Sildenafil citrate – better known as Viagra® – is one of the best-known first-line treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED), which has enjoyed massive success and popularity across the globe.
It’s used to treat ED, also known as impotence, a condition where you find it hard to produce and keep an erection firm or frequently enough to enjoy vigorous, satisfying sexual activity.
Sildenafil belongs to a category of ED medicines known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which work by enhancing blood flow to the penis, and in doing so, promote erection upon sexual stimulation.
Let’s discuss what sildenafil’s side effects are and what you can do to manage them.
What are the most common side effects of sildenafil?
While sildenafil has enjoyed high success rates, like any medicine, it may lead to potential side effects in some individuals. The following is a list of mild to moderate side effects.
- Headaches
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Nasal congestion
- Flushing/skin redness
- Temporary changes in vision
- Rashes
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Severe, more uncommon side effects of sildenafil include:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Chest pain (angina)
- Heart arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
- Painful erections lasting more than 4 hours (priapism)
- Loss of sight
- Loss of hearing
- Hemorrhages in the lungs, eyes, or brain
- Extremely low blood pressure
How do I treat common side effects caused by taking ED medications like sildenafil?
It’s always unpleasant to have to deal with common side effects like headaches, no matter what – including those that may be caused by sildenafil and other ED medications. They aren’t just uncomfortable – they can also affect your sexual enjoyment and function.
Worse, headaches and pains, not to mention stomach discomfort that may arise after using ED medications, may also prevent you from having a good night’s sleep.
The good news is that such common side effects are preventable or otherwise offset in severity. Here’s how.
- Try a Lower Dose of Your Medication. Based on clinical trials on sildenafil, tadalafil, and other ED drugs, common side effects may occur more frequently if you’re taking a higher dosage of the medication or if you use sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), or vardenafil (Levitra®) often. Therefore, if you’ve been prescribed a moderate to a higher dose of your medication and develop headaches, body aches, or problems with your sight,t consult your doctor about reducing your dosage or switching to another ED drug. In general, most men on lower doses of sildenafil still enjoy the same benefits, albeit with a lower risk of developing unpleasant side effects.
- Stay hydrated. Headaches can be caused by dehydration. Moreover, you are more likely to experience dehydration during or after sex since sexual activity can cause you to perspire and lose some of your body’s moisture. Such effects can cause moderate headaches even without using ED medicines like sildenafil. Lastly, you may be at an increased risk of developing dehydration if you take alcohol before having sex. Since alcohol has a diuretic effect, it can cause you to urinate more frequently than usual, exacerbating dehydrated states.
- Use an over-the-counter pain medication if necessary. Most of the time, pain and headaches from sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibiting ED medications gradually taper off over a few hours. However, for longer-lasting ED drugs like tadalafil (Cialis®) or higher doses of sildenafil, symptoms may linger for a longer amount of time. Such pains and headaches can be quite disturbing, especially if they prevent you from performing your daily tasks. Thus, if you experience unbearable headaches frequently after taking sildenafil or other ED medications, consider taking an over-the-counter analgesic such as acetaminophen or paracetamol, which do not interact with sildenafil, making such options a safe choice for temporary relief.`
How do I manage the other side effects of sildenafil?
Fortunately, most side effects are mild to moderate and can be easily managed. Here are some tips for managing the most commonly encountered ones:
- Flushing/skin redness. Face red from flushing? Crack a window or a cold drink open, or fire up the A/C. It can also help to lie down and rest a bit. Avoid drinking alcohol if sildenafil makes your skin red.
- Gastrointestinal discomfort/upset stomach. Does your stomach get upset when you take sildenafil? It might help taking it with a bit of food, even if it means it might take a bit longer to work. If you’re experiencing indigestion, ask your doctor or pharmacist for a recommendation for an over-the-counter antacid.
- Dizziness. Head spinning a bit after taking sildenafil? Try lying down and resting for a few minutes, and remember to get up slowly once the dizziness subsides. Drink lots of fluids, and avoid smoking or consuming alcohol, which may worsen dizziness.
- Muscle or back pain. If you’re feeling a little achy after taking sildenafil, try resting or getting a massage. If the pain bothers you, try an over-the-counter analgesic like paracetamol. Consult your doctor or ask your pharmacist for a recommendation.`
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How long do sildenafil’s side effects last?
Luckily, most of sildenafil’s most frequently experienced side effects are mild and temporary. Since sildenafil has a half-life of around three to four hours, side effects such as headaches, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, and nasal congestion, among others, should subside around 4-24 hours, when the active ingredient will have been mostly expelled from the body.
If you experience the rarer, more serious side effects such as priapism, loss of hearing or vision, cardiovascular symptoms, or severe allergic reactions, for instance, seek medical attention immediately. These side effects can cause chronic and permanent damage or life-threatening complications when left unattended.
If you’re struggling with some side effects, consult your doctor and ask if they would recommend taking a lower dose of sildenafil or if another treatment option is advisable.
Please take note of the following severe yet less frequent side effects of sildenafil that need immediate medical attention which should not be self-treated or managed at home:
- Chest pain (angina), nausea, or dizziness when engaging in sexual activity (if and when they don’t improve upon resting)
- Priapism, or an erection that does not subside after four hours or more, can cause irreversible damage to the penis
- A sudden reduction or total loss of hearing
- A sudden reduction or total loss of vision in one or both eyes
Conclusion
While some of the potential side effects of sildenafil may set off alarm bells, it must be mentioned that the great majority of individuals who take it as well as other ED drugs like tadalafil and vardenafil don’t develop side effects or only experience mild side effects that subside after the medicines, and their active ingredients leave the body.
