Viagra (Sildenafil) is one of the most recognized Erectile Dysfunction (ED) pills to treat erection issues. Since its approval by the FDA, more than 30 million people have treated their ED and improved their sexual performance due to its fast and long-lasting action.
While generally considered safe and effective, Viagra, like all medications, can cause some side effects, ranging from mild and temporary to rare and severe health risks. Therefore, learning about potential Viagra side effects is essential to distinguish temporary and severe side effects and seek treatment immediately to reduce negative consequences.
This article discusses various types of side effects of Viagra, people who are most likely to experience them, overdose side effects, and their prevention.
Common and mild Viagra side effects
Although Viagra is a safe ED treatment, you may experience mild and temporary side effects of Viagra, which are normal for the first few uses. These side effects usually resolve once your body adjusts to the medication.
The most frequently reported mild Viagra side effects in males include:
- Headache
- Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)
- Indigestion or upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Nasal congestion (stuffy or runny nose)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Muscle aches or back pain
- Skin rash
Less common and rare Viagra side effects
You may also experience less common or rare side effects of Viagra, which can be more bothersome or indicate underlying health issues. These side effects include the following:
- Bladder pain
- Seizures
- Pain in urination
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Increased frequency of urination
- Fever, chills, and cold sweats
- Anxiety
- Dry mouth
Most of these symptoms are not dangerous but can affect the quality of your life. If they persist for longer or worsen with time, immediately consult your doctor.
Severe and long-term Viagra side effects
While in rare cases, Viagra can cause severe side effects that need prompt medical attention, such as:
Priapism
Viagra may sometimes cause Priapism as a side effect in some people. It is a prolonged and painful erection lasting more than 4 hours. The condition may cause permanent damage to penile tissue if not treated promptly. It often requires immediate medical treatment to prevent painful symptoms.
Cardiovascular problems
Viagra can promote smooth muscle relaxation and cause a temporary drop in blood pressure. It is generally not problematic for healthy individuals, but it can be concerning for those with heart disease. It can cause fainting, chest pain, or irregular heartbeat-like side effects.
Vision changes and loss
In a study published in Frontiers in Neurology in 2020, men who took a higher dose (100 mg) of Sildenafil experienced visual disturbances. While common side effects like flushing and headache usually subside within 5 hours, visual disturbances in men persisted for more than 24 hours.
Moreover, Viagra has been associated with Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (ION), a rare condition that can cause sudden vision loss due to low blood flow to the optic nerve. Symptoms include a sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes, loss of contrast sensitivity, or a shadow in the visual field.
Sudden hearing loss
In rare cases, Viagra may cause sudden hearing loss or decreased hearing, accompanied by Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) as a side effect. This may occur shortly after taking the medication and requires urgent medical attention.
Renal (kidney) impairment
According to a study in the American Journal of Ophthalmology (AJO), long-term excessive use of Viagra can cause severe damage to kidney cells; therefore, it is crucial to take Viagra in the prescribed dosage and duration. Furthermore, consult your doctor regularly and monitor your kidney function if you have ongoing kidney impairment.
Alcohol and Viagra side effects
Combining alcohol with Viagra can increase side effects risks, such as dizziness, headache, flushing, and Low Blood Pressure. Alcohol can also reduce Viagra’s effectiveness by impairing blood flow and nervous system function, potentially worsening Erectile Dysfunction.
To ensure safety and optimal results, it’s best to limit alcohol intake and consult a doctor before using Viagra. Your doctor can also stop you from taking alcohol, which can improve your erectile function.
Who is more likely to experience Viagra side effects?
Some people should not take Viagra, as they are most likely to experience side effects. Here’s why Viagra is not suitable for everyone:
- Allergic to Sildenafil: If you are allergic to Sildenafil, you should not take Viagra. It can cause severe allergic reactions, including rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- Take certain medications: Viagra interacts with Nitrates, Guanylate Cyclase Stimulators (GCS), some antibiotics, antifungals, HIV medicines, or medicines for High Blood Pressure.
- Take supplements: Some herbal or over-the-counter supplements, such as St John’s Wort, can interact with Viagra, potentially increasing side effects or reducing its effectiveness.
- Blood pressure fluctuations: If you are prone to blood pressure swings (low or high), you are at higher risk for dizziness, fainting, and other side effects.
