What you should know about Viagra

Under this brand name, this is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. It works by dilating the arteries leading into the penis. The additional flow of blood is trapped inside, forming the erection. If you propose to use this drug for other purposes, it’s important for you to take medical advice.

Can it go wrong?

To achieve its effect, it targets a naturally occurring chemical called PDE5. There are 11 different versions of PDE and, although Viagra is intended to be specific, it can sometimes affect one of the others. The most common sign of this is a change to your eyesight. If you see the world with a slightly blue tinge, this is one of the other PDEs. This is nothing to worry about. It will clear naturally in a few hours. If there are more serious problems with your sight or hearing, go to an emergency room.

Can everyone take Viagra?

You should talk to a doctor if you have recently had a stroke or heart attack, and are taking the relevant medication to control blood pressure and heart rhythm. It’s wise to have a check-up before you resume sexual activity. Stamina and general fitness may have suffered since you had the heart attack. Further, the drugs you now take can interact adversely with Viagra. There are dosage implications if you have kidney or liver disease or a stomach ulcer.

Dosage instructions

Take the dosage recommended, as needed, at least thirty minutes before you expect sexual activity. If you have recently eaten a big meal with a high fat content, allow more time for the Viagra to take effect. The only possible food that may affect Viagra is grapefruit, whether as the fruit or juice. In some people, it delays the onset of erections. You should not worry about embarrassment when you take this drug. It does not automatically produce an erection. That requires sexual stimulation. There are two general warnings. Do not drink more than one or two units of alcohol. This makes the side effects more likely. Do not take more than one Viagra every 24 hours.

What to avoid

There are a number of drugs that can affect the way your body reacts to Viagra. First, although you may be worried about your performance, taking more than one erectile dysfunction drug at the time time can produce symptoms of an overdose. The same will happen if you take any drug containing a nitrate or one designed to affect your blood pressure. Second, Viagra is not the same as a condom. You can catch a sexually transmitted disease or become a father if you do not wear physical protection.

What are the side effects?

Minor headaches, blocked noses and stomach upsets pass quickly. You need only worry if you find it difficult to breathe, your heart rate increases and you feel lightheaded.