Viagra is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. It is a well-known medication that has helped millions of men worldwide. However, like any medication, it has side effects that you should be aware of before taking it. In this blog post, we will discuss the side effects of Viagra and what you should do if you experience any of them.
What is Viagra and how does it work?
Viagra is a brand name for sildenafil, a drug that belongs to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to flow into it, which results in an erection.
Common side effects of Viagra:
According to the FDA, the following are the most common side effects of Viagra:
- Headache
- Flushing (redness or warmth in the face, neck, or chest)
- Indigestion
- Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
- Abnormal vision (changes in color vision, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light)
These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few hours. However, if they persist or become bothersome, you should talk to your doctor.
Serious side effects of Viagra:
Although rare, Viagra can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:
- Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes
- Sudden hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Chest pain or an irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath or lightheadedness
- Seizures or convulsions
If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking Viagra and seek medical attention immediately.
How to reduce the risk of side effects:
To reduce the risk of side effects, follow these tips:
- Take Viagra as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not take more than the recommended dose.
- Do not take Viagra with alcohol or grapefruit juice.
- Inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have, including heart problems, high or low blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, and eye problems.
- Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements.
When to seek medical attention:
If you experience any of the serious side effects listed above, seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, if you experience any of the following symptoms, talk to your doctor:
- Prolonged or painful erection (lasting more than four hours)
- Severe headache or dizziness
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Severe skin rash or itching
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Conclusion:
Viagra is an effective medication for treating erectile dysfunction, but it has side effects that you should be aware of. Common side effects include headache, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, and abnormal vision, while serious side effects include sudden vision loss, chest pain, and seizures. To reduce the risk of side effects, take Viagra as prescribed by your doctor, and inform them about any medical conditions and medications you are taking. If you experience any serious side effects, seek medical attention immediately. By following these tips, you can safely use Viagra and enjoy its benefits.
Here are some credible sources that were used to write this blog post:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2019). Viagra (sildenafil citrate) tablets, for oral use. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/20895s019lbl.pdf
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Sildenafil (oral route). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/sildenafil-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20066989
- Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). Viagra and other ED medications: Side effects. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/viagra-and-other-ed-medications-side-effects
- Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, and Stendra: Which is best? Retrieved from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/viagra-cialis-levitra-and-stendra-which-is-best/
- MedlinePlus. (2021). Sildenafil. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699015.html
- National Institutes of Health. (2021). Sildenafil. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555997/
Dr. Delores is expert in child behavior and psychology and has knowledge of various medical domains.
She also has raised her three children and trains many at her clinic. She is lead contributor on our website