Viagra is a great option for many men dealing with erectile dysfunction. But like other drugs containing sildenafil, it can cause side effects. Older people and those with health conditions might also be more likely to experience side effects.
Luckily, the risk of serious or long-term side effects while taking Viagra is small.
The list of side effects linked to the Viagra pill is long and may look a little overwhelming when you first glance at it. We’re here to guide you through so that you feel confident in your decision to tackle your ED with Viagra.
So, if you’re wondering what are the side effects of sildenafil for ED, then we’ll get right to it.
Viagra contains the active ingredient sildenafil citrate, a PDE5 inhibitor. This group of medications have been linked to side effects on blood pressure.
A slight change in blood pressure, whether it be lower or higher, is not usually something to be worried about. Provided that your blood pressure returns to normal once the medication has left your system.
However, some men taking sildenafil may already have low blood pressure or be using blood pressure regulating medication. This is when things could get a little complicated and that’s why it’s very important to tell the prescriber what medication you’re taking and what’s going on with your health.
Common side effects may affect up to 1 in 10 people and include:
Uncommon side effects may affect up to 1 in 100 people and include:
Rare side effects may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people and include:
Getting a headache when you take Viagra is a very common side effect. This means that it can affect more than one in ten people. For some people their headache symptoms may be mild and therefore tolerable and so they can continue to take their medication.
If you notice headache symptoms, you can try to counter them by drinking plenty of water before and after you take your Viagra pill.
Viagra should never be taken alongside nitrates, such as Glyceryl Trinitrate spray (GTN) or Isosorbide Mononitrate, as it can result in a significant hypotensive event or a heart attack. Anyone who is taking nitrates should be made aware of the very dangerous and life threatening effect they could have if mixed with sildenafil.
If you use Viagra and experience chest pain, during or after having sex, you should seek urgent medical attention or dial 000.
Let’s take a look at some other serious side effects:
In most cases any side effects that occur when taking Viagra will ease off once the medication leaves your system. However, some of the more serious and rare sildenafil side effects can have long term implications.
For example, priapism can permanently damage cells in the penis if it is not treated swiftly. This is why you should attend the emergency department at your nearest hospital if you have an erection for longer than four hours.
Also, men who have inherited eye conditions, such as retinitis pigmentosa, should not take Viagra as it can lead to further permanent vision problems.
It’s highly unlikely that your partner will experience side effects if you’re taking Viagra.
If you have unprotected intercourse with a female partner then they could, of course, become pregnant. There have been studies looking at the impact of Viagra on male fertility, one study concluded that sildenafil did not impact sperm function or quality .
If you’re taking Viagra and have concerns about fertility, you should speak to your doctor.
It’s good practice to let your doctor, or the prescriber, know if you experience any side effects when taking a medication. This means that your experience of Viagra symptoms can be recorded and reported to the blue card scheme.
Your doctor can talk through the symptoms you’re experiencing and check whether you’re comfortable to continue with your prescription or whether any changes should be made.
In some cases, the Viagra dosage can be lowered to try and reduce side effects.
You should go to hospital if you develop chest pain, changes in heartbeat, vision problems or a prolonged erection. Don’t take any more Viagra and don’t take part in sex. You should immediately make your way to a hospital.
Remember to only take Sildenafil or Viagra as your clinician advises. If you have any questions while you're taking it, just log into your account and send us a message.
If you’re concerned about potential side effects when taking Viagra, there are some steps you can take to keep your risk as low as possible. To do this, you need to disclose your past medical history to the prescriber, including any health conditions and any medication you are taking or have recently taken.
It’s also important to follow the medication instructions closely and to familiarise yourself with the consumer medicine information (CMI).
If your initial Viagra dosage causes side effects, then your doctor may consider reducing the dosage. A lower dosage means less of the active ingredient and thus a reduced chance of developing side effects. The lower dose is less potent but can still work effectively for a lot of men.
If side effects are causing you a problem then it is definitely worth exploring the lower dose Viagra, but you need to speak to your doctor before doing so.
Sildenafil (viagra) and the heart. Journal of family & community medicine, [online] 8(2), pp.63–6
The effects of sildenafil on human sperm function in healthy volunteers. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 53, pp.53S60S.
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