Viagra FAQs

What is Viagra?

Viagra is a revolutionary new medication that is taken by mouth to restore erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction. It selectively works on the penis. It is not a hormone or an aphrodiasiac.

Is this drug safe?

 

Yes; however an absolute contraindication to using Viagra is the concomitant use of

nitrates, e.g., nitroglycerin. Viagra has been extensively tested in over 4500 men prior to its approval by the FDA. The incidence of adverse side effects causing patients to drop out of the studies was equal in patients taking placebo versus Viagra, 2.5%.

How does Viagra work?

It works by increasing the smooth muscle relaxation in the penis. When an erection occurs, the smooth muscles in the penis and in the arteries of the penis must be relaxed. Viagra maximizes the relaxation, increasing the efficiency of the erection. It is liken to stretching a rubber balloon before blowing it up to make it easier to inflate. The enzyme that the medication specifically works on is phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5), which is almost exclusively found in the penis.

Will the medication cause relaxation of all the smooth muscles in the body?

No. The enzyme (PDE-5) is specific for the penis. Viagra is highly specific for the enzyme in the penis. The minimal cross reaction is responsible for the side effects.

What are the side effects?

* Mild headache 16%
* Flushing 11%
* Indigestion 7%
* Runny nose 7%
* Transient visual effects (blue haze) 3%

Will Viagra affect my visual acuity (blurry vision)?

No. This has been extensively tested.

Will Viagra affect my night vision while driving?

No. This also has been extensively tested.

Are there any serious side effects?

Serious side effects are rare. Several deaths have recently occurred in patients taking Viagra. The exact etiology of those deaths has not been determined. However, caution should be used in prescribing Viagra. A good history and physical examination is prudent -- and remember, no Viagra and nitrates. In the trial studies, the incidence of serious cardiovascular side effects in over 4500 men studied was equal in the placebo and treatment group, less than 2%. There were no deaths in the studies.

Does this drug cause an erection that will not go down (priapism)?

No. There were no episodes of priapism in any of the studies. Viagra does not cause erections without sexual stimulation. It is not like the penile injections or intraurethral therapy. Its mechanism of action is totally different.

When I use the injections or urethral suppositories (Muse), sometimes my erection will last after I have an orgasm. Will that happen after Viagra?

No. That is one of the remarkable attributes of the pill. It is natural. If there is no sexual stimuation the erection subsides naturally.

Can I use this with my injections of Muse if they are not working well?

No. The use of Viagra with other forms of therapy (injections, Muse, vacuum devices) has not been tested and should be avoided.

Are there any contraindications?

Yes. The only contraindication to therapy is the use of nitrates (sublingual nitroglycerin, long acting nitrates, nitrate pastes). Several patients have fainted while using nitrates and Viagra because of a drop in blood pressure. If you are unsure whether you are on these medications, check with your family physician, internist, or cardiologist before considering this medication.

What about any interactions with other medications?

There have been no interactions with other medications including diabetic medications, blood thinners, antacids, aspirin, or alcohol in volunteers. Cimetidine and erythromycin did result in increased blood levels.

Is there any maximum age?

No. It has been tested and found to be safe in men 85 years old.

Is there a minimum age?

Yes. Viagra has not been tested in men younger than 18. It is not indicted in the pediatric age group.

How do I take it?

It should be taken one hour prior to intercourse. The peak blood level occurs in less than 60 minutes.

Will I get an erection in 60 minutes?

No. It only works with natural stimulation and intimacy. No stimulation = no erection.

What happens if I don't use it in an hour?

The beneficial effect can be seen as late as 8 hours. Most of the effectiveness is within the first 4 hours. You will not have an erection if you are not stimulated.

How often can I use it?

The recommended usage frequency is once a day.

Is there more than one dose?

The doses available are 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg.

What dose should I use?

You should use the lowest dose that works. The higher the dose, the greater the potential for side effects. I recommend starting at a dose of 50mg. You can then increase or decrease your dose according to your response.

Can I overdose on the drug?

The higher the dose used in the trials, the more problematic the side effects were. In some of the Canadian trials a dose of 200mg was used, without improved efficacy and with more side effects. Viagra has been administered in doses 8 times the recommended dose without significant safety concerns.

Will the medication affect my orgasm?

No. Viagra depends on stimulation to be effective; orgasms are not affected.

Should I worry if I am trying to have a child?

There is no absolute answer to that question and caution is advised. There have been several pregnancies during the trial that have not been problematic. This specific question has not been investigated in the trials. Viagra has not been found to have any effect on sperm motility and has not had any effect on fertility or increased birth defects in animals.

Will it cause cancer?

No. Extensive testing in animals revealed no evidence of cancer-causing potential in animals.

Will this pill increase my libido (sex drive)?

No. Viagra has no effect on libido.

Will I become more aggressive?

No. Extensive psychological testing has revealed no increase in aggressive behavior or desire in men on Viagra.

How often does it work?

The effectiveness of the medication depends on the cause of the problem. If there is serious lack of blood flow the medication will probably not work. Overall success with Viagra was 70%.

Effectiveness in specific medical conditions are as follows:

* Psychogenic 80%
* After Radical Prostatectomy 40%
* Diabetes 55%
* Spinal Cord Injury 60%

What if it doesn't work?

Viagra requires sexual excitation to work. You may be too tired or insufficiently sexually excited. If it does not work repeatedly, you should make an appointment to discuss treatment alternatives.

If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, Click here to buy viagra online.