Does Viagra Cause Headaches?

One of the most commonly reported side effects men encounter when taking Viagra is headaches. It is assumed that they affect up to 25% users taking Viagra.

In this blog, we will discuss why Viagra causes a headache, as well as what you can do to treat and prevent headaches from this ED medication.

What Is Viagra?

Viagra is an ED medication that belongs to a drug class called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.  This medication contains the active ingredient Sildenafil citrate.

This ED medication starts working within 30 minutes of administration, and its effects last about 4-6 hours.

Viagra is available in several affordable generic versions such as Aurogra, Cenforce, and Malegra.

Does Viagra Cause Headaches?

The FDA states that Viagra can cause a headache. Clinical trials reported that headache was actually the most common side effect of Viagra.

Why ED Medications Cause Headaches?

ED medications, including Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra, work by widening blood vessels and improving blood flow to your penis.

However, these ED medications do not just affect the blood vessels in your penis. It also affects blood vessels and blood flow in other parts of the body, including your brain. This causes headaches after taking this potent ED drug. Viagra induced headaches are usually mild to moderate; however, if they persist or worsen, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional.

How Long Does A Viagra Headache Last?

Viagra induced headaches usually fade within one to three hours. In some cases, the headaches may linger while the medicine is still in your system, even after its effects on erections have worn off.

Once most of this ED medicine has left your body, the headache resolves. It is uncommon to experience a Viagra-induced headache the next day.

Many men report that their bodies adjust over time, as they continue using Sildendafil, headaches often become less intense and less frequent.

How To Prevent A Viagra Headache?

Getting a headache after taking an ED medication can impact sexual performance and pleasure. There are some measures you can take to reduce the intensity and duration of a headache when using Viagra or other medications of the same class.

• Always start with a lower Dose 

The higher your ED medication dosage is, the more likely you are to get a headache from it. So, if you are experiencing headaches and you use a high dose of ED medication, such as 100mg of Viagra, then you might want to consider a lower dose. Many men find that a 25mg or 50mg dose of Viagra works just as well.

• Eat a light Meal Before Taking Viagra:

Most ED medications are more effective when taken on an empty stomach; taking them without food might also increase your chances of getting a headache from the medication. Taking Viagra after a light meal may help to reduce the intensity of headaches. With Viagra, avoid high-fat foods as these may delay its absorption into your bloodstream, resulting in delayed effects.

• Stay Hydrated:

Dehydration is a common cause of headaches, which can be caused by ED medication.

Viagra is a mild diuretic. This means it can cause your body to release excess water when it’s active, leading to dehydration. Additionally, during intercourse, you may perspire and expend moisture. Therefore, drink enough water to avoid dehydration while taking Viagra.

It is worth noting that you should also avoid taking Viagra and alcohol at the same time. Alcohol can increase the chances of experiencing certain adverse effects, mainly headaches.

• Consider Switching ED Medications:

ED medications like Viagra are grouped as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors; your tolerance of one may be different from another.

Cialis, which contains the active ingredient tadalafil, is the longest-lasting ED medication. Its long half-life could increase the occurrence, severity, or duration of your headaches compared to shorter-acting drugs such as Viagra. However, Cialis is also available as a daily dose option with a lower tadalafil strength. This could reduce the risk of side effects, and in fact, many men prefer tadalafil to sildenafil for this reason. If you are experiencing headaches after using Cialis or Levitra, talk to your doctor about other ED options.

Ways To Treat Viagra Headache

The following are the ways to treat a Viagra headache:

• Use Over-The-Counter (OTC) Pain Relievers:

Often, ED medication-induced headaches disappear on their own after a few hours. If you have a persistent headache, you may wonder if you can take Viagra with paracetamol or ibuprofen. For most men, it is safe to take paracetamol or ibuprofen after taking Viagra. There is no interaction between these drugs. However, you should check with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure that this is safe for you.

• Use a Hot or Cold Compress:

A hot or cold compress placed directly over the site of your pain may help calm the area and reduce pain and discomfort.

• Keep the Lights Low:

Try switching off any unnecessary lights, keeping the light dimmed, and adjusting monitor brightness to a lower setting. Whilst these won’t prevent the onset of a headache, they may help reduce the pain and help you rest and relax.

• Have a caffeinated drink (not too much!):

When your headache starts, a caffeinated drink, such as tea or coffee, may ease your pain and shorten its duration. Caffeine is also a diuretic, so it may be a good idea to drink water afterward to ensure you do not get dehydrated.

Conclusion

Headaches are a known side effect of ED medications like Viagra. If you often get a headache after using Viagra, try talking to your healthcare provider. They may suggest adjusting your dosage or changing your medication.

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