7 Side Effects of ED Medication (Common & Serious Both)
Sexual health care for men has changed a lot because of drugs like Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), and Levitra (Vardenafil) that help erectile dysfunction (ED).
More blood flows to the penis when you take these drugs, which makes it easier to get and keep an erection. There are some risks, though. Since ED drugs are medicines, they can have side effects that can be as little as pain or as bad as major health problems.
Knowing what side effects of ED Medication might have before taking it is essential. Here are some medicines’ most common and dangerous side effects so people can make smart, safe decisions.
Table of Contents
Psychological Impact as Side Effects of ED Medication
Though physical signs get more attention, mental side effects of ED Medication are also very real and vital.
Some people who take the drug feel anxious, depressed have mood swings, or have low self-esteem, especially if it doesn’t work as expected.
These feelings could be caused by performance pressure or a growing need for the drug to boost confidence. It’s important to know that the side effects of ED drugs can have an impact on both the mind and the body.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your body, and getting help from a doctor or therapist can be a great way to deal with these mental problems.
1. Flushing and Redness of the Face
Face colour is another common side effect of ED Medication. It can look like warm, red, or blotchy skin on the chest, neck, or face.
Just like how the medicine is meant to work, this reaction happens when the blood vessels get bigger and more blood runs through them. Not everyone finds it safe, and it only lasts a short time. But for some, it can be awkward or uncomfortable.
If you don’t want to sweat as much, you should take the medicine on an empty stomach and avoid hot foods and drinks before and after your dose. You can handle this common side effect better by following simple steps.
2. Indigestion and Stomach Upset
- Some men say that taking ED drugs, especially sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis), makes their stomachs hurt.
- Most likely, the drugs and stomach gas are to blame for these issues. Often, the Pain or heat in the stomach area after taking the medicine is called indigestion.
- The medicine can make the lower esophagus valve less tight, letting the acid increase.
- Bloating: Feelings of being complete or tight because your stomach is slowing down.
- They can happen at the same time as a Viagra headache, but they are possible. So, monitoring and changing your dose as your doctor tells you to is essential.
3. Vision Changes
Vision problems are one of the more worrying side effects of ED drugs, but they don’t happen very often. Some people may have blurred vision, become more sensitive to light, or see things with a blue tint.
Because Sildenafil side effects can change enzymes in the retina, these vision changes are often related to the drug.
These effects usually go away when the medicine leaves the body, but if your vision changes quickly or for a long time, you should not ignore them.
If these symptoms happen, you should see a doctor immediately because they could be signs of a more serious reaction needing medical help.
4. Back Pain and Muscle Aches
Back pain and muscle aches have been linked to some ED drugs, especially tadalafil (Cialis). These side effects of ED drugs are thought to be caused by how the drugs affect blood flow and muscle tissues, making them hurt for a short time.
The pain is usually not dangerous, but it can be unpleasant. It usually starts 12 to 24 hours after taking the medicine. In most cases, the pain goes away in 48 hours.
Over-the-counter painkillers might help you feel better, but you should see a doctor if the pain gets worse or happens more often. For safe drug use, it’s essential to keep an eye on these signs.
5. Hearing Loss or Ringing in the Ears
- A very rare but dangerous side effect of ED drugs is tinnitus, which means quick loss of hearing.
- No one knows for sure what causes it, but it could be that the nerves that control hearing aren’t getting enough blood.
- This could happen right after taking the medicine, and you might feel dizzy or have trouble keeping your balance.
- Hearing changes don’t happen very often, but if they do, you should be very careful.
- You should stop taking the medicine right away if your hearing changes.
- See a doctor to avoid long-term harm and ensure you get the proper care as soon as possible.
6. Nasal Congestion and Runny Nose
A stuffy or wet nose is a common and mild side effect of ED medication, even though it may sound strange. Vasodilation, which helps get more blood to the penis, can also swell up the nasal tubes, which can cause congestion.
Simple ways to deal with this are to use a saline nasal spray to clear up stuffy noses, drink plenty of water before and after taking the medicine, and avoid allergens or triggers that could worsen the symptoms.
These steps can help reduce pain and make taking ED drugs easier to handle, so people can get the benefits of the treatment without having to deal with nose problems.
7. Priapism
Priapism is a dangerous side effect of ED drugs that causes an erection that lasts more than 4 hours and won’t go away. If this isn’t handled right away, it could damage the penis permanently, so it’s a medical emergency.
An erection that hurts or lasts a long time, a penis that swells or changes colour, or an erection that happens without sexual contact are all warning signs.
If you have any of these signs, you need emergency medical help immediately to avoid long-term problems and ensure you get the proper care. Quick action is required to prevent lasting damage to the erection or other health risks.
The Dizziness and Lightheadedness
- Blood pressure often drops when you take drugs for ED. This can make you feel weak, dizzy, or lightheaded.
- Being drunk or taking nitro drugs, which are often used to treat heart problems, can make these effects worse.
- Sit or lie down immediately if you feel dizzy to avoid getting sick.
- Don’t drink alcohol before or after taking ED medicine because it can make you more likely to get low blood pressure.
- Unless your doctor tells you to, never take nitro drugs with ED medicines. This will protect you and keep you from getting hurt.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are ED Medication Side Effects Permanent?
No, most side effects, like headaches, flushing, and stuffy noses, are only brief and go away when the drug leaves your body. But significant side effects like priapism or eye loss need to be treated right away by a doctor.
2. Can I Prevent the Side Effects of ED Medication?
Although you can’t be sure of having no side effects, you can lower your chances by taking the medicine as directed, not drinking booze or eating big meals, and staying refreshed. These easy steps can lower the chance of having harmful effects.
3. What Should I Do If I Experience Chest Pain After Taking ED medication?
Stop everything you’re doing and get medical help right away. If you are taking nitrates or already have heart problems, chest pain could be a sign of a major heart event.
4. Which ED Medication Has the Least Side Effects?
This can differ for each person, but many find that Stendra (avanafil) has fewer side effects because it works more focused. Talk to your doctor about what will work best for you based on your health.
Conclusion
As long as you can keep an erection going, ED drugs can change your life and help you in big ways. There are some risks, though. It’s important to know about the side effects of ED medication so that you can stay safe and make smart choices.
The medicine will work better and be safer to use if you know about the possible side effects. Talk to your doctor every time you start or change a treatment plan. You can talk to your doctor about the risks and make sure the medicine is right for you.
If you want to get better and feel more confident in your life, put safety first during your ED treatment.
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