Viagra Side Effects: Common & Serious Ones

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on January 15, 2022

Last Updated on June 07, 2023

If you're a Viagra user, it's important to be aware of the potential side effects associated with this popular erectile dysfunction medication.

While Viagra is generally safe and well-tolerated, it can cause some individuals to experience certain symptoms.

In this article, we will dive into the common side effects of Viagra, ranging from mild to rare, so you can have a clear understanding of what to expect when using this medication. By being informed, you can make informed decisions about your health and sexual well-being.

Let's explore the side effects of Viagra and how they may impact you.

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Common Side Effects of Viagra

Viagra is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. Like any medication, it can cause side effects, although not everyone who takes it experiences them. Common Viagra side effects include:

Common Viagra side effects

1. Headache

This is the most common Viagra side effect. It may feel like a dull ache or a sharp pain and can last several hours.

2. Flushing

Flushing refers to redness or warmth in the face, neck, or chest that is usually temporary and caused by increased blood flow. It may be accompanied by a feeling of warmth or mild discomfort.

3. Upset stomach or indigestion

This can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.

4. Nasal congestion

Nasal congestion can be among the other Viagra common side effects. It can cause a stuffy or runny nose, difficulty breathing through the nose, or sinus pressure.

5. Vision changes

This may include a blue tint to objects or difficulty distinguishing between blue and green. These symptoms usually go away within a few hours and do not affect long-term vision.

6. Back pain or muscle pain

Back pain is also among the common Viagra side effects on men. Viagra muscle pain can be mild to severe and usually occurs within 12 to 24 hours after taking the medication. Stretching, massage, or over-the-counter pain relief medication may help alleviate this symptom.

7. Nausea or vomiting

Viagra nausea can occur in some individuals and may be accompanied by other gastrointestinal symptoms.

8. Dizziness

Viagra dizziness can include lightheadedness or feeling faint, especially when standing up quickly. It may be caused by changes in blood pressure or blood flow.

9. Rash

Rash is the last common Viagra side effect on men, which is a rare one and may appear as redness, itching, or swelling on the skin.

These Viagra side effects are generally mild and go away on their own after a few hours or days. However, if you experience severe or persistent side effects or if you have a pre-existing medical condition that may interact with Viagra, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider, doctor, or pharmacist right away to get help. Note that the long-term Viagra side effects are not normal and need to be checked out.

Read more: What Does Viagra Cost In Canada? What To Know About Viagra Cost

Serious Side Effects of Viagra

While uncommon, Viagra can also cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. Here are some of the most serious Viagra side effects:

Serious Viagra side effects

1. Sudden vision or hearing loss

This is a rare but serious side effect of Viagra that requires immediate medical attention. It may be accompanied by ringing in the ears, dizziness, or a sudden decrease in hearing or vision.

2. Chest pain or irregular heartbeat

This may be a sign of a heart attack or other cardiovascular event.

3. Seizures

Viagra seizure is a rare but serious side effect that may be caused by changes in brain activity.

4. Priapism (a long-lasting and painful erection)

In case you have an erection that lasts more than four hours, you should consult a doctor immediately.

5. Shortness of breath

This may be a sign of a serious respiratory or cardiovascular event.

6. Swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles

Swelling may be a sign of a serious allergic reaction or a side effect of other medications.

7. Fainting or feeling lightheaded

This may be caused by changes in blood pressure or blood flow.

If you experience any of these Viagra pills side effects, you should stop taking Viagra and seek medical attention right away.

Read more: Viagra Vs. Cialis: What Is There To Know? A Full Review

Viagra Side Effects on Partner

Alongside the advantages of this blue magic pill, the drawbacks have to be taken into consideration too. A few partners of Viagra users have complaints about this drug and claim Viagra has cast some shadows in their love life. Here are some of the mentioned ones:

- Mental Viagra Side Effects on Partners

A lot of partners complain about how Viagra upsets their relationships in different ways. Stereotypes and social biases are also to blame for many of these misjudgments. 

For example, many women and men find themselves not sexually aroused when they find out their partner needs pharmacologic intervention to have sex with them. Other signs of insecurity among those whose partners use ED drugs include loss of spontaneity and suspicions of cheating.

Other groups of people feel intimidated and under pressure because of their partners' rush to necessarily have penetration after taking Viagra. 

Some men do not even ask their partners if they're receptive to intercourse before swallowing the pill, making them very uncomfortable. As sex is a two-way street, the decision to take Viagra should be made by both partners to avoid further misunderstandings.

- Physical Viagra Side Effects on Partner

Since Viagra does not pass through sperm, the chances of reducing or increasing fertility are slim.

There is no conclusive proof of Sildenafil side effects on fertility in men or women, so if you are planning to conceive a child, you can go right ahead, but it’s wise to consult your doctor first.

