Introduction
Sildenafil, also known as Viagra, is an oral medicine used to treat some medical conditions. It is used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension, a lung condition. Doctors recommend different doses of the drug for different people. The dose you get depends on;
- Your age
- Your condition (whether you have erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension)
- Whether you have an underlying problem such as liver or kidney disease
- How you react to the first dose of the medicine
- How often you take Viagra
To treat erectile dysfunction (ED), your doctor usually starts with a dose of 50mg. The dose is then increased or decreased based on the effects it has on you. For pulmonary hypertension, the initial dose is much lower (10 to 20mg) and can be adjusted as needed.
As with any other medication, you must stick to the dosing your doctor recommends. Adjusting the dose by yourself may lead to an overdose which may pose more problems for you. So how much Viagra is too much for you? This article will discuss “how much is too much” and what happens when you take too much Viagra.
Can you overdose on Viagra?
You can overdose on Viagra as with any other medication. It is dangerous to take more than the recommended dose of sildenafil. An overdose can worsen side effects. This may cause problems in your body such as heart failure, stroke, and even death in worse cases. You should always stick to the dose given to you and ask your doctor if you think the dosing is not enough.
How much sildenafil is too much? (i.e. what’s the maximum dose)
Every medicine has a recommended maximum dose. This is the highest dose at which you get safe and effective results. Once you exceed this dose, you may experience side effects which can be fatal. The recommended maximum dose for Viagra is 100mg. It is not advisable to go beyond this without speaking to your doctor first. Do not take more than 100mg within 24 hours. The more of it you use, the higher your chances of getting adverse effects. A case study of a patient who had ED showed that a sildenafil overdose can have negative effects.
Signs of a Viagra overdose
Taking more than the recommended dose of Viagra may precipitate side effects like;
- Headache
Headache is one of the most common adverse effects people face when they take Viagra. If you take too much of it, you are more likely to get a headache. Viagra changes in blood flow in your body leading to a headache.
- Hypotension (drop in your blood pressure)
Sildenafil belongs to a class of drugs known as the phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE5). PDE5 is an enzyme (protein) found in the muscles of the penis. Sildenafil works by blocking the effect of this enzyme. It causes the blood vessels in your body to dilate which can cause your blood pressure to decrease. If you have hypotension, you may feel weak, dizzy, or lightheaded. If you already have hypotension, taking Viagra may worsen your condition. Also, if you take high blood pressure drugs, your blood pressure may drop further with Sildenafil.
Consult your doctor before you use Sildenafil. Especially if you have heart issues or you are using some medications. You may also experience orthostatic hypotension. It is a decrease in your blood pressure when you change position from standing or sitting.
- Priapism
Priapism is a persistent and painful erection that lasts for over four hours. Overdose of Viagra may lead to sustained erections. You will need immediate medical attention. Priapism can cause permanent damage to the penis if not treated early. This can lead to erectile dysfunction.
- Flushing of the skin
Viagra causes widening of the blood vessels on the penis and on the surface of the skin. As a result, there is more blood flow to these areas causing the skin to become redder and flushed.
- Nasal congestion
It is common to experience nasal nose after use of Viagra. You may experience this if you take an overdose.
- Stomach problems
Stomach problems are common side effects of sildenafil intake. Too much of it may lead to nausea, stomach acid reflux, and indigestion. Viagra can affect the muscles that line your digestive system causing unpleasant symptoms.
- Problems with vision
Sildenafil can have damaging effects on your eyes. Some people may experience blurry vision, light sensitivity, and even loss of vision. While these adverse effects are rare, it is worth noting.
- Bleeding
Some people have complained that they have bleeding after taking Viagra. However, it is not yet known whether sildenafil causes bleeding in humans. More research is necessary in this area. If you have bleeding problems or a stomach ulcer, let your doctor know before you take sildenafil.
What happens if you take too much Viagra?
You take Viagra about 1 hour before sexual intercourse. It starts working within 30 minutes to an hour after you take it. If you do not notice any effects within this period, do not take more than your prescription. Instead, speak with your doctor who may adjust the dose for you depending on your situation.
You should not take more than the recommended dose of Viagra within 24 hours. Too much Viagra can cause headaches and other severe symptoms that could be fatal. The effects of Viagra can last for some hours. If you take too much Viagra, it will take more time for your body to get rid of the drug. How fast your body clears it will depend on the dosage you take. Talk to a doctor as soon as possible if you have taken more than 100mg in 24 hours. It is not advisable to take Viagra without speaking to your doctor first.
How to avoid a Viagra overdose
- See a doctor first. If you have erectile dysfunction, speak to your doctor first. Erectile dysfunction has many different causes. Your ED may be a symptom of a more severe underlying disease like diabetes. The doctor can decide if you need Viagra and what dose to get you started on. Your doctor will normally start with a small dose and adjust if necessary, based on how you respond to the drug.
- Always pay attention to the dosage prescribed for you and know why you are taking the drug in the first place. This is important especially if you have other illnesses or are on other medications. If you do not understand anything, clarify with your doctor. That way, you do not take excess by accident.
- If you do not get the desired results, report this to your doctor. Do not take more of the drug to get the desired results because you may overdose in the process.
Can taking too much Viagra cause ED?
An overdose of Viagra can lead to priapism, an erection that lasts beyond 4 hours. If priapism is not treated fast, it can lead to irreversible damage to the penis. This damage can cause erectile dysfunction. If you experience priapism, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Some healthy people (who do not have ED) use Viagra for fun to improve their performance in bed. However, this is a risky practice. Taking Viagra without having ED can pose adverse effects and may also lead to psychogenic ED. Research shows that using Viagra for non-medical reasons may have negative psychological effects. You may experience a decrease in confidence in achieving an erection. Viagra is a prescription drug and you should not buy it over the counter. Always speak to your doctor before using any medication.
Conclusion
Viagra is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. The dose depends on your age, condition, and general health condition. Your doctor will decide on the best dose for you based on your individual situation. Most doctors give 50mg to treat ED. You should take Viagra at least an hour before intercourse. However, it is not recommended to take more than 100mg of Viagra within 24 hours. When you overdose, there is an increased risk of experiencing unpleasant side effects. Some of these may be fatal. Examples of these side effects are headache, flushing, stomach issues, and priapism. Make sure you speak to your doctor before you take Viagra. If you have taken too much of it, seek medical attention right away. To avoid taking an overdose, take the drug only if it was prescribed for you by your doctor. You need to know the dose you were prescribed and why you are taking it to avoid any errors.
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