Viagra is the most widespread erectile dysfunction medicine in the world. The name is the trademark that Pfizer uses to sell the Sildenafil compound, which bears most of the active effects in this medicament. It was discovered in the late 80s, and its emergence basically turned the branch of ED treatment upside down.
It’s not a permanent solution in any way, but it was the first product that reversed erectile dysfunction in men for several hours in a reliable and safe way. Its effects last for up to 4 hours. Moreover, while it has several nasty side effects that may occur on occasion, it doesn’t really deteriorate your health in exchange for renewed erectile function.
Background
Sildenafil is the oldest and most famous ED drug, although its discovery in 1989 was followed by several similar compounds, such as Tadalafil and Vardenafil. They offer additional properties, but the chief principle of work these drugs follow is nearly identical in all of them. They are related, after all.
After several years of testing and patenting, Viagra finally entered mass production in 1996. It does seem like an inessential drug because it doesn’t treat any apparent health issues, but that’s just superficial. Erectile dysfunction can lead to mental health problems, heart problems, and other nasty conditions, making Viagra pretty essential.
About Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a commonly found condition in men of all ages. There are many different causes for it, but the reasons behind the inability to summon an erection are usually the same. It has much to do with the protein that blocks much of the needed blood supply to the genitals, making an erection difficult or impossible.
Sildenafil helps by weakening said proteins for several hours, which restores the normal flow of blood into the muscles down there. What it means is that, with proper stimulation, a person can have an erection again. So, it’s not really the perverted drug that gives you libido. Instead, it restores the perfectly normal functioning of your body.
Generic Viagra
Another good idea is getting generic Viagra. Generic products are the name given to non-brand medicine that retains the properties and composition of their branded counterparts. It’s essentially just the active compound with all its pleasantries but shedding the trademark.
The name for the generic Viagra is just Sildenafil. It’s just as effective and safe, although it’s not manufactured by Pfizer. It undergoes the same quality control, and it may be different in some aspects compared to regular Viagra. However, the difference is minuscule.
The price for this variety of Viagra is very often below $1 per tablet.
Generic Viagra Characteristics
Viagra usually lasts for 4 hours, with a certain leeway that depends on the individual’s personal parameters, such as age, weight, and drug resistance. It usually takes 30-60 minutes before it takes effect, and this also varies for the same reason. It’s best if you take it a full hour before the expected intercourse.
It doesn’t lose effectiveness over time, so there isn’t really any harm in taking it even earlier. The only problem is that, the farther away from the intercourse you are, the harder it is to predict when you’ll need Viagra to work. So, it can be that you take it too early and let the effects expire.
Taking
Viagra is known widely as a ‘blue tablet’ on account of its recognizable appearance. These tablets typically come in three variations: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. You can’t split them and they can’t be chewed. If you break the coating, you’ll release a rather unpleasant bitter taste.
What you should do is know your dose and swallow the necessary tablet whole, without chewing. The minimal dose is, as you can imagine, 25 mg, while the absolute maximum dose is 100 mg. You shouldn’t exceed it, tempting as it may be. The Viagra overdose isn’t lethal, but it’s certainly not comfortable.
The usual Viagra norm is one tablet a day, regardless of the dosage of this tablet. It’s not a good idea to split your dose into several portions for any reason. If you’re prescribed a 25 mg tablet, you should take it just once per day. The same applies to any other dose. Although you don’t have to take it every day, it won’t have any residual effect.
An overdose is certainly possible. If you take more than 100 mg a day, it can lead to dizziness, heartache, stomach problems, and essentially all the aforementioned problems in various combinations, but all pretty intense. You should absolutely seek medical help if you suspect an overdose.
Adverse Effects
Viagra has some possible adverse effects, of course.
Some of the more common problems include headaches, dizziness, stomach problems, and flushing. They are common among the Viagra side effects, but they aren’t really frequent on their own. Moreover, they mostly recede after several hours. If they don’t, it’s best that you see the doctor about it.
The more severe problems occur rarely, but they are certainly not unheard of. If you’ve suddenly lost vision or hearing, or if you feel your blood pressure is lower, it’s a good giveaway. If these happen, you might consider abandoning the use of this drug altogether, especially if they repeat.
It’s also possible to have a Viagra allergy, although these are typically tested for before you’re prescribed Viagra. That’s one of the main reasons it’s a prescription drug. It’s also not a good idea to take it if you have problems with the heart, liver, or blood pressure or if you had strokes in the past.