Viagra Side Effects: Should You Be Concerned?

So, you're considering trying Viagra as a treatment for erectile dysfunction or to enhance your sex life. But you've heard a thing or two about Viagra side effects and you're wondering if you should take it.

Caution when taking a new medication is wise, and a doctor should always be consulted. But many fears surrounding Viagra are unfounded.

The fact is that Viagra has been proven to work safely and effectively in 80% of men and is being used by over 23 million men worldwide. Viagra is the most studied and most popular prescription drug for erectile dysfunction.

For most men, there are either no side effects or the effects of Viagra are so minor they don't outweigh the benefits. Viagra can even be taken by men with serious health issues such as:

heart problems
high cholesterol
high blood pressure
diabetes
prostate problems
spinal injuries

Who Should Not Take Viagra

Men who should not take Viagra are those who have been warned by their doctor not to engage in sexual activity. Viagra side effects become a serious issue when Viagra is taken with nitrates, such as nitroglycerin for angina. The effects of Viagra combined with a nitrate can cause your blood pressure to plummet, leaving you dizzy, faint or even at risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Do not use Viagra if you take any form of nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate or isosorbide dinitrate. Even recreational drugs like poppers should not be taken with Viagra. (Poppers are nitrite vapors usually inhaled for a quick high or for sexual enhancement.)

Common Viagra Side Effects

Most men only experience minor side effects of Viagra: headache, facial flushing, and upset stomach.

Even less common are the following Viagra side effects: bluish vision, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light, which may briefly occur and then subside.

There are several rare but serious side effects of Viagra: hypotension, myocardial infarction, heart arrhythmias, stroke, eye pressure, and priapism. They are the Viagra side effects that require urgent medical attention.

What is Priapism?

You may have heard about priapism, a rare Viagra side effect mentioned in TV commercials and other advertising. Priapism is an erection lasting more than four hours. It can be caused by either a physical disorder or by certain medications. Priapism is a possibility with all oral ED drugs but interestingly Viagra itself has rarely been implicated. Why and how priapism occurs is not fully understood.

What is understood is that any man experiencing priapism needs to seek emergency medical attention. Leaving it untreated can lead to impotence or more serious complications.

In summary, Viagra is generally well tolerated by the majority of men who take it. But before trying it, you should always get a doctor's opinion based upon your medical condition and a full assessment of the medications you are taking in order to prevent any negative Viagra side effects.

A doctor (whether your own family doctor or one of our consulting physicians at eDrugstore.md) is also your best source of advice on what dosage of Viagra is right for your individual situation. The brochure you receive with your prescription will tell you how to take the little blue pill so you get the most beneficial sexual effects of Viagra.