Viagra, a chemical compound called sildenafil, is one of the most popular prescription medications for male erectile dysfunction. Viagra has been a very popular treatment for ED since its release in 1998, and millions of men take the drug. Yet, as is the case with any other drug, Viagra may have side effects that the user should know about. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the possible side effects of Viagra and what you should know before you take it.
Let us start by seeing how Viagra works. It is a member of a group of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These drugs work by relaxing blood vessel muscles, facilitating blood supply to the penis, and enabling men to achieve and maintain an erection. Viagra is a pill that is administered orally, usually between 30 minutes and an hour before sex, and its effects last for up to four hours.
The most common Viagra side effects are headache, flushing, indigestion, swollen or runny nose, and dizziness. These side effects are typically mild and brief, and tend to fade away after taking the drug. But there are occasions when the side effects are more severe and require medical intervention. For instance, severe headaches or fainting could mean a decrease in blood pressure, which is especially alarming in people with heart problems. Please talk to your doctor if you notice any of these side effects when taking Viagra.
Viagra might also have a potential side-effect of vision disturbances, such as vision loss, light sensitivity or color changes.
These vision alterations can occur in many ways. Other users have described seeing the objects as a little less sharp or concentrated than usual. Others are sensitive to light, squinting or shielding their eyes in bright sunlight. Some users have also reported seeing things in a blue tint, or being unable to separate certain colours.
Importantly, these eye changes are typically temporary and will disappear once the medication is removed from the body. But, in some cases, they may be the result of more damaging side effects like damage to the optic nerve or retina. If you experience any unusual or severe vision changes during the use of Viagra, consult your doctor right away.
Not everyone knows exactly how Viagra alters vision, but we believe it involves Viagra’s effects on blood flow. Viagra relaxes the muscle around the blood vessels and this increases blood supply to the penis, enabling men to have and sustain erections. Yet this pumped-up blood can trickle down into other areas of the body, such as the eyes.
If you’re concerned about the risk of vision changes while taking Viagra, discuss it with your doctor. They may recommend other drugs, or adjust your dosage to minimize the chances of side effects. Besides, you must follow your doctor’s instructions and do not take more of the drug than is indicated.
These transformations tend to be modest and short-lived, though sometimes severe and permanent. Viagra has been linked to some men exhibiting temporary blindness. Take this medication if your vision changes while you’re taking it, immediately contact your doctor.
The other possible side effect of Viagra is priapism, which is a painful, prolonged erection lasting four hours or more. Despite the appearance of attractiveness, priapism is an acute medical emergency, because it can rupture the tissues of the penis and lead to permanent ED if left untreated. If you have an erection for more than four hours, call your doctor right away.
Viagra also interacts with some medications, such as nitrates, used to relieve chest pain or heart disease. When combined with nitrates, Viagra can lead to a sudden sharp decrease in blood pressure, leading to dizziness, loss of consciousness, or heart attack. Please inform your doctor of any medication you’re taking prior to taking Viagra.
There are men, too, who might be allergic to Viagra, which causes rash, itching, or breathing problems. The physician should know ahead of time if you are allergic to this medication.
In addition, Viagra is not for everyone. Some men with certain conditions, like heart disease, high or low blood pressure, or liver or kidney disease, may not be a candidate for Viagra. Also, men taking certain medications (alpha-blockers, for example) for high blood pressure should not use Viagra, as it can cause dangerous hypotension.
In addition, Viagra does not eliminate ED. It only aids in creating and sustaining an erection; it doesn’t help cure the root of ED. Hence, it is vital that you visit a doctor if you are suffering from ongoing ED as it may be indicative of an underlying health condition that requires correction.
Conclusion:
Viagra is a widely used medication for ED, but it is vital to understand its possible side effects before taking it. While the majority of side effects are mild and short-lived, some are life-threatening. One point worth pointing out is that you should always consult with your doctor before taking Viagra, tell him about all your illnesses and other medications that you may be using, and administer the drug according to directions regarding dose and usage. When you feel any of these side effects from Viagra, contact the doctor as soon as possible. Remember your health is extremely valuable, and thus needs attention while taking any medication, even Viagra.
