While many individuals know Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), not too many of them know how Viagra works. Some may even be asking the question “How long does Viagra take to start and last?“. This article will shed light on how long it takes for Viagra to take effect, its duration, and how it works.
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Understanding Viagra: Dosage and Effectiveness
Viagra, which contains the active drug sildenafil, is a widely used medication used to treat ED. The starting dose when you take Viagra is 50 mg, and it should be taken an hour before engaging in sexual activity.
Depending on how much your doctor prescribes, the dosage can be adjusted from a low dose of 25 mg to a maximum dose of 100 mg. It is recommended not to exceed the maximum dose of 100 mg in a 24-hour period.
How Does Viagra Work and Treat Erectile Dysfunction?
Viagra works as a PDE5-inhibitor and treats erectile dysfunction through the following process:
Inhibition of PDE5
PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) is an enzyme that breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a molecule that helps regulate blood flow. By inhibiting PDE5, Viagra prevents the breakdown of cGMP.
Increased cGMP Levels
The inhibition of PDE5 results in the increase of cGMP levels. This leads to heightened cGMP levels in the smooth muscle cells of the penis.
Relaxation of Blood Vessels
Elevated cGMP causes the smooth muscles in the blood vessels of the penis to relax and dilate. This allows for increased blood flow into the penis.
Enhanced Erection
The increased blood flow leads to an erection, thus treating erectile dysfunction. However, Viagra does not cause an erection on its own but enhances the natural erectile response, so sexual stimulation is still necessary to initiate penile erection.
How Long Does Viagra Last?
Normally, Viagra lasts anywhere between 4 and 5 hours after ingestion. However, its effects may vary depending on individual factors, such as metabolism and dosage.
For instance, consuming a high-fat meal before taking Viagra may delay its onset and reduce its effectiveness. For optimal results, it’s recommended to take Viagra on an empty stomach.
Benefits of Taking Viagra
Among the benefits that Viagra offers to people who take it are as follows:
Improves Blood Flow
Sildenafil, the active drug in Viagra, functions as a vasodilator. It works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels, which enhances blood flow to the genital area and improves erectile dysfunction.
Enhances Sexual Function
By dilating the blood vessels in the body, especially around the genital area, Viagra treats erectile dysfunction. This process allows men to achieve and maintain an erect penis for a longer period.
Improves Urinary Function
Some studies suggest that Viagra may also improve urinary function, especially in adult males with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a condition that can cause urinary problems. Viagra may help alleviate these symptoms by increasing blood flow to the bladder.
Side Effects of Taking Viagra
Viagra has side effects that range from common to serious. Some of these adverse effects include:
Common Side Effects of Taking Viagra
- Headaches
- Facial flushing (redness of face)
- Skin rash/itchiness (mild allergic reaction)
- Nausea or dizziness
- Back aches
- Indigestion
- Blocked or stuffed nasal passages
- Blurred vision
Serious Side Effects of Taking Viagra
- Vision loss
- Loss of hearing
- Chest pain
- Priapism (painful erection)
- Severe allergic reaction
- Low blood pressure
Drug Interactions of Viagra
Viagra’s interactions with other medications can result in severe side effects, so your healthcare provider must be aware of your full medical history. This ensures they can prescribe a different medication that does not interact with sildenafil.
Some of the drugs that may interact with Viagra include:
- Nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin)
- Alpha-blockers (e.g., doxazosin, terazosin)
- Certain antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole)
- HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, saquinavir)
- Some antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin)
- Other medications for erectile dysfunction (e.g., tadalafil, vardenafil)
- High blood pressure medications (e.g., beta-blockers)
Taking Viagra With Other Drugs
Combining Viagra with other drugs can affect its effectiveness and safety. Understanding these interactions is crucial for managing erectile dysfunction safely.
How Long Does Viagra Last When Combined with Prescription Drugs?
Viagra’s duration can vary if taken with prescription drugs like nitrates and alpha-blockers, as these two drugs affect blood flow and blood pressure. To understand how Viagra will interact with your specific medications, consult your healthcare provider and adjust the dosage if needed.
Do Illegal Drugs Impact Viagra’s Effectiveness?
Illegal drugs can impact Viagra’s effectiveness and increase the risk of adverse events. Substances, such as cocaine or ecstasy, can interfere with how Viagra works, which leads to severe side effects or reduced efficacy.
FAQs on Taking Viagra Tablets
Is Viagra Safe?
Like most drugs, Viagra is safe when used as prescribed by a doctor, but it can cause side effects and interact with other medications. Consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that Viagra is safe for you to avoid possible interactions.
How Does Viagra Affect Females?
Studies suggest that if a female takes Viagra, it might produce effects similar to those seen in men with erectile dysfunction. However, these effects are not well-documented, and Viagra is not approved for use in women.
What to Do If You Have Trouble Swallowing Viagra Tablets?
If you have difficulty swallowing Viagra tablets, consider asking your doctor about alternative forms, such as dissolvable or chewable tablets or liquid options.
Can Viagra Tablets Prevent Premature Ejaculation?
No, Viagra tablets are only designed to treat ED. While this oral tablet may improve sexual performance, it does not prevent premature ejaculation.
Is Viagra an Over-the-Counter Drug?
Viagra is not available over-the-counter and requires a prescription. Due to Viagra’s interactions with other medications and underlying health conditions, a doctor needs to evaluate its suitability and safety for treating erectile dysfunction.
Can You Take Viagra Tablets After Drinking Alcohol?
It is not recommended to drink alcohol and take Viagra tablets. Alcohol can impair the efficacy of Viagra and increase the risk of side effects.
How Can Bigger Loads Help?
Bigger Loads offers expert resources and insights for improving erectile dysfunction with medications like Viagra and natural alternatives, such as yohimbe and horny goat weed. Additionally, we provide a specialized training routine designed to enhance sexual performance and satisfaction. Visit Bigger Loads today to discover how our training guide can benefit you.