Taking Viagra for the First Time? Here’s How To Get the Best Results – GoodRx

How does Viagra treat ED?

Viagra and similar ED drugs like Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil) work by relaxing muscles and arteries inside the penis, which helps more blood reach the penis. When aroused—and only when aroused—the combination of relaxation and increased blood flow helps fill the penis with blood. That’s how you’re able to achieve an erection.

How quickly does Viagra work?

After taking Viagra, the medication quickly enters your system and starts working after about an hour, but you can take it anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity.

How long will Viagra work?

The effects of Viagra last 4 – 8 hours, depending on the individual person. Just because Viagra can stay in your body for up to 8 hours doesn’t mean your erection should last that long.

In fact, if your erection lasts longer than 4 hours—even if it’s not painful—seek medical help right away. An erection lasting longer than 4 hours is known as priapism, a condition that can cause permanent damage to the tissue that helps you become erect. If you have sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, leukemia, or certain penile deformities, you’re more likely to have a prolonged erection.

How do I take Viagra for the best results?

Here are a few tips for taking Viagra safely and effectively:

1) Follow safe, recommended doses.

The standard recommended dose of Viagra for treating ED is 50 mg, but your doctor could prescribe anywhere from 25 mg to 100 mg. Because Viagra can affect other parts of the body, such as the heart and lungs, it’s important to stick to the dose and instructions your doctor provides.

2) Take it on an empty stomach.

Viagra tends to work best when taken on an empty stomach. So, to maximize its effects, try to take it separately from meals.

3) Know the potential side effects.

We’ve already mentioned the risk of a prolonged erection, which should be treated as an emergency. Other side effects Viagra could cause are flushing, indigestion or heartburn, headache, insomnia, changes in vision, nosebleeds, and nasal congestion. If you have certain heart conditions or take certain types of blood pressure medications (including nitrates like isosorbide dinitrate or nitroglycerin), your doctor may warn you not to use Viagra due to the risk of heart attack or dangerously low blood pressure.

There’s no known maximum period of time for safely taking Viagra. Just be sure that each of your doctors knows that you use the medication in case they prescribe other medications that could interact badly with Viagra.

Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), and Levitra (vardenafil) are three of the most popular drugs to treat erectile dysfunction. If you’re deciding between them, check out our blog post here for a detailed comparison.

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