- Bleeding disorders: If you have a bleeding problem, always consult your doctor before taking Viagra, as it can worsen your condition.
- Eye disease: Individuals with an eye condition, such as Retinitis Pigmentosa, should not take Viagra without their doctor’s recommendation.
Special considerations
There are special considerations for the following group of people.
- Older men: Adults aged older tend to metabolize Viagra more slowly. It leads to higher blood levels of the medicine, increasing the risks of side effects.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Viagra is not approved for use in women, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Liver and kidney impairments: If you have severe liver or kidney problems, your doctor may not recommend taking Viagra due to potential side effects and risks.
- Partner’s safety: Viagra’s effects are limited to the person taking the medication. Sexual partners are not exposed to it and, therefore, do not experience side effects from contact.
How to manage and prevent Viagra side effects
While most of the side effects are mild and temporary, you can get rid of the Viagra side effects by following the given pointers:
- Always take Viagra in the prescribed dosage. Do not take two consecutive doses of Viagra within 24 hours.
- Inform your doctor if you take any medicine or supplements, or have a medical history.
- Always start with the lowest effective dose of Viagra, especially if you are older or have pre-existing health conditions.
- Stay hydrated. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which can worsen side effects like dizziness.
When to consult your doctor?
Along with managing and preventing side effects, it is crucial to understand when it becomes necessary for you to seek medical help. Consult your doctor immediately if you observe any of the side effects after ingesting the blue pill:
- Severe chest pain
- Sudden vision or hearing loss
- Prolonged and painful erection
- Allergic reaction
Your doctor may either adjust the medicine dosage or prescribe you Viagra alternatives for persistent or bothersome mild side effects.
Conclusion
While Viagra is among the first choices to treat Erectile Dysfunction, like other PDE5 inhibitors, it can cause side effects in some men. Most of the Viagra side effects are mild, temporary, and usually disappear as your body wears off the medicine. These common side effects include headache, flushing, and dizziness.
However, Viagra is also likely to cause less common and rare side effects, such as Anxiety and bladder pain, which might indicate the presence of an underlying disease. Some severe and long-term side effects include Priapism, vision changes, sudden hearing loss, kidney problems, and heart problems.
Fortunately, you can manage or prevent these side effects by avoiding combining them with other medicines, informing your doctor about your medical history, staying hydrated, and adhering to your doctor’s prescribed dosage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harmful to take Viagra?
No, it is not harmful to take Viagra if you take it in a prescribed dosage after a doctor’s recommendation. However, like all medications, Viagra is likely to cause a few mild side effects that usually persist until your body adapts to the medicine and resolves after some time.
How long do the Viagra side effects last?
The side effects of Viagra typically last a few hours, usually 1-5 hours, as the medication wears off. Mild symptoms like a headache or flushing often resolve quickly. However, severe side effects such as prolonged erection (Priapism) or vision changes may require immediate medical attention to prevent lasting damage.
Which is the best Viagra alternative for males without side effects?
The best Viagra alternative with fewer side effects is Levitra (Vardenafil), known for fewer headaches and flushing. You can also take prescribed Cialis (Tadalafil) for prolonged effects, and Spedra (Avanafil) acts faster with mild side effects. However, always consult your doctor before taking any medicine for Erectile Dysfunction.
Which is the best Viagra alternative for males without side effects?
The best Viagra alternative with fewer side effects is Levitra (Vardenafil), known for fewer headaches and flushing. You can also take prescribed Cialis (Tadalafil) for prolonged effects, and Spedra (Avanafil) acts faster with mild side effects. However, always consult your doctor before taking any medicine for Erectile Dysfunction.
Are the side effects of Viagra more common with higher doses?
Yes, Viagra side effects are more common with higher doses. Viagra can lead to headaches, flushing, and dizziness if you take it in higher doses. However, prolonged overdosing on Viagra can increase the risks of long-term side effects, such as kidney impairment.
Is Viagra harmful to the heart?
No, Viagra, which contains Sildenafil as an active ingredient, does not increase the risk of heart conditions. However, using Viagra might be risky for individuals with high blood pressure, especially if they’re taking medication to lower it. This is because Viagra can also decrease blood pressure.
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