Viagra- How Long Does It Last? When Does It Start To Work?

What is Viagra?

Viagra is a medication that is used to treat erectile dysfunction or commonly known as impotence in men. It generally relaxes the muscles found in the walls of your blood vessels which increases the blood flow to some specific areas of the body.

Is Viagra Dangerous?

Many medications can cause dangerous effects when used as a combination with Viagra. Before taking Viagra make sure you speak with your doctor about any other medications that you might be taking. Post taking Viagra, if your erection is painful or even lasts more than 4 hours then you should seek medical help and especially if you face vision loss or dizziness.

To make sure Viagra is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• Heart disease or coronary artery disease.

• Have had a heart attack in the past. 

• High or low blood pressure;

• Liver or kidney disease;

• A blood cell disorder 

• A bleeding disorder

• A stomach ulcer

• If you have been told you should not have sexual intercourse for health reasons.

ALSO READ : How Can Men Increase Their Sexual Stamina

How should I take Viagra?

You should take Viagra exactly in the way it is prescribed to you. Unlike other medicines, Viagra is supposed to be taken only when it is needed which typically means 30 minutes or 1 hour before any sexual activity. It shouldn’t be taken more than once a day. Post taking the pill, an erection will only occur if sexual stimulation takes place and not just by taking Viagra. If during any sexual activity you face dizziness, nausea, pain, numbness or any kind of tingling in your arms, neck, chest or jaw, then you should immediately stop and seek medical attention. Make sure you store at room temperature and away from any moisture or heat.

What happens if I miss a dose of Viagra?

You are not likely to miss a dose as you do not have to take it everyday and only when it is needed.

Can I have a Viagra Overdose?

Although it is unlikely, if you take more than one pill in 24 hours you might want to contact your doctor.

What should I avoid before and after taking Viagra?

It has been found that drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects. Grapefruit and grapefruit juices can react with some alternatives to Viagra so you might want to be careful about that.

Does Viagra Have Any Side Effects?

If you have any allergic reactions like hives, breathing or swelling of your face, tongue, lips or throat then you should get instant medical help. 

Some common side effects of Viagra include:

1. Tingly feeling, redness or flushing

2. Dizziness

3. Headache

4. Blurred vision for a while

5. Changes in color vision

6. Stuffy nose

7. Nosebleeds

8. Insomnia

9. Muscle pain 

10. Back pain

11. Upset stomach

If you see any of the following symptoms then get help:

1. Heart Attack symptoms

2. Sudden vision loss or changes

3. Painful Erections

4. Erection that lasts longer than 4 hours

5. Hearing loss or ringing in the ears

6. Irregular heartbeat

7. Shortness of breath

8. Swelling of your feet, ankles or hands

9. Lightheadedness

10. Seizures

Other medication that can affect Viagra?

If you use any medicines for treating high blood pressure, prostate disorder, some antibiotics, antifungal medicines, HIV/AIDS medicines and hypertension medicines. 

Can you take Viagra with high blood pressure?

If you have high blood pressure and you take medicines to treat it, you can take Viagra with it. Viagra treats ED, but you should still let your doctor know if you have high or low blood pressure.

How long does Viagra last and how soon does it work?

It generally takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour for the pill to start working and the effects of the medication lasts up to 4 hours. The higher the dose, the increased duration of hardness and duration of erections. Viagra is taken orally and absorbed by your stomach. If you take Viagra after a fatty meal then it may take longer to work as fat in the food slows down the absorption in your stomach. If you are over the age of 65 and have liver or kidney disease then the effects of Viagra may stay on for longer and this is why the dose might need to be reduced. 

Viagra works by increasing smooth muscle relaxation in the part of the penis so when stimulation of the penis takes place, a hormone is released and this increases the blood to your penis. Since this hormone is only released when the penis is stimulated, Viagra will not give you an erection without there being any sexual stimulation of the penis. Viagra only makes your penis erect but does not necessarily make you last longer, so if you have premature ejaculation then that may not be treated by Viagra.

Erectile dysfunction has many causes. Viagra is not a cure. It does not increase your desire for sex. The most common cause of erectile dysfunction is decreased blood supply to the penis, which may be a warning of decreased blood supply to other parts of your body. Your doctor may check you for high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Erectile dysfunction can also be caused by depression, anxiety and drug or alcohol abuse. Your doctor may help you manage these problems before or in addition to prescribing Viagra.