Some Warnings About Viagra

When Pfizer introduced Viagra into the market in March 1998, millions of men all over the world were more than willing to try it. The drug company claimed that the blue wonder pill is the answer to the ongoing problem of erectile dysfunction (ED). As the drug started at $10 a piece, prices now have doubled, which encouraged selling of Viagra in the black market.

But is Viagra completely foolproof? Should there be some precautions to take before using the drug? As popular and effective as Viagra may seem for many men, there are still documented side effects that every patient should be aware of.

Viagra on Vision

There have been tests conducted on Viagra users and some of them have had vision problems upon taking the pill. Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is an eye condition that can eventually lead to sudden vision loss. Most Americans afflicted by NAION are older, and their symptoms include swelling of the optic disc, which is the connection of the optic nerve to the back of the eye. This swelling causes the nerve to function poorly, eventually leading to blindness for one or both eyes.

These symptoms of NAION, according to the National Eye Institute, are often painless and cannot be noticed right away. Further research is being done to prove if Viagra does have the potential to cause NAION. Because of this, doctors have recommended alternative ED treatments aside from the pill.

Pressuring Problems

As Viagra was initially intended for lowering blood pressure, patients who are currently taking blood pressure medications like nitroglycerine or nitrate-based drugs should not use Viagra. Combining them may cause sudden drops in blood pressure levels. Furthermore, Viagra should not be coupled with other medications like ketoconazole, an anti-fungal, as it may lead to fainting. Other side effects seen in Viagra users are headaches and flushing. In some cases, stomach upset is experienced when the drug is not used properly.

Misuse, You Lose

Patients who use Viagra should follow their prescriptions strictly. It should be taken only once a day, about 1 hour before sex. For patients with health complications, 25 mg is an ideal dosage; thought the normal is 50 mg. The advisable limit for taking Viagra is 100 mg, according to Pfizer. Beyond that, side effects are sure to happen. Aside from that, misuse of Viagra may lead to possible addiction, as well as encourage unsafe sex.

Clinical tests performed by Pfizer found out that Viagra was successful 70 to 90% of the time. With regards to the side effects of Viagra, only about 2.5% of the men who experience them decide to stop using the pill. The rest continue to take Viagra despite some minor side effects.

Like many other ED drugs, Viagra still is effective. It will not be a hot item right now if it weren’t. For patients who wish to venture into using Viagra, it is very much advisable to consult a physician. Impotence, in any individual, can be treated. In some cases, Viagra may not be the best choice for many health reasons. There are currently dozens of alternatives available that can help with ED.

Cure Erectile Dysfunction

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