Viagra: What Are Its Side Effects?
When it comes to treating erectile dysfunction, the most common, safe, and effective treatment is Viagra.
Universally, known as the blue pill, Viagra is extensively used by men of all age groups around the globe suffering from erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction or ED is a condition that causes trouble for a man to achieve and maintain the erections required for sexual activity.
Viagra is a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that works by promoting smooth blood flow to male sexual organs for an erection.
Though this effect is beneficial for ED but might cause some bothersome side effects such as upset stomach, headaches, and flushing.
Remember some men can also go through rare and severe side effects of Viagra pill.
Is Viagra dangerous for you?
Viagra is safe for men above 18 years but like other ED medications, it can also cause common and severe side effects.
This medicine is effective but not necessarily suitable for all men. Make sure to consult a doctor before starting treatment with Viagra.
In case, you have low blood pressure, eye diseases, or heart disorders and taking nitrates then it is unsafe to take Viagra.
Also, you must not take Viagra recreationally because this pill works only for ED.
Common side effects of Viagra
When taking Viagra, most people do not experience side effects, if taken as directed by a doctor.
Nevertheless, like all types of medicine, there can be certain risks linked with Viagra pill.
Here are some common side effects of Viagra:
Headache
Headache is a common side effect of Viagra but it does not last longer than a week after taking this pill.
Viagra mostly affects blood vessels in male sexual organs, but can also affect other blood vessels in your body.
This further has the potential to affect your blood flow and promote chemical alterations in the brain, causing headaches.
Avoid alcohol consumption and drink plenty of water. In case, your headache is severe then contact a doctor.
Flushing
Almost 20% of people report skin flushing issues after having Viagra tablets.
Since Viagra is responsible for affecting blood vessels beyond your male reproductive organ.
Consequently, you might notice your skin turns red or feels warm to the touch after taking Viagra.
This happens because blood vessels that are close to the surface of your skin widen up.
Just like headaches, this side effect also goes away gradually without any kind of treatment.
In case, flushing bothers you then speak to a doctor. Viagra dosage might be lowered which can be a cause of flushing.
Nausea
During treatment with Viagra, some men can feel sick or nauseous.
It is better to take just one tablet with a snack or after a meal and keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.
To avoid nausea condition, men must limit the consumption of rich or spicy food strictly.
Upset stomach
Viagra causes more flow of blood to the male reproductive organ for an erection by relaxing your smooth muscles.
It can affect smooth muscles present along your gastrointestinal tract, leading to upset stomach problems.
Almost 3% to 17% of men experience an upset stomach issue during treatment with Viagra.
It is best to avoid consumption or reduce alcohol consumption with Viagra.
This is because alcohol can worsen some side effects of Viagra like upset stomach.
After taking Viagra, if you experience stomach discomfort or heartburn then talk to a doctor.
Blocked nose
Nasal sprays as well as vapor rubs can provide relief from congestion which is caused by Viagra pill.
In case, you are not sure which is best for you then talk to a doctor once.
Nose bleeds
Some men taking Viagra for ED treatment can experience nose bleeds due to the increased flow of blood to nasal tissue.
In case, you experience nose bleeds frequently after taking Viagra then let your doctor know immediately.
A doctor might lower your Viagra dosage or prescribe a different erectile dysfunction treatment.
If you experience a nosebleed that is serious or does not go away on its own then discuss it with your doctor.
Prolonged erection
Viagra works in the body by causing the improved flow of blood to the male reproductive organ.
Sometimes such type of beneficial effects can last longer than you would like.
This problem happens when blood is not able to drain back out properly.
Though rare, you can experience an erection that lasts long for more than 4 hours.
Such a type of erection is called priapism which is very painful.
It is important to get medical attention immediately if you undergo a prolonged erection.
You might feel embarrassed while going to see a doctor in such a condition, but it is necessary.
This is because untreated priapism can lead to permanent damage to your male sexual organ, if not treated on time.
Low blood pressure
Intake of Viagra relaxes your blood vessels which can further lower your blood pressure.
When your blood pressure gets too low (hypotension), you might suffer from problems like dizziness, light-headedness, or weakness.
After consuming Viagra, the effect on blood pressure is more for 1 hour, and within 4 hours, blood pressure comes to a normal level.
However, this side effect can become worse if you have a history of hypotension or you stand up too quickly.
Risk of undergoing hypotension increases automatically, when you take blood pressure pills, nitrates, or alpha-blockers with Viagra.
Also, avoid consuming Viagra with nitrates or other medications like Riociguat as these combinations lower your blood pressure.
While taking blood pressure medicines and Viagra together, it is vital to check your blood pressure at home.
Vision changes
Viagra might affect an enzyme that plays a vital role in maintaining your eyes' health.
Though rare, you can experience changes in your eyesight during treatment with Viagra.
To avoid vision loss and abnormal vision, follow your doctor’s recommendation for the Viagra pill.
Therefore, experiencing common side effects like headache & skin flushing during Viagra treatment is normal.
Make sure to consult a doctor when you experience rare or serious side effects from this ED pill.
