People often wonder about the possible side effects of Viagra, concerned that the little blue pill might result in some kind of unpleasantness or even dangerous health conditions. It’s always sensible to understand the nature of your medications and, while Viagra is recognised as a low-toxicity medicine, it pays to be aware of its potential side effects.
Our patients tend to do a lot of their own research on the subject and although this can sometimes lead to unwarranted concern, it could also be prudent in determining whether Viagra or the generic sildenafil is safe to take. So here we will explain Viagra’s side effects and briefly take you through which are common and which may be cause for worry.
Just bear in mind that, although a thorough consultation should be performed before you are prescribed the drug – to rule out any contraindications and determine whether you are at a higher risk of certain side effects – the side effects reported by people who take Viagra are usually mild to moderate, and dissipate quickly.
Viagra side effects are classed as common, uncommon, and rare.
The most common Viagra side effect is headache, which can affect about 1 in 10 people. Other common effects are indigestion, nausea, hot flushing in the upper body, facial flushing, blurred or colour-tinged vision, other visual disturbances, nasal congestion and dizziness.
Effects that are considered uncommon (affecting 1 in 100 people) include high blood pressure, low blood pressure, vomiting, dry mouth, upper abdominal pain, ringing in the ears, heartburn, pain in the arms or legs, blood in the urine and feeling hot or tired.
There are also rare side effects which could affect 1 in 1,000 people such as stroke, heart attack, sudden decrease or loss of hearing, fainting, tightening of the throat, double vision, dilation of the pupil and reduced blood flow to parts of the brain.
If you experience any of the following serious effects, you should STOP taking Viagra immediately and seek medical assistance:
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction: wheezing, swelling of the eyelids, face, throat or lips, or difficulty breathing.
- Chest pains. Note that if this occurs during or after intercourse you should get into a semi-seated position and do your best to relax. Never use nitrates to treat the chest pain.
- Long-lasting or painful erections. Also see Priapism.
- Sudden reduction or loss of vision.
- Significant skin reactions, such as swelling or peeling, or blistering of the mouth and/or genitals and around the eyes.
- Seizure or fit.
Click here to review Viagra side effects and other drug information in detail in the Patient Leaflet supplied with Viagra tablets.
While any side effects that you might experience should be reported to your doctor in a general consultation, you should seek immediate advice should you encounter any of the rare and/or serious side effects.
Naturally, your unique health condition will have a bearing on what advice you receive, and full disclosure to your prescribing doctor is necessary in order to receive safe treatment – so don’t hold back when it comes to describing your medical history.
Viagra (sildenafil) is generally well tolerated and, as a low toxicity medicine, can be prescribed following an online consultation. Read more detailed information on the side effects of Viagra/sildenafil.