Headaches After Viagra, Cialis, And Levitra: Understanding The Causes And Solutions

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on June 20, 2022

Last Updated on June 30, 2023

Experiencing headaches after taking medications like Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra can be a common concern for many individuals. While these popular medications are primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction, headaches can occasionally occur as a side effect.

In this blog, we will delve into the causes behind these headaches and explore effective solutions to manage them. Understanding these factors will help you make informed decisions about your treatment options and alleviate any discomfort associated with these ED medications.

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Understanding Headaches After Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra

Headaches, in particular, have been frequently reported by men who take ED pills. Exploring the prevalence, types, potential causes, and duration of these headaches can help shed light on this aspect of medication usage.

- Prevalence of Headaches:

Headaches are a relatively common side effect reported by men who use Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra. Actually, about 1 in 4 people who have been prescribed Viagra (Sildenafil) has experienced headaches as a side effect.

This means that a significant number of individuals who take these medications may experience headaches as a result.

- Types of Headaches:

The headaches that occur after taking Viagra, Cialis (Tadalafil,) or Levitra (Vardenafil) can be classified into different types. The most commonly reported types are tension-type headaches and migraines.

Tension-type headaches are often described as dull, steady ache that can be felt on both sides of the head. Migraines, on the other hand, are usually more intense and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as sensitivity to light, nausea, and throbbing pain on one side of the head.

Read more: Sildenafil side effects

- Potential Causes of Headaches:

The exact causes of headaches after taking Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra are not fully understood. However, several factors may contribute to their occurrence.

1. One possible cause is the changes in blood flow that these medications can induce. Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are classified as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which means they work by relaxing the blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the penis. This increased blood flow can also affect other areas, including the blood vessels in the head, leading to headaches.
2. Another factor that may contribute to headaches is the increased release of nitric oxide caused by these medications. Nitric oxide is a signaling molecule that plays a role in blood vessel dilation. While increased nitric oxide release can be beneficial for penis erection, it may also affect the blood vessels in the head, triggering headaches.
3. Viagra can cause a mild decrease in blood pressure, which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration is a known trigger for headaches in some people, so it's possible that reduced hydration levels may contribute to headaches after taking Viagra.
4. Additionally, interactions with other medications can contribute to the occurrence of headaches.

It's important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications being taken, including over-the-counter drugs, to minimize the risk of potential interactions that could lead to headaches.

Read more: Sildenafil interactions

- Onset and Duration of Headaches:

Headaches can occur shortly after taking Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra, or they may develop gradually over time. The exact onset of headaches can vary among individuals.

Similarly, the duration of these headaches can also vary. Some people may experience headaches that last only a few hours, while others may have headaches that persist for several days.

The duration of the headaches is influenced by factors such as the individual's sensitivity to the medication, Viagra dosage, and overall health condition. If headaches persist or become severe, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and advice.

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Tips to Minimize Headaches After Taking Viagra

You've chosen to take Viagra (or perhaps Cialis or Levitra) to help with your ED, not to get a headache. So experiencing a headache, no matter how minor, can put you out of your bedroom game.

The good news is that there are measures you can follow to prevent a headache after Viagra.

Read more: Herbal Viagra

1. Ask Your Doctor for Lower Dosages

If you're wary of getting headaches after taking Viagra or other ED drugs, ask your doctor for a lower dose. Many drugs cause more (or more severe) side effects the higher their dose, but keep in mind that a lower dosage doesn't guarantee complete protection against headaches after ED medications.

2. Keep Yourself Hydrated

Sexual activity can potentially be a "significant exercise" in some cases. At least, that's what researchers from the University of Quebec at Montreal found. Their study found that young, healthy males and females burned 85 calories per minute during sex.

Another group of researchers conducted a study on energy expenditure during sex. Their results revealed lower figures, specifically for a man weighing 154 pounds. They noted that, in this case, stimulation and orgasm could expend 3.5 calories per minute.

Either way, having sex burns calories, seeing as the body moves during the activity. That triggers perspiration, and depending on how much a man sweats, that person may lose a lot of fluids.

Too much fluid loss may cause dehydration, which, in turn, may cause headaches. In addition, Viagra is also a mild diuretic, meaning it can make the body of an active man release excess water.

So, it might be wise to drink plenty of water before and after taking Viagra or other ED drugs. That may help reduce your odds of getting a headache caused by dehydration.

Read more: Cialis in the morning and Viagra at night

3. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine

Alcohol and caffeine consumption should be moderated or avoided altogether when using Viagra or other ED medications. Both substances can exacerbate headaches and may interact with the drugs, intensifying their effects.

4. Ask Your Doctor for an Alternative

As mentioned above, Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are PDE-5 inhibitors. And while they have similar modes of action, some people may tolerate one better than the rest.

Read more: Cialis vs Viagra

So during your doctor's consultation, ask if Tadalafil or Vardenafil may be better for you. Your doctor can then advise you about these alternatives and their potential effects.

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Can You Treat Headache From ED Medications?

Fortunately, yes. Once you get a headache after Viagra, you can manage it with a few pain relief options. You can also try the same options if you get headaches after Cialis or Levitra.

Here is what you can do:

Take an OTC Pain Reliever

Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with persistent headaches after taking ED drugs. Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen are often safe to use with a PDE-5 drug still in your system. Aside from their pain-relieving effects, they also don't interact with Cialis, Viagra, or other ED medications.

However, ask your doctor before taking any OTC drugs for headache relief. That's especially crucial if you take other medicines alongside your ED medications.

In addition, please ensure you only take an OTC pain reliever as directed. Avoid using it more frequently than what your doctor recommends. Otherwise, you may be at risk of developing more intense headaches.

Read more: Can I Get Viagra Over the Counter?

Dim the Lights

Sildenafil may also cause reversible eye-related side effects. Light sensitivity and changes in light perception are some examples.

Light sensitivity may worsen headaches after Viagra. Thus, if you experience both adverse effects, it may be wise to dim the lights or stay in a dimly lit room. Doing so may help reduce the pain or prevent it from worsening.

Read more: Viagra Warnings & Precautions

Headaches after Viagra In a nutshell

In conclusion, headaches after Viagra typically affect only a fraction (one-fourth) of men. However, there are measures you can take to minimize headaches after taking these medications. If headaches persist or become severe, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and advice.

By understanding the causes and implementing effective solutions, you can make informed decisions about your treatment options and alleviate any discomfort associated with these medications.

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