Viagra side effects

Viagra is a brand name for a medicine called Sildenafil. The main purpose of the drug is to help people, specifically men, who may be suffering from erectile dysfunction, otherwise known as impotence. The medicine works by increasing the blood flow to the male penis in order to help sustain an erection when the male is aroused.

Initially, Sildenafil was created and studied in the hopes that it would help patients who may suffer from high blood pressure and certain other forms of heart disease. However, after more research was conducted studies were able to show that it could also help those who may suffer from erectile dysfunction. The drug was then patented in 1996 and approved for use for those suffering from dysfunction in 1998.
One of the most common questions potential patients have with this medicine is its efficacy and how long the effects may last. Like most medicines, the potency and duration of the effects will depend on each patient and how their body may respond to the medicine. However, studies have shown that Viagra may last sometimes up to five hours and may wear off in as little as two hours.

Possible side effects

Another common concern patients have are with the potential side effects Viagra may cause once ingested. The most common response patients have with this medicine is complaints of headaches. Studies have shown that one in ten men who take this medicine have experienced this side effect. Another side effect that has effected one in one hundred men is the complaint of nausea as well as hot flushes in the body. There have also been reports of men experienced nausea, upset stomach, and dizziness after ingesting the medicine. However, studies have shown that most of these side effects tend to wear off after a short period of time.
However, there are also uncommon side effects associated with this medicine. A few men who have taken the medicine have complained of visual impairment, increased heartbeat, auditory problems, muscle aches, and rashes appearing along the skin.
As with all medicine, consumers who are considering taking the medications should first consult with their physician before taking the medicine. This is a drug that is not sold over the counter and must be prescribed by a licensed medical professional.
Besides the more well known use of Viagra, studies have indicated that some users take Viagra for some non-medical uses, however that is not recommended. Studies have shown that some men take the drug even though they have never been diagnosed or suffered from erectile dysfunction. However, studies have shown that the drug has little effect when used by people who may not suffer from any dysfunction. There have also been studies shown that Viagra can possibly help with jet lag after a study conducted on lab hamsters showed that a dose of Sildenafil improved recovery. Some professional and amateur athletes also take the medication under the belief that it will help improved muscles due to the increased blood flow that the medicine provides.

John Rogers

I have been working in General Practice since 2006.