Medically reviewed by: Thomas Fischer (Pharmacist). This article has been written according to strict guidelines and medical standards.
Medically reviewed by: Thomas Fischer (Pharmacist)
Viagra (Sildenafil) has been at the center of millions of men’s day to day routine in excess of twenty years. This “miracle” drug revolutionized the sexual dysfunction drug trade by offering men a painless, easy to use alternative to fight the results of erectile impairment (ED). Men can finally overcome ED by using one small tablet. Nonetheless, people frequently ask questions. Such questions include:
- How fast does the drug take effect?
- How long does Viagra last?
- How does Viagra work?
To answer these and other questions, we need to take a closer look at the mechanism of the drug, it’s effectiveness, and what might hinder its effectiveness.
The Effect Of Viagra - How to use Sildenafil
Viagra is the brand name for Sildenafil. It is sold as a lozenge-shaped, blue tablet and is available in 100mg, 50mg, and 25mg doses. The pill is ingested by mouth.
Naturally, it is essential to speak to your doctor before you use Sildenafil as he will prescribe the appropriate dosage for you. He will also inform you of the perks as well as the risks involved with the use of Viagra.
One dose of Viagra will ensure a proper erection that will last through sexual intercourse.
It is best to take one tablet of Viagra, by swallowing it with a bit of water, an hour before the onset of sexual intercourse.
The Mechanism Through Which Viagra (Sildenafil) Works In The Human Body
Viagra is a Phosphodiesterase Type 5 inhibitor (PDE5). During sexual arousal, the male body releases nitric oxide in the penis. This chemical is required to produce Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP) enzymes, which are responsible for the expansion and contraction of blood vessels that transport blood in and out of the penis.
After ejaculation, PDE5 enzymes will destroy the cGMP enzymes, resulting in the blood vessels resuming its normal state. This causes blood to flow out of the penis returning it to its relaxed state. For those with ED, the process above is flawed due to an abundance of PDE5.
It is for this purpose that PDE5 inhibitors, drugs like Viagra, get prescribed. Virility drugs, such as Viagra, prevent the PDE5 enzymes from destroying the cGMP enzymes. And, because of this, one regains the capability of having and maintaining a satisfying, proper erection.
It is important to note that Viagra and other PDE5 inhibitors are incapable of causing erections on their own. Sexual stimulation is necessary for the drug to work.
Viagra - What Is Its Function?
Millions of men worldwide experience the effects of erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is the result of an abundance of PDE5 enzymes in the male body. These enzymes destroy cGMP enzymes, which play a critical role in the ability to produce an erection.
The role of PDE5 inhibitors, such as Viagra, is to hinder the PDE5 enzymes, preventing the destruction of cGMP. So, in other words, the function of Viagra is to allow men who experience impotence to have a lasting erection.
Viagra Onset Of Action - How Long Does Viagra Take To Work After Intake?
Viagra is well known and appreciated for it’s quick response time after intake. Viagra can take its full effect in as little as thirty minutes, but it can take up to 60 minutes for the drug to become completely active. Your diet and certain medications may interfere with the drug response time. Eating healthy and avoiding those drugs will result in a quicker response time.
Viagra Duration Of Effect - How Long Does Viagra Last?
The downside of Viagra is that its duration of effectiveness is reasonably short-lived. Viagra typically starts to lose its effect after approximately three hours. You can, however, increase the duration of the effectiveness of Viagra to roughly six hours. This is possible through the following:
- Increase the dosage,
- A lowered metabolism,
- Avoiding certain foods (i.e., fatty foods, grapefruit products, etc.), and,
- Not using medication that may interfere with the effect of Viagra.
Viagra has the potential of lasting up to six hours under the right conditions.
How To Maximize the Effects of Viagra
Here are some tips to remember when you are using Viagra. Viagra works best when you:
- Take Viagra only when needed,
- Take it an hour before sexual intercourse,
- Take the correct dosage,
- Avoid consuming grapefruit products,
- Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes,
- Reduce your stress levels,
- Live a healthy lifestyle, stay active and lose weight (if necessary), and,
- Avoid using other ED drugs in combination with Viagra.
By applying the tips mentioned above to your lifestyle, you will improve the efficiency of Viagra and get the most out of using the drug.
Does Regular Use Of Viagra Diminish Its Efficiency?
