Generic Viagra (Sildenafil)
Sildenafil is a popular drug, which is why you’ll find plenty of Sildenafil reviews online. This drug is also being sold under the name “Viagra” in the market. When it comes to the treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), this drug is often the number one choice. You will find plenty of reviews from various users regarding this drug. Most users agree that Sildenafil has helped them to achieve a positive experience during a sexual encounter with their partners.
Short History
British scientists Peter Dunn and Albert Wood created Sildenafil in 1989 as a possible cure for angina and hypertension. These two conditions are often linked to coronary heart disease. Dr. Nicholas Terrett, dubbed the “father of Viagra”, was the name behind the British patent of the drug, which was specifically for heart treatment. However, when Pfizer conducted early trials on the drug, it did not turn out to be effective for heart treatment. Instead, the patients who were part of the clinical trial have revealed an increase in erection after taking the drug.
Separate studies were conducted to provide further information regarding the biochemical process that can trigger erections and these helped scientists to understand how sildenafil may help to enhance sexual stimulation and open the blood vessels up in the penile region. They then studied sildenafil for the possible treatment of erectile dysfunction. And in 1998, the FDA has approved this drug for ED treatment.
Blue vs. White Pills
Eventually, sildenafil was released in the market under the brand name Viagra. The pills are shaped like a diamond and Pfizer has patented such appearance and design. Sildenafil was sold in either blue or white pills. Other brands have smooth texture while others have chalky finishes. There are also those that were scored to allow for easy division but others are not.
Viagra, as well as the other brands of sildenafil pills, are available in different doses, from 25 mg, 50 mg, to 100 mg. There are no major differences between these doses in terms of the active ingredients used.
What Do Doctors Think About Generic Viagra (Sildenafil)?
Sildenafil is the number one choice for the treatment of ED in the UK. It’s often the first drug that doctors would recommend to patients diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. Medical guidelines have stated that ED medications that include Cialis, Spedra, Levitra, and Sildenafil are effective for the treatment of ED and must be prescribed depending on the patient’s lifestyle. Here are the considerations:
• If the doctor finds the patient eligible for a prescription of ED medications. Otherwise, Sildenafil should be a good option.
• If a patient would prefer to acquire medications over the counter. Viagra contains Sildenafil and can be purchased over the counter.
• Both the MHRA and NHS have approved the use of Sildenafil to treat Erectile Dysfunction symptoms.
Even doctors of Zava support the use of Sildenafil in the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction. They believe that it’s an effective and safe way to treat men who are dealing with Erectile Dysfunction. However, there are also drawbacks that come with using this drug. Some users might have to deal with a few side effects such as visual disturbances, migraines, and dizziness.
Medical experts would not recommend using the drug for the following conditions:
• Suffering from certain eye conditions, such as hereditary degenerative retina disorders or a condition known as NAION.
• Encountered a recent heart attack or stroke.
• Are also taking some other medicines that could affect the heart
Pros
• Men with Erectile Dysfunction were able to get a hard-on and maintain a longer erection during a sexual encounter with their partners.
• Achieve a better sexual performance, which has a positive impact on a person’s self-esteem and mental health.
• Improved relationships due to better sexual performance.
• Easy to get assessments online.
• You will take the drug only when needed. It doesn’t require you to take it on a daily basis.
Cons
• Comes with a few side effects.
• The drug is a bit too expensive for some people.
• People with certain conditions and are taking other medications may not be eligible to use Sildenafil.
• It doesn’t work as fast and as long compared to other medications, such as Spedra and Cialis.
Recommended Dosage
Sildenafil can be obtained in different doses of 100 mg, 50 mg, and 25 mg. Doctors approve all doses for the treatment of ED. However, it’s highly recommended that you start with the lowest dose. Then observe how your body reacts to it. If you’re going to start with a higher dosage, you may not achieve the results that you desire and you’ll be at high risk of suffering from the side effects. Here are the differences between the Sildenafil doses:
• 100mg: This is the highest dosage and will have a higher chance of giving you the side effects.
• 50mg: This is considered the standard dose and has minimal risks of side effects and a medium chance of working.
• 25mg: This is the lowest dose and will least likely to have any side effects, but it will also least likely to work.
Deciding the right dose – it’s hard to predict the Sildenafil dose that will work for you. So it might require a bit of a trial and error before you can find something that will really work for you. A lot of users would start with 50 mg, which is the standard dose. If you have achieved the results that you desire at this dose, then stick with it. But if you’re not getting the effects that you need, you can opt for a higher dose of 100 mg.
