Viagra
What is it?
Viagra is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (aka when the penis won’t become erect or stay erect for long). It provides the user with an erection within four hours after use, but only if sexually aroused. Viagra comes in the form of tablets and is sometimes also known by the brand name Cialis, or in slang terms like love philtre, magic potion, and stimulant.
Viagra is swallowed in tablet form. It should be taken at least one hour before having sex, and no more than one tablet should be taken within 24 hours. It should not be mixed with other erectile dysfunction medication.
What are the effects?
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Flushed skin/hot flushes
- Indigestion
- Heart burn
- Nasal congestion or swelling in the nose
- Diarrhoea
- A rash
- Dry mouth, throat, nose or eyes
- A tight throat
- Feeling hot or irritable
- Red mouth or tongue
Viagra has been known to cause a painful erection that can last more than four hours. If this happens, seek medical attention immediately. Best to chat with a doctor about the side effects of erectile dysfunction medications.
Overdose
If there is too much Viagra in our system, it can lead to a range of issues. Knowing the signs of overdose helps keeps us and others safe, and when we might need to call an ambulance. Watch out for these symptoms and call 000 in an emergency:
Low blood pressure
Fainting
Vision problems
Hearing problems
Chest pains
Anyone who has the following should not take Viagra:
Angina (chest pain)
Taking nitrate medications
Heart problems
Blood pressure and blood vessel issues
Heart attack or stroke in the past six months
Severe liver problems
Certain eye issues
Check with your doctor before taking Viagra
Mixing with other drugs
The effects of mixing Viagra with other drugs – including over the counter or prescribed medications can be unpredictable and dangerous. Do not mix Viagra with the following medications because it may increase the risk of overdose, and even death:
- Amyl
There are a range of unsafe interactions to be cautious of when mixing Viagra and other drugs, and they can be found at Health Direct
HIV Medications
The interactions between Viagra and antiretroviral medications are not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that Viagra use directly reduces the efficacy of antiretroviral medications. If some new research comes to light, then we’ll update this section and let you know.
We did find that there are potentially serious and dangerous interactions between Viagra/Sildenafil and several antiretrovirals. These interactions may cause cardiac abnormalities or issues, hypertension, visual changes, prolonged erections, or other concerns, and should be avoided. Basically, it’s pretty complicated and it can be fatal!
Several antiretrovirals can potentially decrease the level or effect of Viagra or Sildenafil. It’s best to chat with a healthcare professional before taking any erectile dysfunction medication and HIV medications.
The interactions between Viagra and PrEP and PEP are not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that Viagra use directly interacts with these medications or reduces their efficacy. We’ll keep looking and update you if any new research comes to light.
To learn about the interactions between specific HIV medications and Viagra head to Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker.
Hormones
There’s currently no evidence to suggest that Viagra use directly interacts with HRT or reduces its efficacy. We’ll keep looking and update this information if something new comes to light.
The interactions between Viagra and HRT are not well known. While dual use is not understood to be unsafe, users may find that the intended effects of Viagra (or any other erectile dysfunction medication), such as causing and maintaining an erection, are hampered by any feminising and anti-androgenising / demasculinising medications.
For more information about Viagra, head to Health Direct.
DISCLAIMER:
The information given on this page is not medical advice and should not be relied upon in that way.