A clinical trial was conducted to establish the safety and efficiency of long-term Viagra use. Testing was done over four years with an initial 979 participants and was sponsored by Pfizer pharmaceuticals. And it concluded that at least 88% of the participants preferred the 100mg dose of Viagra.
Safety Of Long-Term Use
Throughout the trial, 37 (3.8%) of the participants experienced a total of 47 adverse events between them. These events were determined to be treatment-related and led to dosage changes or discontinuation, both temporary and permanent. A total of 11 (1.1% of participants) cases of adverse effects led to a permanent end of use.
Long-Term Use Efficiency
During the four year trial, 93.7% of the participants disclosed that they are satisfied with the effect of Viagra. A total of 6.3% of the initial 979 participants discontinued Viagra due to the reduced efficiency of the drug.
The accumulated data of the clinical trial argue against the reduced efficiency of long-term Viagra use. Overall results prove that Viagra remains safe and won’t become inefficient because of long-term use.
How Does Blood Pressure Respond To Viagra Usage?
Because Sildenafil acts as a vasodilator, Viagra has the potential to cause hypotension (lowering of blood pressure). Patients with low blood pressure problems need to take caution when using Viagra.
People with conditions such as dehydration, some heart diseases, and specific nervous system abnormalities may also be at risk when using Viagra. Combining Viagra with other blood pressure drugs can cause a severe drop in blood pressure. This could lead to strokes, kidney failure, and even heart attacks.
Taking viagra with medications such as alpha-blockers, nitric oxide donors, or nitrates can cause sudden decreased blood pressure, which could lead to unconsciousness and possibly death.
How Does The Use Of Viagra Affect Healthy Men?
Healthy men, those without ED problems, should not use Viagra or any other ED drug. Although ED medication is not physically addictive, men using it as a recreational drug might develop a psychological addiction. This frequently results in ‘performance anxiety’ which is one of the underlying causes of impotence.
Healthy men using Viagra may also be putting themselves in danger of severe adverse effects, which includes heart attacks.
Women Using Viagra - What Is The Effect?
The FDA has not approved Viagra for use in women. A study was conducted with 202 female participants that complained about sexual arousal issues. When treated with Viagra, these women reported a noticeable increase in sexual satisfaction.
The enhancement these women experienced included increased arousal, more lubrication, and better orgasms. The women also reported an increase in the ability to experience an orgasm. It is theorized that Viagra can increase the blood flow to a woman’s genital area, which will result in increased arousal, lubrication, and sensation in the female genitalia.
Women using Viagra have reported similar side effects to that of men taking Sildenafil, which includes flushing, headaches, vision problems, and nausea. It is important to note that Viagra will not be effective in overcoming psychological barriers preventing women from having a satisfying sex life.
Viagra Effects & Efficiency - Reported Experiences
You cannot always trust the manufacturer or supplier’s word when it comes to the results of the product that they provide. To get the full picture of the effects and how effective a product is, it’s important to look at independent reviews. Below is a combined summary of numerous independent reviews on Viagra:
Relationship Problems Caused By ED
Many of the reviews state that ED has wreaked havoc in their relationships and marriages. Because of the underlying shame and fear that most experience due to ED, they find it hard to talk about the problem, even to their spouses.
How Viagra Changes Lives
99% of the reviews claim that Viagra has rekindled their love-live. Their sex life is better with Viagra as it has improved intimacy in the relationship and boosted their self-esteem and confidence. The fear that they felt before intercourse due to the uncertainty that they can perform has evaporated completely.
The use of Viagra, as reported by these individuals, causes intense and improved erections by making it bigger and harder than before. And they are capable of performing sexually for much longer. Some men also claim that Viagra has resolved their premature ejaculation problems.
Overall, these men are ecstatic about the use of Viagra and what it has done for them.
Side Effects
The most commonly experienced side effects, according to these reviews, are stomach and gas-related issues, headaches, flushing, dry mouth, and lightheadedness.
Viagra - A Summary Of The Effects & Dangers
Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor and it’s the base chemical used in Viagra. The purpose of the drug is to prevent the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Viagra can also be used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, altidtude sickness, and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Viagra has a long list of side effects. Mostly these effects will go away with continued use of the product and are not severe.
There are also various contraindications and adverse effects associated with the use of Viagra. Some of the side and adverse effects may cause irreversible damage, and in extreme cases, it may lead to strokes, kidney failure, and heart attacks.
If you experience abnormal side effects, adverse effects, or conditions you can’t explain, you need to seek immediate medical advice.
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