What to Expect When Starting Viagra Treatment
Understanding How Viagra Works
Viagra contains sildenafil citrate, a PDE5 inhibitor that increases blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal. It's important to understand that Viagra doesn't cause spontaneous erections - sexual stimulation is still required. The medication typically begins working within 30-60 minutes of taking it, with effects potentially lasting 4-6 hours. This doesn't mean you'll have an erection for hours, but rather that the medication remains active in your system to help achieve erections when sexually aroused.
Choosing Your Starting Dose
Most men begin with a 50mg dose of Viagra, which provides an effective balance between efficacy and tolerability. Your prescriber may recommend starting with 25mg if you're over 65, have certain health conditions, or take medications that could interact with sildenafil. Conversely, if 50mg proves insufficient after several attempts, your dose might be increased to 100mg. At EverydayMeds, you can choose between branded Viagra or generic sildenafil at checkout - both contain the same active ingredient but sildenafil offers a more affordable option.
Timing and Administration
Take Viagra approximately 30-60 minutes before you plan to be sexually active. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water, and whilst you can take it with or without food, fatty meals may delay its effectiveness. Plan ahead as you cannot take another dose for at least 24 hours, regardless of whether the first dose worked as expected. Some men find it helpful to avoid alcohol before taking Viagra, as excessive drinking can impair the medication's effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects.
Common First-Time Side Effects
Many men experience mild side effects when first taking Viagra, which often diminish as your body adjusts to the medication. Common side effects include headaches, facial flushing, nasal congestion, and mild dizziness. These effects typically last a few hours and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief if needed. More serious side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention, including prolonged erections lasting over four hours, sudden vision changes, or severe chest pain.
Safety Considerations and Contraindications
Before prescribing Viagra, clinicians must ensure it's safe for your individual circumstances. The medication is not suitable for men taking nitrate medications for chest pain, those with severe heart conditions, or individuals with certain eye conditions. Your medical history, current medications, and cardiovascular health are carefully assessed during consultation. EverydayMeds' UK-licensed prescribers conduct thorough reviews to ensure Viagra or sildenafil is appropriate and safe for your use.
Maximising Treatment Success
Several factors can influence how well Viagra works for you. Maintaining realistic expectations is crucial - the medication helps achieve and maintain erections but doesn't increase libido or sexual desire. Lifestyle factors such as reducing stress, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining regular exercise, and managing underlying health conditions like diabetes can all improve treatment outcomes. If your first few attempts aren't successful, don't be discouraged - it sometimes takes several tries to determine the optimal timing and circumstances for effective use.
