Viagra is something that lends itself rather well to ribald or coarse jokes, but the fact remains that this is a tremendously popular drug used chiefly for correcting male problems such as erectile dysfunction.
Viagra is the popular brand name by which the formulation Sildenafil citrate (which is also sold under names such as Generic Viagra, Kamagra, Zenegra, Caverta and Forzest) is sold and as is the case with pretty much all drugs, Viagra as well is not without its share.
Viagra works to combat erectile dysfunctions by pumping more blood into the penis and thereby enables men with this problem to respond to sexual stimulation. For this reason, people with certain conditions; or those on certain medications are advised not to take Viagra. For instance, if one has angina and is on any nitroglycerine medication, for it is not advisable to take Viagra.
It may be obvious but it bears repeating that if someone is advised to refrain from having sex due to cardiovascular problems then they should not be taking Viagra. Other conditions such as severely impaired liver function or severe kidney problems, low blood pressure or recent stroke or heart attack also preclude use of Viagra.
Viagra works by blocking the PDE5 enzyme in the body, however it also is known to effect the PDE6 enzyme, which has a bearing on the cone cells in the retina of the eye.
This can alter the way that people perceive color, so it is sometimes noted that Viagra can affect color vision, particularly of blue and green colors. Some Viagra users have complained of seeing everything with a sort of bluish tint. Due to this reason, those with any degenerative retinal disorder are also advised against Viagra.
Some have also reported problems with vision such as blurring, photophobia (excessive sensitivity to light and the aversion to sunlight or well-lit places) and even loss of peripheral vision.
Headache, dyspepsia, flushing, nasal congestion are the common side effects noted by those taking Viagra. Among the rarer adverse effects people may encounter more serious problems such as very low blood pressure, stroke, increased eye pressure and even sudden hearing loss. It can even, in rare cases cause a heart attack.
In rare cases, Priapism, which is the failure of the penis to return to its normal flaccid state in spite of the withdrawal of the stimulation, has also been noted.
So all in all it is important that the doctor prescribing Viagra is well aware of one’s medical history prior to prescribing Viagra. If any side effects do happen it is important to stop taking the drug and inform the doctor immediately.
It is also important to note that Viagra may not work the very first time; you may need to take it 3 or 4 times before it actually has the desired effect.
