Long-Term Side Effects Of Viagra No One Talks About

Since its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998, Viagra has safely treated many people with erectile dysfunction (ED). Its key ingredient, sildenafil citrate was actually one of the major scientific discoveries that happened by accident, with its impacts on smooth muscle relaxation considered a novel advancement. Even during and after the approval process, researchers raised awareness about some of the most common side effects of this medication, including skin flushing, indigestion, and headaches, as well as rare complications such as hypotension. Now that Viagra has been on the market for nearly three decades as of this writing, scientists also know more about some of the potential long-term side effects. But less commonly talked about effects include chronic gastrointestinal (GI) problems, hearing and vision issues, and even possible permanent damage related to priapism.

Viagra is most commonly prescribed in 50-milligram (mg) doses. While it can be taken as needed, it should not be taken more than once a day. It's also not recommended for men with cardiovascular disease, as well as for those who take nitrates. When you first start taking Viagra, some of the more common side effects are mild, and they are caused by increased blood flow. Typically, milder effects improve on their own as your body gets used to the medication. As with any medication, following the exact dosing and safety guidelines may reduce the risk of more serious side effects. Yet it's also true that more long-term side effects are still possible with Viagra, especially in higher doses. Serious, long-term Viagra side effects are rare, but it's important to talk with a doctor about them and seek immediate care for any concerning symptoms you experience.

Viagra is intended to be taken about an hour before sexual activity, and usage is not to exceed one pill per day. However, men who take this medication often on a long-term basis may be at an increased risk of chronic GI issues. While it's common to experience temporary stomach upset when you first start taking Viagra, the drug can also lead to more long-term problems with heartburn and indigestion. As the medication works to treat ED, it may also impact your GI muscles and subsequently lead to these types of discomfort.

Any ongoing or severe heartburn, indigestion, nausea, or upset stomach ought to be addressed with a doctor to rule out any serious complications. Admittedly, such symptoms can disrupt quality of life if they become chronic, so it's important to ask about treatments and lifestyle changes that could help. Some men also find it helpful to avoid dietary choices that can irritate the stomach and make these long-term issues worse, such as drinking alcohol and eating fatty foods. (Interestingly, a rodent study published in PLOS One in 2017 found that Viagra could be helpful for constipation relief.)

It's relatively common for men to experience short-term vision changes, such as mild light sensitivity and blurriness, particularly when first starting higher doses of this medication. However, more permanent and severe vision changes are not normal with Viagra, and may point to a rare, but serious complication called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). With NAION, you may experience a lack of blood flow to the optic nerves in your eyes. Aside from taking Viagra, the incidence of this rare long-term side effect is higher in men who also have retinitis pigmentosa, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or preexisting heart disease. There are between 2.5 and 11.8 cases of NAION per 100,000 males over the age of 50 every year. NAION also happens to be a possible long-term side effect of Ozempic.

Vision isn't the only one of the six human senses that may be impacted by Viagra, though. It is also connected to hearing problems in some users. While the exact causes of this are not yet understood, Viagra has been linked with sudden -– and sometimes significant –- changes in hearing. Dizziness and tinnitus are also common related symptoms in these cases. As with vision loss, any sudden or severe losses in hearing ought to be checked by a medical professional immediately.

Finally, while a doctor will likely talk with you about the risk of priapism while taking this medication, this event can evolve from a short-term problem to a severe complication. Priapism is an emergency medical issue that can cause permanent penile tissue damage without treatment. Seek emergency medical help for erections lasting longer than 4 hours to help prevent such complications.