Why Does Viagra Cause Headaches?

Viagra is one of the preferable medications used primarily to treat ED or erectile dysfunction in men. The medication contains an active ingredient called sildenafil. In most cases, Viagra intake, or its generic medication sildenafil, gives good results and is safe to consume. However, a few men have complained of a few side effects, including headaches that affected about 25% of users.    

Viagra-induced headaches often last for a few hours. Luckily, there are a few techniques that may help you to overcome headaches after your Viagra consumption. However, if you experience a severe headache or one that does not go away, discuss it with your doctor. 

Why do you get headaches from Viagra?

Viagra and other related ED medications perform their functions to widen your blood vessels and improve the flow of blood to the penis. However, such medications also increase the blood flow and blood vessels in other body parts. 

When blood vessels suddenly widen, blood flow increases, resulting in headaches. In most cases, headaches from Viagra are mild. However, the medicine may induce migraine onset in some of the users. 

What are the Types of Headaches Caused by Viagra

Almost every medication to treat erectile dysfunction, including Generic Sildenafil, causes headaches. Common types of headaches caused by Viagra are-

Migraine Headaches 

A significant number of men who take Viagra regularly have reported experiencing migraine headaches. A migraine is a complicated headache caused by medications. Such headaches may last for many hours or a few days. However, a major difference between a migraine and other headaches is that migraine may have certain warning signs. 

Cluster Headaches 

A few men have reported experiencing cluster headaches after they take Viagra medicine. A cluster headache occurs only for a few hours, letting you feel symptoms in your ears and eyes. Moreover, a few men taking Viagra have experienced on-and-off headaches for about one week to a few months. However, the main problem is that cluster headaches are relatively more painful than migraines.

For how long do my Viagra headaches last

Headaches from Viagra medications are usually not severe. Mild headaches often go away at a maximum of three to four hours. In other cases, the headache may continue until the medicine stays in your body, even when its effect goes off.  

What are the Treatments to Cure Viagra Headaches 

You may overcome headaches and related side effects from ED medications by trying the following-

Reduce the Dosage of Your Medicine

If you experience headaches from a high Viagra dose, you may discuss with your doctor to adjust your dose. In other words, you may reduce the risk of developing headaches by taking the ED medicine at a low dose. 

Drink Water in Enough Amounts 

Dehydration is also a prime cause of Viagra headaches, especially from Erectile dysfunction medications. When your body becomes dehydrated, you not only have headaches but also hangovers. Moreover, consuming enough water increases your body's filtration process. Thus, Viagra goes out of your body in less time.    

Take Any Over-the-Counter Headache Medicine

As discussed before, headache pain from ED medicines goes on after a few hours. However, headaches may become so severe that they prevent men from performing their regular tasks. In such situations, one should take an over-the-counter medication to overcome the Viagra headache. 

You may try anyone from ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, or paracetamol. The best thing is that none of the medications cause any adverse reaction with Viagra or related ED medicine. Just take a regular dose of any headache relievers to relieve your headache and stay healthy as an adult.   

Strictly Avoid the Intake of Alcohol

Your probability of causing headaches from Viagra may increase if you take alcohol before sex. Alcohol contains diuretics, which lead to frequent urination followed by excessive dehydration.  

Take ED Medications with Light Meals

Even though ED medications are often effective when consumed on an empty stomach, they may also increase the probability of side effects. On the other hand, you may reduce your headache intensity by simply taking Viagra after having a light meal. Simultaneously, avoid fat or carbohydrate-rich food, as they may delay absorption of medicine in your bloodstream.

Have Caffeinated Beverages in Small Amounts 

Another effective way to treat Viagra headaches is to have tea, coffee, or any other caffeinated beverage in a moderate amount. As a vasoconstrictor, caffeine may narrow the blood vessels of your brain. Hence, average caffeine consumption may help you prevent both pain and sensation.   

Switch to an Alternate ED Medication

If you are going through a long-lasting headache from Viagra, you should switch to an alternative ED drug that has a relatively short duration of action. When the drug remains in your body for a relatively short period, your headache will overcome faster. However, you should strictly avoid changing your medication on your own. Instead, discuss it positively with your healthcare provider. 

How to Prevent Viagra Headaches 

There is no prevention method for Viagra headaches. Instead, you may try the following techniques to manage your Viagra headaches after having sex.  

Place a Towel or Icepack

Place an icepack or a damp and cool towel on your forehead near the eyes and sleep/rest for a while. Also, turn off the room lights to reduce the sensitivity of your eyes. 

Apply a Gentle Massage 

A gentle massage or massage therapy may work as an effective tool to manage headaches and other body pain. Accordingly, you may gently ask your partner to massage your neck, head, or face.

Try Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques 

Deep breathing, meditation, and related techniques may help you to overcome your moderate to severe headache. If you know any such technique, you should try it, feel better, and remain calm.  

Rest in a Quiet and Dark Room 

If you have a headache after sex, you should take a rest in a quiet and dark room. Also, close the room curtains to focus on rest and to feel better.  

Conclusion

Headache is one of the common side effects of Viagra and other Sildenafil citrate Brands. The headache is often mild and lasts for a few hours. However, it sometimes occurs as migraines or cluster headaches. Luckily, you may try simple and easy strategies to reduce your risk related to headaches. Only make sure to discuss with your doctor before trying any strategy, OTC medicine, or alternative medicine to overcome your Viagra headaches.