Viagra : Side Effects

Viagra, also known as sildenafil, was originally developed as a medication to treat angina, a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. During clinical trials, researchers found that the drug had an interesting side effect - it improved erectile function in men.

This led to further research into using the drug to treat erectile dysfunction, and in 1998, Viagra was approved by the FDA for this purpose.

While Viagra is generally safe and effective when used as directed, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. In this blog post, we will discuss the side effects of Viagra in detail.

Common Side Effects of Viagra

The most common side effects of Viagra include:

Headache: Headaches are the most common side effect of Viagra, affecting about 16% of men who take the drug. Headaches are usually mild to moderate in intensity and tend to go away on their own within a few hours.

Facial flushing: About 10% of men who take Viagra experience facial flushing, which is a sudden and temporary redness of the face. This is caused by the dilation of blood vessels in the face, which allows for increased blood flow.

Indigestion: Up to 7% of men who take Viagra experience indigestion, which is characterized by stomach pain, bloating, and nausea.

Nasal congestion: About 4% of men who take Viagra experience nasal congestion, which is caused by the dilation of blood vessels in the nasal passages.

Vision changes: A small number of men who take Viagra may experience changes in their vision, such as blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or changes in color vision. These side effects are usually temporary and go away on their own within a few hours.

Less Common Side Effects of Viagra

While less common, some men may experience more serious side effects of Viagra, including:

Priapism: This is a rare but serious side effect of Viagra in which an erection lasts for more than four hours. This can be painful and can cause permanent damage to the penis if not treated promptly.

Sudden hearing loss: In rare cases, Viagra has been linked to sudden hearing loss. This side effect is more common in men who have a history of hearing problems or who take other medications that can affect hearing.

Cardiovascular effects: Viagra can cause changes in blood pressure and heart rate, especially in men who take other medications or have underlying cardiovascular conditions. This can lead to serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke.

Allergic reactions: Some men may experience an allergic reaction to Viagra, which can cause symptoms such as hives, itching, or difficulty breathing.

Other side effects: Less common side effects of Viagra include dizziness, back pain, muscle aches, and ringing in the ears.

Precautions to Take While Using Viagra

To minimize the risk of side effects while taking Viagra, it is important to follow a few precautions:

Only take Viagra as directed by your doctor.

Do not take Viagra with nitrate medications, as this can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Viagra, as this can increase the risk of side effects.

Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as some medications can interact with Viagra and increase the risk of side effects.

If you experience any side effects while taking Viagra, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately.

As Viagra can be an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects. Most side effects of Viagra are mild and go away on their own, but in some cases, more serious side effects can occur. It is important to take precautions and follow your doctor's instructions to minimize the risk of side effects while using Viagra.