Information about Viagra side effects

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The main downside to buying prescription medications is the potential risk of side effects. For this reason patients should always read the label on the medication and stick to the recommended dosage. Viagra side effects are not uncommon as the drug, like all prescription medications, affects people in different ways. Fortunately not all users will suffer with Viagra side effects and those who do may experience them temporarily.

Common Viagra side effects

The most widely reported problem when using this medication is headache, which can occur for every 1 in 10 users. Not all Viagra side effects are this common; the following Viagra side effects are known to affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 men.

• Dizziness
• Indigestion
• Facial flushing
• Nasal congestion
• Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision, blue tinge to vision
• Uncommon Viagra side effects

The following Viagra side effects may affect between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1000 people:

• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Sleepiness or fatigue
• Chest and muscle pain
• Sensation of spinning and/or tinnitus
• Palpitations of the heart and increased heart rate
• Eye disorders, which may include: bleeding at the back of the eye, bloodshot eyes, eye pain, double vision, abnormal sensation in the eye.

Rare Viagra side effects

The likelihood of experiencing any Viagra side effects not mentioned in the lists above is significantly low. The following Viagra side effects may occur for only 1 in every 1000 users:

• Stroke
• Fainting
• Priapism
• Heart attack
• Nosebleeds
• Abnormal heart beats
• Sudden decrease or loss of hearing
• Increased or decreased blood pressure

The Viagra side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by Pfizer, Viagra’s manufacturer. Each medication comes with a patient leaflet that explains in greater depth the risk of side effects and what precautions to take to best avoid them. For added peace of mind you should consult your doctor to make absolutely sure you are suitable to use your chosen prescription medication.

Viagra sildenafil tablets and drug interactions

Sildenafil tablets should not be taken with any form of nitrate medication, as this combination can cause blood pressure to drop below normal. Further Viagra side effects that may arise when using nitrate medication include dizziness, fainting, and heart attack.

A hazardous drop in blood pressure leading to dizziness or fainting can also occur in users who are taking alpha-blocker medicines. This is most likely to occur within four hours of taking the sildenafil tablet.

Preventing Viagra side effects

As well as reading the Viagra patient leaflet and consulting your doctor you can also follow these safety measures below to best ensure against potential Viagra side effects.

• Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage.
• If you feel dizzy or lightheaded make sure you lie down until the symptoms pass.
• Cease treatment if you experience any sudden decrease or loss of vision.
• If your erection lasts longer than four hours (priapism), consult your doctor immediately.
• Swallowing a tablet with grapefruit juice may cause a modest increase in the blood level of sildenafil, which in turn, may increase the chance of experiencing side effects.