Should You use Generic Viagra?
First of all, find out from your doctor if you’re safe to take the drug. During your consultation, the doctor will ask you some questions for him to determine the cause of your ED, and if Sildenafil is an effective treatment option for you. Giving Sildenafil a try is the best way to know if it’s the right drug for you. But when trying the drug, here are some important things to keep in mind:
• Try using Sildenafil a few times because it will take a while before your body will get used to the medication. Some men might not get their desired effects immediately.
• Be mindful of the most common side effects, such as visual changes, dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Then decide for yourself if these side effects are worth it, given the benefits that you get from the medication.
• To get the most out of the medicine, avoid drinking alcohol before using it, and don’t take it with a big meal. If you’ll take it with a big meal, the absorption could be delayed. And if you’ll drink alcohol with it, you could suffer from harsh effects.
It is best to start using the trial pack of the different Sildenafil brands in the market. That way, you would know which product could give you your desired effects.
Sildenafil vs. Other Treatments
• Same Efficiency
Sildenafil is as effective as the other medications used for treating ED, such as Levitra, Cialis, and Spedra.All these medications have similar risks and side effects, which include headaches and dizziness. However, those who have tried them can say that the benefits far outweigh their risks.
• Takes a Bit to Work
Sildenafil could take around 30 – 60 minutes before they will take effect. This is just slow when you compare it to other medications like Spedra and Levitra. It claims to work within 15 – 30 min after taking. Some people said that if they need to have sex in a short notice, the Spedra or Levitra might be a better choice for them.
• Other Medications Could Last Longer
Sildenafil will remain in effect for up to 4 hours after you take your medication and the same is true for Spedra and Levitra. Cialis will stay in effect for much longer and some users have noticed the drug remains effective 36 hours after taking it.
• There’s No Better Herbal Alternative
Some men would prefer to use natural or herbal alternatives instead of Viagra when it comes to treating their erectile dysfunction. But there’s not much research done to see how well these alternatives work and how safe they claim to be. Therefore, there’s no guarantee if these herbal alternatives are truly safe and effective, in the same way that we can say about the traditional ED medications like Viagra.
• Treatment Options
There are those who would prefer to use non-medicine options for treatment, such as counseling. Sure, this may work for some but only if the reasons behind the Erectile Dysfunction are psychological.
Sildenafil 100mg or 50mg
Sildenafil citrate is available in different doses, from 25 mg, 50 mg, to 100 mg. The first prescription from the doctor will usually be for 50 mg as this is the standard dose. Your doctor will monitor your body’s reaction to this medicine and observe any side effects. If the doctor finds that the 50 mg works very effectively for you, he can lower the dose to 25 mg.
However, if there are only mediocre results, the doctor might upgrade it to 100 mg. But it’s worth noting that several factors could affect the sildenafil citrate’s efficacy and these include sexual stimulation, as well as the food and drinks you have consumed at that time. Below are some of the documented reasons why taking the 100 mg might be better:
• Efficacy
Sildenafil works by increasing the flow of blood into the penis. Although the effects of the 100 mg dose won’t last longer compared to the much lower doses, a higher concentration may have a more significant effect. But it’s not good to use a higher dose than what you only need as this will only put you at a higher risk of suffering from the harsh side effects.
• Satisfaction
Naturally, taking a stronger tablet means you will have a better chance of getting better results, which is achieving an erection and maintaining it longer. This will in turn result in not only emotional but also physical satisfaction for both the patient and his partner.
• Less Anxiety
Several factors can also come into play in the effectiveness of an ED medication. These drugs won’t work every time.
Such uncertainty could leave the patient feeling anxious and frustrated, not to mention making his partner feel disappointed. Thus, using a higher dose may help to lessen the anxiety of the patient and help them to feel more confident when having a sexual tryst with their partner.
100mg Sildenafil Tablets for 50mg Dose
The 100 mg dose of Sildenafil is more convenient if used along with 50 mg tablets, which means you may be able to obtain the 100 mg dose if the initial dose that was prescribed for you is only 50 mg. In addition, the 100 mg tablets are scored, which allows for the easy division of the tablet. Thus, you’d be able to take half of it for a 50 mg dose. And if your doctor will let you upgrade to a higher dose, then you can take it in full.