Common Side Effects and What to Do
How Viagra Works in Your Body
Viagra contains sildenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor that blocks specific enzymes to increase blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal. This mechanism can affect blood vessels throughout your body, which explains why some men experience side effects like headaches, flushing, or dizziness. Understanding this helps you recognise normal responses versus concerning symptoms.
Most Common Side Effects
Headaches affect approximately 16% of men taking Viagra and usually resolve within a few hours. Facial flushing occurs in about 10% of users due to increased blood flow to facial blood vessels. Indigestion and nasal congestion are also relatively common, affecting around 7% and 4% of men respectively. These effects are generally mild and indicate the medication is working as intended.
Managing Mild Side Effects
For headaches, paracetamol may help, but avoid exceeding recommended doses. Stay hydrated and rest in a quiet, dark room if possible. Facial flushing typically subsides within 2-3 hours without intervention. For nasal congestion, avoid decongestant sprays containing nitrates, which can dangerously interact with sildenafil. Simple saline sprays are safer alternatives.
When to Seek Immediate Help
Contact emergency services immediately if you experience chest pain, severe dizziness, or fainting after taking Viagra. Visual changes including sudden vision loss, blue-tinted vision, or light sensitivity require urgent medical attention. An erection lasting longer than 4 hours (priapism) needs emergency treatment to prevent permanent damage.
Choosing Between Viagra and Generic Sildenafil
Both branded Viagra and generic sildenafil contain identical active ingredients and may cause similar side effects. Some patients prefer branded Viagra for consistency, while others choose generic sildenafil for cost-effectiveness. EverydayMeds offers both options during checkout, allowing you to select based on your preferences and budget. Your clinical consultation will determine the most appropriate starting dose, typically 50mg, which can be adjusted if you experience side effects.
