The average user of Viagra (sildenafil) is typically 53 years old.

Viagra (sildenafil) is one of the world’s most popular drugs that has changed the lives of countless couples by managing male erectile dysfunction. However, you should not use this medication without consulting a healthcare professional.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of sildenafil (brand name Viagra) only in “men” older than 18 years. Pfizer, the company that manufactures this drug, has confirmed that the typical Viagra user is on average 53 years old. The company does not keep records of users younger than 33 years.

• The drug should not be used in young men who do not have erection problems.
• Recreational use of Viagra as an “enhancement” pill is strongly discouraged, as the pill can cause serious side effects.
• If you are in your twenties or thirties and suffer from “bedroom problems,” it is important to find out the exact cause and contact your doctor for its treatment.

What can Viagra do to a young man?

Simply put, Viagra (sildenafil) works by improving the blood supply to the genitals. This helps in venous engorgement in the penile tissue and thus a stronger erection. It also cuts down the refractory period in men, that is a man using Viagra can get the next erection within 10 minutes, rather than 20 (which is normal).

Viagra is not useful for those who have performance anxiety or other physical issues such as structural deformities of the penis.

• Erectile dysfunction is a condition seen in males where the penis does not harden when a man is sexually excited or when he cannot maintain an erection long enough to penetrate the partner.
• When a man is sexually stimulated, the body's normal response is increased blood flow to the penis, which causes an erection.
• Sildenafil causes chemical changes in the penile blood vessels that help maintain an erection after the penis is stroked. Without physical stimulus such as fondling or stroking, sildenafil will not cause an erection.

Can you become dependent on Viagra?

No, Viagra is not a psychoactive drug. Therefore, you do not become physically dependent on it. That means its use will not cause withdrawal symptoms.

However, psychological dependence may be seen in some people. It is therefore advised to take it only as directed and in recommended doses.

Should I take Viagra daily?

For erectile dysfunction, the drug must be taken only as required, preferably 30 minutes before the act. DO NOT take more than two doses in a day.

The recommended dose for adults aged 18 to 64 years is 50 mg. Adults over the age of 65 years often start with the lower dose, 25 mg. The dose could be increased to 100 mg depending on how effective it is and how well it's tolerated.

Other than erectile dysfunction, Viagra is also used for treating a condition called pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs). This condition may require you to take Viagra daily, but the dosage, in this case, is different.

Can women take Viagra?

Though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of Viagra in females for low libido, many women use this drug, as the improved blood flow to their genitals causes improved receptiveness and sensations. This is especially true when a woman is on the verge of menopause.

Many studies have confirmed that Viagra may not necessarily treat low sexual drive in women, as women do not have “erection.” The sexual response in women is a complex psychological phenomenon with emotional, hormonal, and physical stimuli.

There are other FDA-approved drugs to treat low libido in women. Talk to your doctor to find out which is best for you.

Can Viagra cause side effects?

Yes. That is why you must discuss it with your doctor before you start Viagra. The drug is capable of many drug-drug interactions causing unpleasant side effects or reducing the potency of other drugs you take.

The side effects of the medication include:

• Hypersensitivity reactions: Mild rashes, hives, chest tightness, breathing difficulty to even anaphylactic shock.
• General systemic effects: Headache, flushing, heartburn, muscle cramps, giddiness, trouble with sleep.
• Painful erection (priapism): In some individuals, Viagra can cause priapism. This is a condition in which there is a long-lasting and painful erection. Priapism is a medical emergency that needs to be treated right away or it may damage the penis tissue and cause irreversible erectile dysfunction.
• Vision problems: Many studies report that the use of Viagra in high doses can cause mild and transient visual symptoms such as a bluish tinge to vision and an increased perception of brightness. These symptoms are temporary and do not cause any long-term vision damage.

Elderly patients (65 years and above) who have age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems should start Viagra in the lowest possible doses to reduce the incidences of adverse reactions.

Contraindications to Viagra

Do not take Viagra if you:

• Have a heart condition that requires you to take isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, or nitroglycerin, or if you take drugs such as riociguat or ritonavir. These drugs along with Viagra can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure that may trigger a heart attack in some.
• Take poppers such as amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite. These drugs give an instant high when inhaled but can cause a dangerous (even fatal) drop in blood pressure if taken together with Viagra.
• Take grapefruit or pomelo juice. This can produce hot flushes in men, which are very uncomfortable.