The Independent Pharmacy

How To Use Viagra For The Best Results

Andy Boysan
Andy BoysanBPharmDirector & Superintendent Pharmacist

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2024

Are you wondering how to use Viagra for the best results? The critical factors are proper timing and dosage. Taking Viagra about one hour prior to sexual activity allows enough time for it to effectively facilitate blood flow to the penis so an erection can occur with stimulation. Dosage considerations like age, medical conditions, and other medications influence what amount provides therapeutic effect without adverse side effects. Additionally, diet, alcohol consumption, and lifestyle habits support or hinder Viagra’s efficacy. By closely adhering to usage guidelines, men can experience fully rigid erections lasting long enough for satisfying sex.

Viagra treats erectile dysfunction and is a type of drug known as a PDE5 Inhibitor. It helps improve blood flow to the penis, which allows an erection to occur when you're sexually stimulated. Since hitting the market, it has allowed millions of men to effectively treat erectile dysfunction symptoms and regain bedroom confidence. Viagra makes it physically possible to get and maintain firm erections during sexual activity. This has brought relief to couples worldwide who want to enjoy healthy, satisfying intimacy.

In this guide, we'll help you understand what you can do to get the best possible results from using Viagra.

When Should You Take Viagra for Best Results?

Taking Viagra tablets approximately 60 minutes prior to anticipated sexual activity provides peak absorption for the most confident response. But learning onset and duration guide strategic planning.

When Viagra Kicks In

Within 30-60 minutes of swallowing pills, over half of men experience markedly stronger erections once stimulation commences. The quickest impact arises 1 hour post dose when maximal blood concentrations hit. However, absorbing effects lag to 2 hours or beyond if taken shortly after heavy meals, as food substantially delays uptake. For the fastest action, doses of Sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) should be taken on fairly empty stomachs unless otherwise recommended. Staying aware of pace differences due to eating habits prevents discouragement.

How Long Viagra Lasts

At all dosage levels, Viagra enables harder erections for a reliable 4 to 6-hour duration in most users. Three hours following intake, half the peak drug amount still circulates sufficiently for sexual response with arousal. Note effects do not instantly disappear at the 6-hour mark. Efficacy steadily declines as drug concentration drops, halving every 3-4 hours thereafter. Food also slows drug fading. Timing sexual intercourse strategically within the active window prevents frustration.

Strategising Around Sex

Have Viagra 60 minutes before sex for the most predictable effects. However, it remains adaptable, as responses vary from person to person. Consider keeping arousal aids like sensual media, lubricants, or toys on hand. They can be helpful if you experience occasional delays or changes in erection strength – which is a common experience for many. Planning around Viagra’s advantages and limits enhances intimate success.

How Much Viagra Should I Take?

Finding the Viagra dose that works best for you might take some patience and understanding. It's a process of trial and error, and we're here to support you through each step. Have frequent, honest talks with your medical provider about what amounts give you the right mix of effectiveness and tolerable side effects.

Common Viagra Doses

Viagra comes in tablets of 25 milligrams, 50 milligrams, or 100 milligrams. Men usually first try a starting dose of 25mg as an initial low test to check body response. About 62% notice much more satisfactory erections here already. Upping the amount to 50mg works well for some patients, restoring satisfying sexual ability. For some, a higher dose of 100mg may be necessary if smaller doses aren't effective. Remember, it's about finding what works for you, and we're committed to helping you do that safely. Starting low and then slowly increasing over several attempts can discover one’s own perfect quantity.

Age and Health Considerations

Men over 50 might process medicines differently, so they often start with a lower dose of Viagra, between 25-50mg. Healthcare professionals will monitor how well this dose works and make adjustments as needed. Younger males tend to handle going through the dosing range without as many issues. However, existing illnesses like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver problems, or kidney disorders make strictly controlled doses between 25-50mg necessary because of troublesome drug interactions and frail health. Frequent check-ups ensure safety first.

Finding Your Effective Dose

Notice how hard and reliable your erection is and how long it lasts at different doses of Viagra. Boost amounts step-by-step if performance keeps falling short of satisfying. Adverse effects are more likely to hit at higher doses. There’s a “sweet spot” balance benefiting your erections without negative reactions. Monitoring body feedback and regularly talking to your physician to find this ideal quantity through some trial and adjustment.

Improve Your Diet

What you ingest before and after taking Viagra significantly influences its effects. For the strongest effects, take the pill on an empty stomach. Avoid heavy, fatty foods that drastically slow uptake. Moderate alcohol carefully as well.

