Viagra

What is Viagra?

Viagra is a treatment for male erectile dysfunction (ED), often called impotence. It is a discreet pill you only take when you plan to have sex. Viagra helps men to get and maintain an erection when they become sexually aroused, either physically or visually. According to trials conducted, Viagra improves erections in four out of every five men who use Viagra. These results are irrespective of age or length the patient has suffered from ED. Viagra does not automatically cause an erection, you need to be sexually aroused.

How does viagra work?

Viagra enables many men with erectile dysfunction to respond to sexual stimulation. When a man is sexually aroused, the arteries in the penis relax and widen, allowing more blood to flow into the penis. As the arteries in the penis expand and harden, the veins that normally carry blood away from the penis become compressed, restricting the blood flow out of the penis. With more blood flowing in and less flowing out, the penis enlarges, resulting in an erection. If the nerves or blood vessels associated with this process aren't working properly, a man may not be able to get an erection. Viagra increases blood flow to the penis, so that when a man is sexually aroused, he can get and keep an erection. When the sexual encounter is over, the erection goes away.

Will Viagra work immediately?

Viagra is effective in as little as 30 minutes and stays effective for up to 4 hours.

Does Viagra automatically cause an erection?

No. With Viagra, you must be sexually aroused to get an erection. It is not an aphrodisiac. It's a prescription medication that can improve erectile function of most men with erection problems.

How often can I take viagra?

For most patients, Viagra should be taken once a day as needed. In patients taking certain protease inhibitors (such as for the treatment of HIV), it is recommended to not exceed a maximum single dose of 25 mg of Viagra in a 48-hour period.

How much viagra can I take?

Viagra comes in different doses (25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg). Like many medicines, your healthcare provider may have to adjust your initial Viagra dose if it doesn't produce the desired results or you're bothered by side effects. Do not take more Viagra than your healthcare provider prescribes. Viagra can be used up to once a day as needed. If you are older than 65 years, have a serious liver or kidney problem, or are taking protease inhibitors, such as for the treatment of HIV, your healthcare provider may start you at the lowest (25-mg) dose of Viagra.

Can I cut my viagra pills in half?

They are not designed to be cut in half. Half a tablet may not be effective. Cutting pills in half is not recommended.

Will Viagra make me have an erection for hours?

Viagra works by helping you get an erection in response to sexual stimulation. Once a man takes Viagra and has sex, his erection will go away after intercourse, just like it would normally. Viagra takes about 30 minutes before it's ready to work, and remains ready to work for about 4 hours after that. Take your time and go at your own pace. In the event of an erection lasting more than 4 hours, see your doctor.

I don't get erectile dysfunction often. Does this mean that Viagra isn't for me?

Even if it happens infrequently, it's still erectile dysfunction. Most men with erectile dysfunction have it just some of the time.

I tried Viagra once, but it didn't work. Does this mean it's not for me?

You might need to try Viagra several times to get it right for you. You may also need to change your dose.

What if I haven't had sex in a while?

Because sexual activity can be demanding on the heart, doctors sometimes determine that for men with certain heart conditions, sex is not recommended, with or without medication for erectile dysfunction. Patients who are in poor cardiovascular health should talk to their doctor before engaging in any strenuous activity. If you are not sure of your cardiovascular health, talk to your healthcare provider.

Who should not take Viagra?

Viagra is only for patients with Erectile Dysfunction. Viagra is not prescribed for women. Do not let anyone else take your Viagra. Viagra must be used only on prescription. Before you start any treatment with Viagra, be sure to ask your healthcare provider if your heart is healthy enough. If you use nitrate drugs for heart conditions, like nitroglycerine, never take Viagra. The combination of Viagra and nitrates can make your blood pressure suddenly drop to unsafe levels. You could get dizzy, faint, or even have a heart attack or stroke. Nitrates are found in many prescription medications that are used to treat angina (chest pain due to heart disease) such as:

• Nitroglycerin (sprays, ointments, skin patches or pastes, and tablets that are swallowed or dissolved in the mouth)

• Isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate (tablets that are swallowed, chewed, or dissolved in the mouth)

• Nitrates are also found in recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). If you are not sure if any of your medications contain nitrates, or if you do not understand what nitrates are, ask your healthcare provider.

What if Viagra doesn't work?

While Viagra is effective in up to 4 of 5 men, it's not effective for everyone. If it doesn't work for you, contact your healthcare provider to discuss other treatment options.

Can I take Viagra with alcohol?

Drinking alcohol can temporarily impair the ability to get an erection. To get the maximum benefit from your medication, you are advised not to drink large amounts of alcohol before taking Viagra.

Can I take Viagra after eating?

Yes, but taking Viagra after a high-fat meal may cause the medication to take a little longer to start working.

What are the side effects of Viagra?

Like all medications, Viagra can cause some side effects. These are usually mild and don't last longer than a few hours. Some of these side effects are more likely to occur with higher doses of Viagra. With Viagra, the most common side effects are headache, facial flushing, and upset stomach. Viagra may also briefly cause bluish or blurred vision or sensitivity to light. In the rare event of an erection lasting more than 4 hours, seek medical help.