrolled high blood pressure or history of cardiovascular issues should avoid using this drug.

Women going through menopause who take Viagra report that it increases their sexual drive, vaginal lubrication and orgasm; however, its effectiveness remains unknown in treating decreased libido or sexual arousal disorders.

Viagra’s safety and efficacy in children has not been adequately examined; however, breastfeeding shouldn’t harm an unborn baby as long as a physician monitors blood pressure and heart rate while taking this medication; otherwise if you have heart conditions your physician will closely supervise and may advise taking either a lower dosage or cutting out altogether.

Dosage

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is an increasingly prevalent condition affecting millions of men worldwide. Luckily, there are effective over-the-counter solutions like Viagra that can help men maintain an erection for sexual activity and keep it long term.

Your ideal timeframe to take Viagra should be one to four hours before engaging in sexual activity. While taking with or without food is fine, food can slow the rate of absorption into the body so if you eat an especially heavy meal prior to taking your dose it might be wiser to wait a bit.

Viagra usually begins working within 30-60 minutes, provided you’re sexually aroused. To help get into the mood for it to work effectively, think about or look at sexual images; engage in foreplay; or consider having a light snack prior to taking your dose – these techniques could all help get things underway faster!

Clinical studies showed that less than 2% of people taking Viagra experienced serious side effects. Commonly experienced effects included headache, dizziness, low blood pressure, upset stomach and indigestion. If these occur please notify your physician as soon as possible and call 911 in case they become life threatening or severe symptoms arise.

If you aren’t satisfied with how Viagra is working for you, consider switching brands or dosages. In addition, it would be prudent to avoid any medications or supplements which might inhibit its effects, such as nitrates found in certain heart medications, alpha blockers or PDE5 inhibitors (such as Tamsulosin or Tadalafil – generic forms of Viagra).

Side Effects

Viagra works by blocking PDE5, an enzyme produced in your body which widens blood vessels and increases circulation to areas involved with erections in your penis. But this drug may have other adverse reactions; some mild side effects should go away within days or weeks on their own, while more serious ones require medical intervention.

Viagra may cause headaches that interfere with sexual performance. If this occurs, discontinuing taking the medication and seeking medical advice are advised; in some instances a different medicine might be prescribed by your physician to address them.

One possible side effect of Viagra may be reduced blood pressure. Although taking Viagra may decrease your blood pressure, this could be dangerous if you suffer from physical issues with your penis such as Peyronie’s disease – where tissue that makes up its tip hardens or becomes upright- or have any known heart conditions such as stroke, angina, or heart failure. You should also refrain from taking Viagra if any physical disorders exist within it that could alter its position on its axis – something it should avoid doing!

Studies have indicated that Viagra may help improve arousal and vaginal lubrication among females who’ve undergone menopause; however, as it’s not FDA approved for these uses further investigation must take place.

Viagra may lead to the rare eye condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). NAION causes loss of vision in one or both eyes. Cold temperatures or emotional stress usually trigger it; but medications like niacin, erythritol, tetracyclines or alpha-blockers also decrease blood flow to the brain in similar ways and could have an impact on vision loss.