Thinking about trying sildenafil, but worried about how it might affect you? Many men in Canada hesitate before using Viagra or its generic forms due to concerns about sildenafil side effects.
Sildenafil is a widely used treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). It works by increasing blood flow to the penis to help you achieve and maintain a firm erection during sexual activity. Knowing what to expect and how to manage potential reactions can help you feel more confident.
At Jack Health, we provide safe, discreet access to erectile dysfunction treatments, including sildenafil, through our Canadian telehealth service.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Sildenafil (Viagra) and How Does It Work?
Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. When you take sildenafil, it produces effects by enhancing nitric oxide activity, which leads to smooth muscle relaxation and better blood flow in the penis. This process induces an erection only when you’re sexually stimulated.
Without stimulation, the medication won’t work. It does not increase sex drive.
Sildenafil is available under the brand name Viagra and in generic forms across Canada. Viagra comes in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets. Some brands may only stock sildenafil in 50mg and 100mg tablets.
Read here for the proper sildenafil dosage for erectile dysfunction.
Most Common Side Effects of Sildenafil
Like any medication, sildenafil can cause side effects. Some side effects may occur immediately after onset, while others may develop later.
The most common sildenafil side effects include:
- headache, facial flushing
- nausea, vomiting, indigestion, abdominal pain,
- dizziness
- dry, stuffy, or swollen nose
- throat tightness, dry mouth, decreased sensitivity of the mouth
- pain in arms and legs, myalgia (muscle pain)
- somnolence
- erection increased
Tips to Manage Common Blue Pill (Sildenafil) Side Effects
The frequency, intensity, severity, and duration of these symptoms may vary depending on your dosage amount, age, gender, individual response, and medical history.
Here are tips to manage sildenafil side effects:
- Stay hydrated to help ease headaches and muscle aches.
- Avoid high-fat meals before taking sildenafil.
- Limit or skip alcohol consumption to avoid dizziness and low blood pressure.
- Refrain from taking grapefruit juice, as it can alter how the medication is absorbed.
- Try lying down if you feel lightheadedness or nausea.
Serious or Rare Side Effects of Sildenafil
If you are taking sildenafil and experience serious side effects, stop taking the medication and call your doctor immediately.
Priapism
If your penis has been erect for more than 4 hours, this is a serious emergency. Priapism is an erection lasting too long and can result in permanent damage.
Sudden Vision or Hearing Loss
Sildenafil use can cause vision loss related to non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and hearing loss. These side effects are very rare but require urgent care.
Cardiovascular Risks
In some men, sildenafil may impact heart function. If you experience chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath during intercourse, stop immediately. Never mix Viagra with nitrates like amyl nitrite “poppers”, as this can decrease blood pressure to dangerous levels.
How Long Do Sildenafil Side Effects Last?
There is no specific timeline for how long the side effects of sildenafil last, but they typically do not persist for an extended period.
Duration of Common Side Effects
Common side effects of sildenafil, such as headaches, do not last long. Most side effects typically subside as sildenafil is eliminated from the body. After 3 to 5 hours (the half-life of sildenafil), the concentration of sildenafil in your body is reduced by half.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If the side effects persist, become bothersome, or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
What is the Long-Term Use of Sildenafil?
Sildenafil is safe for long-term use under a doctor’s guidance. In a long-term, open-label trial over 12 to 24 months, oral sildenafil was found to be an effective, well-tolerated treatment for erectile dysfunction of organic, psychogenic, or mixed aetiology.
Learn more: Is 20 mg of sildenafil enough for ED?
Safety Profile
Sildenafil is generally safe to use. Most side effects of sildenafil are mild to moderate and transient in nature. Serious events often involved patients with comorbidities or concomitant medications.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking sildenafil if you:
- Have heart problems (irregular heartbeat, angina, chest pain, or past heart attack)
- Are 65 years or older
- Have had a stroke
- Have low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Have liver or kidney problems
- Have blood disorders (sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, leukemia)
- Are allergic to sildenafil or its ingredients
- Have a deformed penis or Peyronie’s disease
- Have had an erection lasting more than 4 hours
- Have stomach ulcers or other bleeding problems
- Have retinitis pigmentosa (a rare eye disease)
- Have had vision loss in one or both eyes, including NAION
- Have had serious skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson’s Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis)
Note: Always check the expiration date on your sildenafil packaging before use. Expired medication may be less effective or unsafe, so replace it with a fresh prescription if needed.
How to Monitor Your Health
If you use sildenafil regularly, stay in touch with your doctor for routine check-ups. Monitor blood pressure, especially if you also take medications for high blood pressure or heart conditions, and check for possible drug interactions with other prescriptions or over-the-counter medications.
Is Sildenafil Safe for Everyone?
Sildenafil may not be suited for everyone. Do not take sildenafil if you:
- Take nitrates (nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate/dinitrate, or other forms)
- Have had vision loss in one or both eyes due to NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy)
- Have ever had an allergic reaction to sildenafil or its ingredients
- Have been told that sexual activity is unsafe for you due to health problems
- Take guanylate cyclase stimulators (e.g., riociguat)
At Jack Health, we offer discreet telehealth consultations and reliable delivery of sildenafil throughout Canada, so you can receive expert guidance and safe treatment from the comfort of your own home.
Alternatives to Sildenafil
If side effects, interactions, or personal preference make sildenafil unsuitable for you, there are alternative options available.
Other PDE5 Inhibitors
Other PDE5 inhibitors include tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Stendra). Stendra is not available in Canada.
These medications work similarly to sildenafil by improving blood flow, but differ in their onset and duration of action.
Non-Medication Options
Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, eating healthier, and exercising, as well as therapy for stress or anxiety, can all help in improving erectile function and overall sexual health. Vacuum pumps may also help.
Key Takeaways
- Sildenafil works well for ED but may cause mild or rare serious side effects.
- Most side effects are temporary and manageable; seek help if they persist or worsen.
- Sildenafil may not be the best option if you’re taking nitrates or with certain heart or eye conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sildenafil give you a hard-on (erection)?
Sildenafil helps you get an erection, but only when you’re sexually stimulated. It doesn’t cause automatic or unwanted erections. The medication improves blood flow, so arousal is still needed for it to work.
What should I do if I experience a prolonged erection?
If your erection lasts more than 4 hours, it could be priapism, which is a medical emergency. Seek urgent medical help immediately to avoid permanent damage.
Is it safe to take sildenafil daily?
Taking sildenafil daily is safe for some people if a doctor approves it. It may not be safe if you take nitrates, have certain heart issues, or have low blood pressure. Always follow your doctor’s guidance.
What to Avoid When Taking Sildenafil?
Avoid taking sildenafil with nitrates. Use with caution if you take alpha-blockers. Also, limit alcohol and grapefruit juice, and avoid taking other medications that may interact with sildenafil.
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