Viagra is the most popular medication for erectile dysfunction, and is safe and effective for most men. However, it can cause side effects for less than 2% of men who use it. These side effects usually aren’t serious and most go away after a few hours.
If you’re worried about getting side effects from Viagra, we have a few tips for keeping your risk low and a doctor can help you find the right dose for you.
Does Viagra cause blood pressure problems?
Viagra can cause changes in blood pressure for some men, and both high and low blood pressure are listed as uncommon side effects of taking Viagra. Studies show that Viagra does drop blood pressure in men who take it, whether they already have blood pressure problems or not. This drop is considered to be ‘clinically insignificant’, which means it’s not going to cause health problems for most men.
This effect Viagra has on blood pressure is not surprising since it was discovered by accident when scientists were looking for new blood pressure treatments. This change in blood pressure is related to how Viagra works and is part of the reason why Viagra makes it easier to get erections.
Are side effects different for generic or over the counter Viagra?
The side effects of Viagra and over the counter Viagra Connect are the same. This is because they share the same active ingredient, sildenafil citrate.
This is also the case with Sildenafil, the generic version of Viagra, which also has exactly the same active ingredient and dosages as Viagra, the possible side effects. And your chance of getting them, will be the same.
But, since different manufacturers put slightly different ingredients in their tablets, you could see some difference in side effects between Viagra and Sildenafil from different companies. For example, some manufacturers use lactose in their tablets and some don’t, which might cause a reaction for people with lactose intolerance.
Are side effects worse for older men?
There isn’t a lot of difference in the side effects experienced by older men compared to younger men. Research shows even most men over 70 can tolerate Viagra treatment without any serious problems.
As you get older, your chance of getting other health conditions that could make Viagra unsafe does go up, so some older men may need to take lower doses of Viagra. Also as you get older your body may get less efficient at removing Viagra from your system, so side effects may last a little longer than they would for younger men.
Other causes of side effects?
Does Viagra give women side effects?
Studies on women using Viagra show that they get similar side effects to men taking Viagra, and don’t get any extra serious side effects. One instance of female genital bleeding was recorded, similar to the rare side effect of penile bleeding in men.
Even if some research suggests Viagra might be able to help with female sexual disorders, there isn’t enough evidence to support treatment. Because of this, and the risk of side effects that comes with Viagra, doctors can’t prescribe Viagra to women with sexual disorders.
Since women in the UK can’t get approved for Viagra treatment, it means they can’t be sure it’s safe for them to take it. Even if many women would only get mild side effects, if a doctor hasn’t made sure it’s safe, taking Viagra could come with a risk of serious or even life-threatening side effects.
See our page on Viagra for Women for more information.
Does fake/herbal Viagra cause side effects?
There’s a wide range of different products marketed as a herbal alternative to Viagra, so it’s hard to say exactly what side effects they might cause.
Many of these kinds of products aren’t properly regulated, and it’s hard to be certain of what ingredients are in them or how they are made. This means that they could have ingredients that cause side effects, possibly even serious ones. Some of these products may also contain unsafe amounts of actual medication, or combinations of medications, which could put you at risk of serious side effects.
Rather than put your health and your wallet at risk with potentially ineffective and unsafe products, it’s better to get authentic treatment, either online or from your GP or pharmacist.
How to avoid side effects
1. Get a prescription from your GP or online doctor.
You doctor will check and make sure Viagra is suitable for you before prescribing your treatment. If you have any medical conditions or are taking any other medication, you may be at an increased risk of side effects.
2. Don’t drink too much alcohol.
Alcohol increases the risk of certain side effects, such as low blood pressure and dizziness. It also reduces your ability to get an erection. Avoiding alcohol will help you minimise your risk of side effects and help you get the most from your medication.
3. Don’t take more Viagra than you have been prescribed.
You should never exceed the dosage that your doctor has prescribed. Consult your doctor if you feel that the dosage you are taking is not high enough.
4. Don’t mix Viagra with recreational drugs.
Avoid using recreational drugs during your treatment with Viagra – some illegal or ‘legal high’ drugs interact with Viagra and taking them can be dangerous.
5. If you experience side effects, try a lower dosage.
If you suffer from side effects you may benefit from trying a lower dosage. You can also take the tablet with food. It will take longer to take effect when taken alongside a meal but will also be less likely to cause certain side effects.