Viagra Side Effects
Summary
The most common side effects of Viagra (Sildenafil) include upset stomach, flushing of the neck, face, or chest, headaches, heartburn, stuffy nose, diarrhea, and dizziness. Though these side effects are generally considered less serious, if they persist or become bothersome you should contact your doctor to discuss alternative solutions.
Common Viagra Side Effects
The most commonly reported Viagra side effects include the following:
- Upset stomach
- Flushing of the neck, face, or chest
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Stuffy nose
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
Other Side Effects
In addition to the commonly reported side effects, the following side effects have been reported with Viagra:
- Memory problems
- Back pain
The side effects listed above usually do not require medical attention as they will commonly diminish when your body adjusts to the medication. Your doctor may also be able to advise you of ways to reduce or prevent these common side effects from occurring. However, if any persist or become bothersome you should notify your doctor to discuss alternative solutions.
Serious Viagra Side Effects
An allergic reaction can occur while taking Viagra. If any of the following symptoms occur, stop what you are doing and seek emergency medical help right away.
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
Other viagra side effects may occur that are not indicative of an allergic reaction but are still very serious. If any of the following symptoms occur, notify your doctor immediately.
- Dizziness or nausea during sex
- Pain, numbness, or tingling in jaw, arms, neck, or chest during sex
- Feeling of lightheadedness or fainting
- Erection lasting longer than 4 hours or is painful
- Irregular heartbeat
- Swelling in the hands or feet, or ankles
- Vision changes
- Sudden vision loss
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or heaviness
- Pain spreading to arm or shoulder
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Overall ill feeling
Sudden Vision Loss
In a small number of people, Viagra may have caused sudden vision loss; loss of vision occurs as a result of decreased blood flow to the optic nerve. This occurrence is very rare and primarily affected individuals with the following conditions; high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, and eye problems. Individuals who were over the age of 50 and were smokers were also among those affected. It is unknown at this time if Viagra is the culprit of sudden vision loss however, if you experience any changes in vision while taking this medication seek emergency medical help right away.
Pre-existing Conditions
Nitrates
Viagra should never be taken with the drugs commonly used to treat heart problems and chest pain known as nitrates. If sildenafil and nitrate medications are taken together a dangerous interaction can occur; the result can be a sudden and extreme drop in blood pressure that can lead to fainting or stroke. Nitrates used for medical purposes are found in the following medications; nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, or isosorbide mononitrate. They may also be found in recreational drugs such as nitrite or amyl nitrate, which are commonly known as “poppers.”
Individuals with certain medical conditions should notify a doctor prior to taking Viagra as certain drugs can increase the side effects of this medication. If you have any of the following conditions talk to your doctor before taking Viagra; bleeding disorders, blood cell disorders, coronary artery disease, liver or kidney disease, any physical deformity of the penis, retinitis pigmentosa, stomach ulcer, occurrence of heart attack or congestive heart failure in the past 6 months, high or low blood pressure, heart disease or heart rhythm problems, or if you have been warned against having sex because of health reasons.
Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should talk to a doctor before taking Viagra. This medication has been given a category B listing by the FDA, which means that the drug is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby; however it is still important to talk to your doctor to gain all information regarding the issue. If you are breastfeeding you should also talk to your doctor before taking Viagra as it is unknown if this medication passed through breast milk.
Other medications
It is important to inform your doctor of all over the counter, prescription, and herbal medications that you take prior to starting a new one. Many drugs can interact with Viagra; if you take any of the following medications contact your health care provider.
- Nitrate drugs
- Other medications for treating erectile dysfunction
- bosentan
- cimetidine
- conivaptan
- imatinib
- isoniazid
- rifampin
- Antidepressants such as nefazodone
- Antifungal medications such as itraconazole, voriconazole, miconazole, or ketoconazole
- Antibiotics such as telithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin
- Heart or blood pressure medication such as diltiazem, doxazosin, nicardipine, quinidine, or verapamil.
- HIV and AIDS medications such as atazanavir, delavirdine, fosamprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, or ritonavir.
Viagra is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. There are many drug interactions that can cause dangerous side effects to occur if taken with this medication; notify your doctor off all the medications you are taking prior to starting Viagra. If you experience a serious side effect while taking Viagra or if a common effect becomes bothersome notify your doctor to discuss alternative solutions.