Best Food Options When Taking Viagra

When taking Viagra, consume a light, well-balanced meal favouring smart selections like:

  • High fibre carbs - whole grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes for steady energy without digestive heaviness
  • Lean proteins - egg whites, skinless poultry, fish, tofu or beans supplying nourishment without excessive fats
  • Healthy fats in moderation - nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocado aiding nutrient absorption
  • Low-sodium dishes supporting cardiovascular wellness
  • Abundant water intake assisting hydration

Such nutritious, moderately-portioned fare avoids diverting blood flow away from Viagra uptake for highly predictable drug activity aligned to needs.

Foods Delaying Viagra Absorption

On the other hand, ingesting large, heavy, oily meals delays absorbing effects for hours. Likewise, gulping high-sugar sports drinks or citrus juices interferes with breakdown processes. For the quickest effect from Viagra, avoid these foods right before taking your dose:

  • Fatty red meats, cheeses, high-fat meals, fried and heavily processed items requiring prolonged digestion
  • Excessively sugary drinks altering optimal chemical balances
  • Substantial citrus juices like grapefruit juice alter liver mechanisms

Strategic Meal Timing Around Doses

It is best to wait at least 2 full hours after finishing a light meal before taking your Viagra dose. This allows enough time for your stomach to properly digest the food. That way, the Viagra does not have to compete to be absorbed into your system. The medication can start working reliably once it enters your bloodstream.

Limit Your Alcohol Intake

Having a moderate amount of alcohol with Viagra is usually okay. However, drinking too much can lessen Viagra's effects and lead to risks like very low blood pressure or severe dizziness. Be smart by pacing intake slowly, staying hydrated, eating food, and quitting at early signs of buzzed tipsiness. That preserves both fun and function.

Many studies confirm a few drinks generally do not worsen Viagra performance. Unwinding with a glass of wine or a cocktail can positively set the mood for intimacy and affection. However, researchers warn excessive boozing sabotages erection quality. Helpful habits include:

  • No more than 1 drink per hour
  • Alternating each alcoholic sip with some water
  • Consuming filling foods while drinking to steady absorption
  • Stopping all alcohol once pleasantly lightheaded

Please be attentive to your body and how you're feeling. If you experience symptoms like dizziness, nausea, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing while using Viagra, we're here to help guide you to the appropriate care. These symptoms deserve prompt medical help. Here's why - Viagra expands vessels for blood flow, but alcohol first expands and then eventually shrinks them as drunkenness increases and slows the pulse. This mismatch explains worse side effects seen when way overdoing it that require fast care.

Be Careful About the Side Effects of Viagra

While generally well tolerated, Viagra may cause mild side effects like headaches, flushing, indigestion or temporary visual changes in some users. Understanding common reactions helps manage concerns should they arise.

Typical Reactions

About 1 in 10 men experience side effects from sildenafil citrate, which is the active ingredient in Viagra. The most common side effects include:

  • Headaches - Usually mild and often dissipating within 2 hours. Over-the-counter pain relievers provide relief.
  • Facial Flushing - Reddening results from blood vessel expansion. Typically not painful or dangerous, just visibly noticeable. Fades within hours.
  • Indigestion - Stomach upset sometimes accompanies headaches. Antacids like Tums help calm symptoms.
  • Vision Changes - Brief colour tinge, light sensitivity issues or blurred vision may affect a small percentage. Reactions are not generally considered dangerous or permanent.

Coping With Discomfort

While uncomfortable, typical Viagra side effects remain relatively harmless for most patients. Using relaxation techniques, OTC symptom relievers, proper hydration, or simply waiting out transient episodes alleviates problems until dissipation. If reactions seem pronounced or do not fade, promptly discuss them with your healthcare provider.

When to Seek Medical Attention

To stay clear of serious side effects, make sure that you don't take more than your prescribed dose.

In rare cases, patients experience severe side effects requiring urgent care, such as prolonged erections over 2 hours or sudden loss of vision or hearing. These warning signs indicate potential blood flow constriction or nerve damage needing emergency treatment. Immediately stop taking Viagra and call emergency services should such alarming reactions ever arise.

Catching any odd reactions early and reporting them directly to medical professionals ensures proper diagnosis. What may appear troublesome can often be quickly corrected, and future recurrences avoided with evidence-based care. No need to risk unnecessary health complications or performance declines from hesitation. Partners in clinical specialities tackle all degrees of sexual dysfunction and medication sensitivities daily. Prioritise openness and patience through responsive, skilled guidance. Consistent satisfaction stands well within reach with today’s proven options.

