There are risks to Viagra use. Known side effects
for women include high levels of nitric oxide in the womb,
which can be both dangerous for the mother and toxic to
developing embryos. - American Society quotes The
wonder blue pill is no doubt creating waves in the treatment
of erectile dysfunction (ED). Viagra (sildenafil) is
perhaps the best thing that happened in the last century
to perk up sagging sex-lives of ED patients and their
partners.
But Viagra is not free from side effects and contraindications.
Here are some of the known (and some unknown) side effects
of the magic pill.
Contraindications
If you are taking any medicines that contain nitrates,
Viagra is certainly not for you. This is because when
you take Viagra with any nitrate medicine or recreational
drug containing nitrates, the blood pressure could suddenly
drop to an unsafe level. The symptoms include dizziness,
sudden unconsciousness or even a heart attack or stroke.
Nitrates are found in many prescription medicines that
are used to treat angina such as
- nitroglycerin (sprays, ointments, skin patches
or pastes and tablets that are swallowed or dissolved
in the mouth)
- isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate
(tablets that are swallowed, chewed or dissolved in
the mouth)
- Nitrates are also found in recreational drugs such
as amyl nitrate or nitrite (poppers).
In case of any confusion consult your doctor.
Viagra is also contraindicated in patients with known
hypersensitivity to any component of the tablet.
Side Effects
The common side effects of Viagra include -
- Mild Headache
- Indigestion
- Flushing of the face
- Visual impairment where everything seems tinted
a murky pale blue
- Runny Nose
- Hypotension
Some of the rare but serious side effects of Viagra
include -
- Sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both
eyes
- Priapism (condition where erection refuses to go)
for more than 6 hours that could lead to permanent
loss of potency
- Cardiovascular side effects including heart attack,
stroke or irregular heartbeats
- Severe impairment of renal function
- Myocardial infarction
- Death
Precautions and Useful Tips
Certain precautions are required with the use of Viagra
-
- Viagra is not a sex-pill or an aphrodisiac. It
does not work if there is no stimulation. It has no
effect on libido or orgasms.
- Viagra is a treatment drug for ED and does not
cure ED.
- Viagra does not immunize you or your partner against
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like AIDS.
- Viagra is most effective within 4 hours of its
intake. So, make the best use of these 4 hours!
- Viagra is meant strictly for adults, i.e., persons
over 18 years of age.
- Viagra is a prescription drug and must be used
strictly as prescribed by the doctor.
- The doctor must be told about other medical conditions
and medicines you are taking in order to make adjustments
in the dosage.
- In case of over dosage, immediately seek medical
attention.
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