The side effects of Viagra

Reviewed by our clinical team

Viagra is the most common form of treatment for erectile dysfunction, otherwise known as impotence. Affectionately referred to as ‘the blue pill’, this medication is widely used by men of all ages around the world, however not everyone is able to reap its benefits.

There are a few occasions where Viagra is not safe to take - or where an alternative treatment may suit you better. Common side effects can include headaches and dizziness, rarer side effects include heart problems. If you’re worried about the side effects or long-term risks of Viagra, read on for our go-to guide. 

Is Viagra bad for you? 

In general, Viagra isn’t bad for you. But like all medicine, it can cause both common and serious side effects.

Viagra is a widely known erectile dysfunction (ED) medicine that works by increasing the blood flow to the penis, therefore helping to achieve an erection. It can be very effective, but isn’t suitable for everyone, so it’s important to be assessed by a clinician before getting a prescription.

You should also make sure you request Viagra from a trustworthy and regulated online pharmacy or online doctor service to avoid being sold unlicensed products. There is a record amount of fake Viagra being sold online which has not undergone safety tests and could therefore be dangerous to consume.

Viagra and health conditions

It is not safe to take Viagra if you:

• Have low blood pressure
• Have heart problems
• Have an eye disease such as retinitis pigmentosa
• Are taking certain medications such as nitrates
• Are allergic to sildenafil citrate 

It should also never be taken recreationally - Viagra will only work for ED, not a low libido. ED (erectile dysfunction) is the inability to gain or maintain an erection long enough to have sex, which can be caused by physical and psychological factors. Your libido or sex drive is your desire to have sex or take part in sexual activities. Changes to your sex drive (libido) including low sex drive can be caused by relationship problems, hormone levels and stress.

Learn more about how Viagra works and whether it’s right for you. If you have any of the above conditions, there are many alternatives that could be a better option such as Levitra, Cialis and Spedra.  

The most common short term side effects of Viagra

The majority of people don’t experience side effects when taking Viagra bought from a trusted source, such as LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor. However, as with all types of medication, there can be some risks. The below side effects are most common and happen in more than 1 in 100 people. 

Headaches 

Headaches are one of the more common side effects of Viagra, however they typically don’t last longer than a week after taking the medication. Avoiding alcohol and drinking plenty of water can help. If your headaches are severe or don’t go away, talk to a doctor. 

Nausea 

Feeling sick or nauseous can happen whilst taking Viagra. Try taking your tablet with a snack or after a meal and keep hydrated throughout the day. It can also help to limit spicy or rich food that may heighten your nausea. 

Hot flushes 

Flushing can happen for the first few days after taking Viagra. It might help to avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee during this time - instead cool yourself down with colder beverages. Speak to your doctor if the hot flushes don’t go away. 

Indigestion 

Indigestion and acid reflux can be unpleasant so make sure you speak to a doctor if the side effects are uncomfortable. An antacid may initially help - you can find them over the counter at most pharmacies and shops. 

Blocked nose 

Nasal sprays and vapour rubs can help relieve congestion caused by Viagra. Talk to a pharmacist if you’re not sure which is best for you. 

Dizziness 

If you feel dizzy, lightheaded or faint whilst taking Viagra then you must avoid driving, cycling and using tools. Lie down or stay seated until the dizziness passes. If this doesn’t settle, you should contact a doctor.   

These side effects are more common in people who take higher doses of Viagra. Find out more about 50mg vs 100mg of Sildenafil. You can always ask for a lower dose if side effects are causing you discomfort. 

The most common long term side effects when taking Viagra

Many men may take Viagra for an extended period of time to treat erectile dysfunction. There can therefore be a number of long term side effects that may occur. Whilst these risks aren’t common, they are serious and it’s therefore always important to speak to your doctor before taking Viagra.

Sensory 

Various visual and auditory side effects have been reported alongside the long term use of Viagra. A study in 2011 supported claims that Viagra may induce this disabling side effect.  

There have also been rare cases of men developing nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) after taking Viagra, an eye condition which can cause which can cause a sudden, often painless, loss of vision usually in one eye.  

Cerebrovascular/Cardiovascular 

In very rare cases, Viagra can cause short term side effects such as strokes and heart attacks. This is more common in men who have a prior history of heart problems such as angina, heart failure or irregular heartbeats. 

However, a study from Sweden counters this evidence, claiming that Viagra could in fact reduce the risk of further heart attacks in men with diagnosed cardiovascular disease. This could be because the medication reduces the patients’ blood pressure (a common cause of erectile dysfunction and a risk factor for heart disease), therefore more research is needed to confirm this development. 

If you have a heart condition or low blood pressure, speak to a clinician to find out if Viagra is safe for you. 

Gastrointestinal  

Long term usage of Viagra has been shown to cause dyspepsia (indigestion) and can lead to stomach upsets such as diarrhoea, gastritis, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Erectile dysfunction is really common. But thankfully there are plenty of easy treatments that can help. Whilst some people may experience side effects of Viagra, these are often outweighed by the benefits of the medication.

How can I relieve Viagra side effects?

Whenever you try a new medication, it can take your body a while to adjust and adapt to it, this can be when you notice some side effects. You might want to try Viagra Connect and note down any side effects when they happen, it could be that the effects get better or become less noticeable the more you use the medication. 

Viagra Connect side effects and how to relieve them: 

• Feeling sick – Avoid rich or spicy food
• Indigestion – Try an antacid but contact your doctor if discomfort continues
• Headache – Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol. Speak to a pharmacist for advice on painkillers
• Facial flushing – Keep the room cool, use a fan and drink iced drinks. Flushing should go away in a couple of days.
• Light headedness or dizzy spells – Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy. Try getting up slowly and don’t drive if you feel dizzy. 
• Nasal congestion – A nasal spray could help 

If you are worried about the side effects and find that they are outweighing the benefits of Viagra Connect, it is best to speak to a doctor or pharmacist. If you’ve had treatment through our service, you can get in touch via your Patient Record.

What happens if you take Viagra when you don't need it?

If you are not sexually aroused, the medicine will have no effect on your body. You may still experience side effects. The active ingredient will remain in your system for up to four hours, after which any effect of the medicine will cease. If you experience effects after four hours, contact your pharmacist or Online Doctor.

To receive Viagra Connect as a treatment for erectile dysfunction you will need to complete a simple online questionnaire or face-to-face consultation with a pharmacist. If you have received Viagra Connect by misleading your pharmacist, providing inaccurate information, or by not revealing any underlying heath conditions during the consultation process, it could be that this treatment is unsuitable for you. By taking it you are putting your health at risk. 

Can Viagra make you last longer in bed?

Viagra Connect has no effect on the length of your sexual performance. It will not affect the time it takes for you to climax. Find out how you can last longer in bed in our article. 

As a treatment for erectile dysfunction, Viagra Connect will help you to achieve and maintain an erection that is hard enough for penetrative sex by increasing blood flow to the penis. 

How to get treatment for erectile dysfunction

Our simple, discreet subscription service makes it super easy to get treatment for erectile dysfunction. We ask you to complete a consultation so our clinicians can make sure you're safe to take erectile dysfunction treatment, and if you are, it can be delivered to your door without having to see a doctor face-to-face. From Viagra to other medication, you can sign up and save 15% every time you order. 

Or if you don't want a subscription, you can use our ED clinic to order on-off treatments too. 

References

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sildenafil-viagra/side-effects-of-sildenafil/ 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21520123/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1448698/
https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2021.02.021