Carefully Check How Viagra Mixes With Other Medications

Taking Viagra together with some other drugs boosts the risks of negative health reactions. Top concerns involve nitrate chest pain pills, blood pressure meds, and several very common antibiotics and antifungals treating infections. Always inform your doctors about every supplement and prescription you take so they can confirm safety first.

Never ingest Viagra within at least 6 hours of nitrate drugs like nitroglycerin tablets or alkyl nitrites aka "poppers" inhaled for recreational effect. Their combined interaction dangerously drops blood pressure to potentially critical levels. Also, several antibiotics and antifungals notably interfere with Viagra breakdown in the body, enabling longer erections beyond 4 hours that require urgent care.

While negative mix-ups may not happen with every cardiac, blood pressure or sexual dysfunction treatment combined with Viagra, verifying zero conflicts with medical teams prevents problems. Have candid talks with pharmacists as well for an extra layer of protection. Achieving great, safe intimacy guides all wise health decisions.

Be open with your healthcare provider about any lifestyle issues or sexual challenges you face. They can best guide wise choices when they understand your full health picture and needs. Discuss all symptoms of erectile dysfunction openly so professionals can match the safest, most effective Viagra plan to your situation.

How Can You Make Your Viagra Work Better?

While Viagra tablets provide reliable assistance for achieving erections, making positive additions like a balanced diet, more physical activity, lower stress and quitting smoking can further boost male sexual health and satisfaction.

Boosting overall physical wellness through maintaining better body weight, properly balancing life’s demands, getting enough sleep and keeping up on medical checkups means greater natural energy for intimacy. Relationally nurturing intimacy bonds through good communication and trust maintains a welcoming environment for more frequent, satisfying, sensual sharing.

Aerobic activities 3-5 days weekly, like brisk walks, swimming or easy bike rides, improve blood flow while lowering inflammation for better erections. But exhaustion from overtraining can temporarily reduce firmness. Finding an activity balance maximises sustainable vitality.

Likewise, overcoming smoking dependency has been shown to substantially strengthen erections and decrease the effects of cigarette smoking. Studies confirm tobacco use shrinks penile blood vessels by 20-50%, significantly inhibiting reliable firmness during arousal. Curbing smoking brings measurable improvement by enabling healthy blood flow.

Take the Next Step with The Independent Pharmacy

Having explored pointers on optimising Viagra doses alongside lifestyle shifts supporting male sexual health, the next vital step involves connecting with adept professionals to tailor insights to your needs. Consider contacting The Independent Pharmacy for convenient assistance obtaining medications like doctor-approved Viagra tablets to treat erectile dysfunction.

Our caring medical team promptly arranges private consultations evaluating personal intimacy struggles and medical history to match effective prescription options fitting your total wellness priorities.

Getting started is easy - all you need to do is fill in your self-assessment, and our team will be in touch with the best treatments for you. Then, you can look forward to fast delivery and discreet packaging.

You can also call 0333 2200 519 or send an e-mail to support@theindependentpharmacy.co.uk for friendly guidance on safe, effective Viagra use from our trained specialists.

Take the next step in the right direction today.

FAQs

Does Viagra make you extra hard?

No, Viagra enables you to reach the level of firmness naturally possible for you when aroused. It works by improving blood flow, not over-stimulating sensitive penile tissues. Partners might notice an impressive hardness difference after Viagra restores your full natural erectile abilities.

Does Viagra make you last more rounds?

Viagra does not directly increase the time you can have sex during a lovemaking session. But restoring reliable firmness whenever desired may boost self-confidence, energy and enjoyment that could prolong play. Discuss adding other treatments if you want to safely extend endurance further.

What happens if you take Viagra and fall asleep?

Because Viagra requires sexual stimulation to work, dozing off means the medication remains inactive with no effect. But be sure to take any missed doses as soon as possible while awake per the health provider’s guidance for reliable support.

At what age do men need Viagra?

Age alone does not determine the need for Viagra. Erectile difficulties can start at any age after illness, injury or mental health shifts. Healthy men may never need it. Paying attention to changes helps identify if and when medical support becomes appropriate to restore satisfying function.

Sources:

How and when to take sildenafil - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Viagra, cialis or levitra treatment for erectile dysfunction: Frequently asked questions | CUH

Common questions about sildenafil - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

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