Can You Take Viagra And Cialis Together? – Introduction
All told, effective treatment for premature ejaculation is to engage openly, seek expert support and experiment with techniques and approaches. More than anything else, we should remember that PE is a real, practical issue. As long as you take it seriously and your partner is supportive, it will not be hard for you to deal with it and have a good sexual relationship.
How Viagra Works
Viagra is also marketed as sildenafil. Sildenafil is part of a class of medications known as phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. So, how does it work? Sildenafil’s primary purpose is to suppress the chemical enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 that breaks down cGMP.
cGMP is the crucial molecule in erection physiology. This polymer is released when we are sexually tempted, and so smooth muscles in the penis relax and allow for more circulation. Viagra avoids cGMP degradation and hence extends the action of the chemical to achieve tight and consistent erection.
Understanding Cialis
Cialis/tadalafil is also a PDE5 inhibitor which works in much the same way as Viagra. By enlarging the flow of blood to the penis and relaxing the smooth muscle, Cialis enhances the conditions necessary for an erection.
What’s different about Cialis, however, is its duration of action. Viagra lasts anywhere from four to six hours, but Cialis lasts up to 36 hours, hence the term “the weekend pill”. The longer duration also leaves more flexibility in the way sex is performed without the rather strict timing that comes with the vast majority of other drugs used for erectile dysfunction.
Dosing Regimens
These medications also differ in recommended dosages: Viagra should be taken as needed, between 30 minutes and an hour before erectile activity. This ad hoc use is consistent with its shorter time to effect and provides men an idea of when intimacy will come.
In contrast, Cialis offers dose leniency. And if you’re the kind of person who likes to experiment, Cialis can be administered at will, just like Viagra. It is, however, also given at a reduced daily dose to individuals who are likely to need it more frequently. This daily regimen enables the therapeutic effect to continue throughout the day and removes the need for planning ahead so that men can have sex at any moment.
So, let’s get down to business: can you combine Viagra and Cialis?
The simple answer is yes, you can take these two medications at the same time. Nevertheless, it is not recommended to do so without seeking the advice of a physician. This is because there are risks and side effects when combining these two medications.
Threats arising from the combination of these two medications.
1. Increased Risk of Priapism:
Priapism is a disorder in which the erection lasts longer than four hours and often hurts, but does not involve sexual stimulation. Without treatment, priapism has dangerous side effects such as permanent penis degeneration and erectile dysfunction.
The risks of priapism that arise with Viagra and Cialis are similar, but the two drugs carry a much greater risk. This is because both medications are part of a group of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors that work by raising the levels of a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the body. This rise in cGMP relaxes the smooth muscle in the penis, and thus produces increased blood circulation and an erection.
When Viagra and Cialis are combined, the body’s cGMP level can spike so high that it’s prone to priapism. This danger is further compounded by the fact that the two medications have different half-lives, with Cialis occupying the body for up to 36 hours, while Viagra takes four. Consequently, both medications work together to produce lasting effects that lead to greater risk of priapism.
2. Hypotension and Cardiovascular Risks:
Both Viagra and Cialis decrease blood pressure and when used together, the two may act together to lower blood pressure to a potentially lethal level. This is particularly troubling for men with underlying cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, hypertension, or strokes or heart attacks. The combined administration of these medications can worsen these conditions and raise the risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
3. Increased Incidence of Side Effects:
When taken together, Viagra and Cialis can raise the risk and severity of PDE5 inhibitor side effects. These side-effects include headaches, flushing of the face, indigestion, nasal discharge, dizziness, and blurred vision. Sometimes these side effects can be serious enough to make the medication (or both) stop.
4. Drug Interactions and Contraindications:
Both Viagra and Cialis are metabolised by the cytochrome P450 system, specifically the isoenzyme CYP3A4. Combined, these medications might vie for metabolism and create elevated plasma levels and possibly toxic effects. In addition, PDE5 inhibitors are not compatible with certain medications, including nitrates, alpha-blockers and protease inhibitors, and may cause serious side effects if taken together.
5. Potential for Addiction and Abuse:
The Viagra and Cialis combination is prone to addiction and abuse, with some men falling into the trap of using these drugs recreationally to boost sexual performance. Such behaviour can lead to psychological addiction, romantic problems and cardiovascular dysfunction in the long run.
Moreover, note that Viagra and Cialis are prescription drugs that should only be taken on the advice of your doctor. They aren’t recreational drugs and can have disastrous health effects if they’re taken without a prescription.
Conclusion: Can You Take Viagra And Cialis Together?
Put simply, Viagra and Cialis might in principle go together. You should never, however, attempt to combine the two medications without a doctor’s recommendation. The risks and side-effects of putting both drugs together are large, and the benefits are limited. For anyone with erectile dysfunction, you must consult with your doctor on the appropriate treatment to decide what is the best and safest treatment for you.
