The Dangers of Using and Abusing Viagra

Many men are tempted to boost their sexual performance with medications prescribed for erectile dysfunction (ED) without actually experiencing this condition. However, abusing these drugs is dangerous and can damage your health.

Pharmaceuticals like Viagra are part of a drug group called phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. These medications are designed to help men suffering from ED, but in no case are they intended for recreational use. Nevertheless, there is a common tendency among men who don’t have ED to misuse these drugs. Even though Viagra helps men obtain an erection, it is not meant to be used simply for getting a longer or better erection.

By misusing Viagra, men risk their health. The harmful consequences that can be inflicted this way include:

• Dependence on the drug
• Developing ED when a man stops using the drugs
• Cardiovascular risks
• Potentially fatal consequences of mixing of Viagra with club drugs
• Greater risk of unsafe sex
• Greater risk of getting sexually transmitted disease

Learn about the Risks of Recreational ED Drug Use

The overall number of men diagnosed with ED has been rapidly increasing over the last 20 years. That’s why Viagra and other drugs from this group are often prescribed by doctors to their patients. For the same reason, this type of drug is often misused and even abused.

According to research, one of the causes for such abuse is easy access to ED drugs. There are thousands of Internet pharmacies providing Viagra without prescription, whereas, according to statistics, less than 10% of them are in proper compliance with required regulatory rules.

Men can also misuse Viagra if they are not aware of the potential dangers.

Even if a patient has ED, he can misuse the drug and increase cardiovascular risks if he does at least one of the following: 

• Also takes medications called nitrates
• Has active coronary heart disease
• Has congestive heart failure
• Has low blood pressure
• Takes several medications to treat high blood pressure
• Has exercise intolerance

Doctors Warn against the ‘Sextasy’ Trend: Viagra should not be Mixed with Ecstasy

The risks of Viagra abuse include the danger of adverse interactions, for instance, when the medication is mixed with narcotics like ecstasy to boost a feeling of euphoria. This kind of drug abuse can potentially lead to fatal consequences.

The problem is that mixing these two drugs can trigger a so-called “serotonin syndrome.” Serotonin is also known as a “happy hormone.” However, it can build up in a human body, causing disorientation, tremors, confusion, and hallucinations.

In some cases, it can lead to irregular heartbeat, seizures, or even a coma.

Be Attentive to the Bottom Line on Viagra Ads

You should not just be swayed by the beautiful and happy people demonstrated in Viagra ads, but rather carefully read and listen to all the information about the drug’s side effects and contraindications. Consult your health advisor in any case prior to taking this medication.

The most common Viagra adverse effects include dyspepsia, headache, flushing, and visual disturbance.

Be aware that if the following adverse effects occur, you should seek medical help immediately.

Less common:

• Bladder pain
• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Increased frequency of urination
• Pain during urination
• Dizziness
• A burning feeling in the stomach or chest
• Indigestion
• Upset stomach
• Burning, itching, crawling, prickling, and numbness
• Extended erection that lasts for more than 4 hours

Rare:

• Anxiety
• Bleeding of the eye
• Abnormal vision
• Blurred vision
• Deafness or hearing loss
• Double vision
• Bone pain
• Chest pain
• Excessive hunger
• Fever or chills
• Breast enlargement
• Convulsions (seizures)
• Severe headache
• Cool and pale skin
• Dry eyes and mouth
• Slurred speech
• Trouble breathing
• Changes in vision or temporary vision loss

Prior to taking Viagra, you should ask your health advisor if you are healthy enough to use the drug, and inform him about any other medications you take. There can be numerous drug interactions of Viagra with various common medicines like drugs for angina, blood pressure, seizures, and blood thinners.

Read also: TOP Most Common Viagra Side Effects

Viagra is a medication effective only for the right men. It can induce an erection in over 80% of men suffering from ED. It is used by many millions of men safely and appropriately. However, if you don’t have ED, you should not use Viagra.

If you are prescribed Viagra to treat ED, you should choose only reliable sources to get this drug. Together with avoiding the other risk factors, all these precautions will help you make the best use of this pharmaceutical without harming your health.