Viagra Frequently Asked Questions
Is Viagra for me?
Viagra®
(sildenafil citrate) may be for you if you have difficulty
having and maintaining an erection, a condition that is called
erectile dysfunction (ED). It is estimated that about 30 million
men in the United States suffer from some degree of ED, including
about half of all men ages 40 to 70. If you suspect you have
ED, talk to your doctor about the many possible health as
well as emotional factors that can contribute to the condition.
Who should not take Viagra?
Viagra isn't for everyone. If you use drugs that contain nitrates,
such as nitroglycerin (drugs commonly used for the treatment
of chest pains due to heart disease), you should not use Viagra.
Taking Viagra with any nitrate medicine can cause your blood
pressure to suddenly drop to an unsafe or life-threatening
level. You could get dizzy, faint, or even have a heart attack
or stroke. Nitrates also found in illegally inhaled drugs
(including amyl nitrate, nitrite or "poppers," and
others) have the same effect when combined with Viagra.
How does Viagra work?
When
a man is sexually aroused, there is an increase in blood flow
into certain internal areas of the penis, resulting in an
erection. If the nerves or blood vessels in your genitals
aren't working properly, you may not be able to get an erection.
Viagra works by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, one
of the chemicals the body normally releases into the penis
during sexual arousal, allowing an increase of blood flow
so you can get and keep an erection.
How well does Viagra
work?
Viagra
improves erections in up to 4 out of 5 men who take it. It
may not be as effective if you have a chronic health condition
such as poorly managed diabetes, blocked arteries, or long-standing
high blood pressure.
How can I get Viagra?
Viagra
is available by prescription only. You should have a complete
medical history and exam beforehand to determine the cause
of your ED before taking Viagra.
How do I take Viagra?
Viagra
is taken orally as a once-daily dose, an hour before sexual
activity. For more detailed information, check with your physician.
Viagra is available as oral tablets in 25 mg-, 50 mg- and
100-mg strengths.
Will Viagra work as soon
as I take it?
Viagra
is not an aphrodisiac. You don't get an erection just by taking
the pill; you must be sexually aroused for it to be effective.
Viagra may take as long as an hour to work, but some men see
results in about 30 minutes. Like many medications, your physician
may have to adjust your initial Viagra dose if it doesn't
produce the desired results, or you're bothered by side effects.
How long will Viagra
last?
For
most patients, it lasts up to 4 hours or until orgasm.
How often can I take
Viagra?
The
approved dosage is no more than a pill a day.
Can I take Viagra if
I drink alcohol?
Drinking
alcohol can temporarily impair your ability to get an erection.
To get the maximum benefit from your medication, you should
not drink large amounts of alcohol before taking Viagra.
Can I take Viagra after
I eat?
Yes,
but if you do so after a high-fat meal, such as a burger and
fries, it may take Viagra longer to work.
What kinds of side effects
can Viagra cause?
The
most commonly reported side effects are headache, feeling
hot and flushed, stomachache, and mild and temporary visual
changes (altered color and light perception, and blurred vision.
If your erection lasts more than 4 hours, seek immediate medical
help.
Can Viagra be used for
women?
Currently,
Viagra is not recommended for women.
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