Viagra is the most widely traded potency drug worldwide: How does it work? What should be considered when taking it? How risky is Viagra?
Table of Contents
The sexual enhancer Viagra: What is it?
Viagra is a serendipitous discovery. Originally, the pharmaceutical company Pfizer was researching a substance for lowering blood pressure. Although the active ingredient sildenafil did not lower blood pressure as expected, it did increase the erectile ability in men with organically caused erectile dysfunction. As a result, Pfizer marketed the discovery as a potency drug under the name “Viagra” starting in 1998.
Today, Viagra is the most prescribed medication worldwide for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Therefore, it is often referred to as the “second sexual revolution” in analogy to the birth control pill for women. While the pill for women prevents pregnancy and thus facilitates the expression of sexual desire, Viagra allows men with physically caused erectile dysfunction to have an active sex life.
How does it work?
Viagra and numerous generic preparations inhibit the tension of the smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosum through the enzyme phosphodiesterase 5, a so-called PDE-5 inhibitor. When the muscle is relaxed, blood can flow into the penis for an erection and remain there. This makes an erection more likely, more pronounced, and longer-lasting, or shortens the time until another erection is possible.
How long does Viagra work?
The active ingredient reaches its highest concentration in the blood approximately one hour after ingestion, thus achieving its full effect. From then on, it begins to break down again. Erectile ability decreases. After a duration of about 4 hours, Viagra no longer has an effect on erectile ability.
Application range: When does Viagra work?
Simplified, an erection occurs when two conditions are met: Firstly, the sensation of desire, meaning that physical or psychological stimulation is perceived as a sexual stimulus. Secondly, the physical ability to express desire, meaning erectile ability.
Viagra addresses the second condition. The potency drug increases and prolongs erectile ability but has no influence on libido and the perception of sexual stimuli.
Consequently, the application range of Viagra is limited. In cases of psychologically caused erectile dysfunction with a lack of libido, Viagra can hardly have any effect. Without sexual arousal, there is simply no reason for an erection. Without eliminating the psychological causes such as anxiety, stress, or lack of self-confidence with or without therapy, the erectile dysfunction will persist. Therefore, before resorting to Viagra, the causes of erectile dysfunction must be clarified.
Risks: What dangers does the use of Viagra entail?
The use of Viagra is not free of side effects for men. These range from headaches and visual impairments to heart attacks (more about the side effects here). Numerous short-term side effects occur very frequently or frequently and can sometimes be life-threatening. The rarer long-term side effects can also significantly impair the quality of life. Therefore, side effects can be expected with regular use or high dosages.
Pre-existing conditions, health, age
Pre-existing conditions of the blood or organs can significantly increase the risks of taking Viagra or impair its effects. Those who must avoid physical exertion should refrain from taking Viagra, for example, individuals with heart disease, a history of heart attack, or stroke.
Impairment of kidney or liver function shortens or prolongs the duration of action of Viagra.
In older men, the effect occurs somewhat later and lasts longer due to the slower metabolism.
Interactions with medications
Taking other medications can lead to interactions. In particular, medications containing nitrates can enhance the blood pressure-lowering effect of Viagra and lead to life-threatening circulatory failure. Medications metabolized by the same enzyme can prolong the effect of Viagra. Substances that inhibit enzymatic breakdown can lead to a dangerous accumulation of breakdown products. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical advice when taking other medications.
Alcohol and illegal drugs
Regular alcohol or drug consumption can significantly impair erections and can be a cause of erectile dysfunction itself, which is why it is better to abstain from alcohol rather than rely on Viagra.
When combined with Viagra, alcohol can lower blood pressure, leading to an increased occurrence of side effects such as dizziness or fainting. Alcohol also reduces the potency and duration of the drug’s effects.
Illegal drugs such as amphetamines accelerate the heart rate and increase blood pressure. When combined with Viagra, they can lead to circulatory weakness. Substances that depress the circulatory system, such as ketamine or GHB/GBL, can lead to life-threatening heart or circulatory failure when taken together with Viagra. In particular, the combination of alcohol, Viagra, and drugs or medications can be life-threatening.
Diet
Viagra is taken orally as a pill or film-coated tablet and is absorbed through digestion. Taking it during or after heavy, fatty, or protein-rich meals can impede the absorption of the active ingredient. The effect may be delayed and less pronounced. Therefore, it is recommended to take Viagra on an empty stomach.
Driving
Viagra can cause side effects such as dizziness and can also impair vision. Extreme caution should be exercised when driving on the road. If any signs of such side effects occur, driving vehicles should be avoided.
Counterfeits
Although Viagra is prescription-only in countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, it can be easily ordered online. However, ordering online is less reliable than purchasing from local pharmacies. Counterfeit Viagra and corresponding generic products are frequently sold online. These preparations may contain less or different active ingredients, some of which may be harmful. The risks and side effects then become incalculable.
Overdose
The recommended dosage guidelines should be strictly followed, such as a maximum of once per day. While higher doses do not increase erectile ability, they significantly increase the risks and side effects.
The risks and side effects of Viagra are considerable. Therefore, its use should only take place after medical consultation, especially for older men. Healthy individuals without erectile dysfunction can and should generally refrain from taking it.
The self-test: Do I have erectile dysfunction?
In the e.rupt self-test, you will receive initial information about the likelihood of suffering from erectile dysfunction: immediate, free, and anonymous.
Our online self-test is based on the scientifically recognized International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-SCORE)*. It queries the most critical indicators and thus detects a possible erectile dysfunction and its severity. However, the self-test does not replace a comprehensive medical diagnosis.