Took Viagra and noticed something odd? That’s common. Knowing what side effects are normal and which ones need urgent care helps you use sildenafil safely and confidently.
The usual side effects are mild and go away by themselves. Expect headaches, facial flushing, a blocked or runny nose, indigestion, and mild dizziness. Some people notice muscle or back pain the next day. Visual changes like a slight blue tint or increased light sensitivity can happen but usually pass within a few hours.
Onset is often 30–60 minutes after a dose, and the effects can last up to 4–5 hours. Alcohol can make side effects stronger, so avoid heavy drinking around the time you take it.
Certain reactions need immediate medical help. Stop taking sildenafil and call emergency services if you get chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, sudden vision loss, sudden hearing loss, or an erection lasting more than four hours (priapism). These are rare but can cause permanent damage if ignored.
People with heart disease should be careful: chest pain or fainting after taking Viagra can signal a dangerous drop in blood pressure, especially when combined with some heart meds.
Drug interactions are a big deal. Do not take Viagra with any nitrate medicine (like nitroglycerin). Combining them can cause a severe, life-threatening drop in blood pressure. Also be cautious with alpha-blockers for prostate issues, and with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as certain antifungals and HIV protease inhibitors — these raise sildenafil levels and increase side effects.
If you have liver or kidney disease, reduced dosing is often advised. Older adults commonly start at a lower dose, usually 25 mg, to reduce risk. The usual starting dose for healthy adults is 50 mg, and doctors rarely recommend more than 100 mg once a day.
Who should avoid Viagra? If you take nitrates, have uncontrolled low blood pressure, recent stroke or heart attack, or severe heart disease, tell your prescriber. Also mention any eye conditions like retinitis pigmentosa or a history of sudden vision loss.
Managing mild side effects is simple: rest, hydrate, and skip driving if you feel dizzy or your vision is blurry. For persistent or worsening symptoms, contact your prescriber — they might adjust the dose or suggest a different treatment.
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