Which Levitra Dosage Is Right For You: 2.5 Mg, 5 Mg, Or 10mg, Or 20mg
Levitra, a brand name for the generic drug vardenafil, has become a prominent option for erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment in Canada.
This medication, known for its effectiveness, is part of the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor class, which helps improve blood circulation.
In this article, we will explore how Levitra works, its proper usage, dosage guidelines, and safety precautions to ensure optimal results for those seeking relief from ED in Canada.
Whether you're considering Levitra or already using it, understanding its mechanism can enhance its benefits and improve your sexual health.
Topics covered in this article:
Levitra: Explained
As mentioned above, Levitra is a brand name for the generic drug vardenafil. Staxyn is another brand name for vardenafil.
Vardenafil is what's known as an inhibitor of the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5, which is known as PDE-5 for short.
PDE-5 enzymes affect the levels of compounds known as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
cAMP and cGMP, in turn, impact protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase G (PKG). And PKA and PKG are involved in regulating blood platelets.
In simpler terms, drugs like Levitra have the downstream effect of improving blood circulation. Improper blood circulation can impact a man's ability to get an erection and/or maintain an erection.
What Kind of Medication is Levitra
Before we discuss how much Levitra to take, let's talk about how you would use Levitra.
Levitra comes in oral tablet form. Once prescribed, you can take this tablet by mouth with a glass of water.
The active ingredient (vardenafil) will be metabolized in your stomach before it passes to your liver and then to the bloodstream. Once in your bloodstream, Levitra can exert its effects.
Never increase the dosage of Levitra on your own. Always take your doctor's direction on the kind of ED medication you take and its dosage.
Doctors typically prescribe Levitra to be taken at least 60 minutes before sexual activity. Some individuals may find Levitra effective when used as soon as 25 minutes before sex.
After you take Levitra, it typically remains in effect for about four to five hours. However, physicians typically recommend that you should avoid using this medication more than once in a 24-hour period.
The Right Levitra Dosage for You
Levitra comes in four different strengths:
- 2.5 milligrams
- 5 milligrams
- 10 milligrams
- 20 milligrams
Before you start using Levitra, your doctor will talk to you about your medical history. He or she will also want to know which drugs (if any) you're currently taking. A third factor that influences the dose of Levitra that is right for you is your age.
Who Should Take Low Doses of Levitra?
Low doses of Levitra include 2.5mg and 5mg.
The older you are and the more health conditions you have, the less likely you are to tolerate a higher dose of Levitra. This is why physicians typically start older men in poor health on 5mg Levitra tablets.
If you don't tolerate 5mg well, your doctor may recommend reducing the dose to 2.5mg.
Who Should Take Moderate to High Doses of Levitra?
Moderate to high doses of Levitra include 10mg and 20mg.
For men in good health, the typical starting dose for Levitra is 10mg. Of course, genetics influence how you respond to Levitra. In this case, your doctor may want to lower the dose even if you are in good health.
If you don't tolerate 10mg well, your doctor will likely reduce the dose to 5mg. Men who don't experience significant Levitra side effects from 10mg of Levitra or who don't experience benefits from 10mg of Levitra may be recommended a 20mg dose.
What to Do if You Accidentally Skip a Dose
You don't necessarily need to worry about skipping doses when it comes to Levitra and other vardenafil-containing drugs. That's because doctors typically recommend these medications on an as-needed basis.
In other words, your doctor won't likely prescribe Levitra to be used in accordance with a daily dosing schedule.
Is Levitra Safe?
Taking the right Levitra dosage for you is critical to reducing its potential side effects. However, Levitra produces extremely mild symptoms, which may include:
- Feeling dizzy
- Feeling flushed (feeling red and hot in the face)
- Having a runny nose
- Feeling nauseous
Aside from side effects, you may be wondering: is it possible to take too much Levitra? Worse, could you overdose if you use too much of this prescription drug?
The good news is that you can avoid taking too much Levitra if you follow your physician's dosing instructions. However, if you do take too much, you may experience the above side effects.
Other potential symptoms of taking too much Levitra are hearing disruptions, visual disturbances, and back pain.
Never increase the dosage of Levitra on your own. Always take your doctor's direction on the kind of ED medication you take and its dosage.
Can You Take Other PDE-5 Inhibitors With Levitra?
No, you cannot take other PDE-5 inhibitors with Levitra. This includes the following brand-name drugs:
- Stendra
- Viagra (sildenafil)
- Cialis
If you take these medications alongside Levitra or any other vardenafil-containing drug (e.g., Staxyn), you increase your risk for a negative reaction.
You should also avoid using Levitra and Staxyn together, as this can increase the risk of toxicity.
Key Takeaways: Talk to a Physician About the Best Levitra Dose for You
Levitra (vardenafil) is a prescription drug that can help improve blood circulation. Proper blood circulation is critical for a healthy erection, among other things.
If you're interested in trying vardenafil for the first time, talk to your doctor about the right Levitra dosage for you.
References
UPGUYS has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.- Vardenafil (Oral Route), Mayo Clinic,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/vardenafil-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20067107?p=1 - Using medication: Learn More – Oral medications, NIH,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK361020/ - Sexual dysfunction, Wayne Medicine University,
https://urology.med.wayne.edu/impotence-sexual - Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitors In the Management of Erectile Dysfunction, PubMed,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3776492/
This article is written for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided in the articles cannot and should not replace advice from a healthcare professional. Talk to your healthcare provider about any physical or mental health concerns or the risks and benefits of any treatment or medication.
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