Viagra Side Effects on Older Men

In addition to the above-mentioned Viagra side effects, older men may be more likely to experience other, more serious side effects from Viagra.

That’s mostly because as people grow older, they are more likely to have underlying medical conditions, particularly those affecting the cardiovascular system. Most of the problems may require the use of long-acting medicines such as nitroglycerines, and as a matter of fact, people who take nitrates should abstain from Sildenafil.

Furthermore, according to studies, men aged 65 and more keep three to eight times more Sildenafil in their plasma a day after taking Viagra than younger men. 

These factors have led health providers and pharmacists to advise that seniors over 65 take only a 25-mg dose, which is half the usual starting dose. This enables the elderly to return to their normal state more quickly and reduces the danger of drug interactions after using Viagra.

Proper Viagra dosage for men over 65

Both common and severe Viagra side effects, covered earlier, should be taken into account before taking the drug.

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Factors that Affect Viagra Side Effects

While the side effects of Viagra pills are generally mild and temporary, certain factors can increase the likelihood and severity of these side effects. Some factors that may affect Viagra side effects include:

1. Dosage

Taking too much Viagra can increase the risk and severity of side effects. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and not exceed the maximum daily dose of 100mg.

2. Age

As men age, they may be more susceptible to the side effects of Viagra. This is because older men may have a lower metabolism or may be taking other medications that can interact with Viagra.

3. Medical history

Certain medical conditions can increase the risk of side effects from Viagra. For example, individuals with heart disease, liver or kidney disease, or low blood pressure may be more susceptible to Viagra side effects. Viagra takes the responsibility of vasodilation in a normal coronary artery, and generally, it has a lot to do with your heart and blood circulation system. So, it’s highly suggested to consult with your healthcare provider about the Viagra side effects before taking it, especially if you have heart conditions such as irregular heartbeat, angina, chest pain, etc.

4. Alcohol consumption

Drinking alcohol while taking Viagra can increase the risk and severity of side effects, especially dizziness and flushing.

5. Other medications

Viagra can interact with other medications, including nitrates, alpha-blockers, and certain antibiotics and antifungal medications. In order to avoid any Sildenafil drug interactions, it is important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking before starting Viagra.

6. Food

Taking Viagra with a high-fat meal can delay the onset of the medication and increase the risk of side effects.

7. Personal sensitivity

The Viagra effects on body may be different from person to person. Some individuals may be more sensitive to the side effects of Sildenafil than others. It is important to pay attention to your body's response to the medication and talk to your healthcare provider if you experience any serious Viagra side effects.

Make sure to consult your doctor before taking Viagra to ensure that it is safe for you to use and to discuss any potential risks and side effects.

Read more:The Availability Of Over-the-Counter Viagra In Canada

Minimizing Viagra Side Effects

Most Viagra side effects can be easily managed by following a few simple preventive or curative strategies. Here are some of the most Viagra side effects treatments:

Minimizing Viagra side effects

1. Follow dosage instructions: Take Viagra as directed by your healthcare provider, and do not exceed the recommended dose. Taking too much Viagra can increase the risk of side effects.
2. Take Viagra on an empty stomach: Taking Viagra on an empty stomach can help the medication work more effectively and may reduce the risk of side effects. A light meal can also be good if you wonder what to take with Viagra.
3. Avoid Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking Viagra can increase the risk and severity of side effects, especially dizziness and flushing. It is best to avoid using Viagra and alcohol.
4. Avoid high-fat meals: Eating a high-fat meal before taking Viagra can delay its onset and increase the risk of side effects. Try to eat a light meal before taking Viagra.
5. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help to reduce the risk of side effects, particularly headaches.
6. Take a rest: A quick rest and lying down are the greatest ways to get rid of flushes and pain. To relieve flushing, it's also a good idea to cool down and relax.
7. Talk to your doctor about your medications: Make sure to inform your healthcare provider or doctor about all medications you are taking to minimize the risk of interactions.

It is important to note that while these strategies may help to reduce the risk of Viagra side effects, some side effects may still occur. If you experience severe or persistent side effects from Viagra, it is important to seek medical attention right away.

Viagra Side Effects in a Nutshell

Altogether, Viagra can significantly improve your sex life, but it can also cause a variety of health problems, ranging from slight to severe. Although all of the information gathered in this essay has been assessed and faculty verified, it should not be used to replace the knowledge of a health care expert, particularly your primary care physician. 

Since the mentioned precautions and warnings, drug interactions, adverse effects, and serious and common Viagra side effects covered in the essay are subject to change over time, make sure to consult your healthcare professional about the dosage and other details.

AQs: Viagra Side Effects

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Viagra side effects. Here you can find all the frequently asked questions about Viagra.