Viagra, the blockbuster drug used to treat erectile dysfunction in men, is increasingly more popular with men who have erectile dysfunction. ED affects approximately 100 million men worldwide, and Viagra has been prescribed to millions of men worldwide.
Alcohol is a depressant that can cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired judgment. Alcohol can have a negative interaction with certain drugs like Viagra and cause serious health issues.
So can you take them both at the same time?
Can You Take Viagra With Alcohol?
Viagra and excessive alcohol are a dangerous mix, but you can safely enjoy a small (1-2 glasses of wine) amount.
In most cases, it’s safe to drink in moderation while taking Viagra, but it’s important to know the risks.
Do not have more than a moderate amount of alcohol with your Viagra, as the risks increase with the number of drinks consumed.
Excessive Alcohol Risks with Viagra
Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, and it is also a diuretic. It causes severe dehydration, which can cause a range of side effects.
Viagra, on the other hand, is a PDE5 inhibitor, which increases blood flow to the male genital region so that a man can achieve an erection. Alcohol can cause a decrease in blood pressure, and therefore, can decrease blood flow to the genital region.
In addition to this, alcohol can cause drowsiness, leading to a decrease in your sexual performance. Alcohol also causes dehydration, and can increase the risk of developing a severe headache. Alcohol can also cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Therefore, using Viagra and alcohol at the same time can have a dangerous interaction. In addition to this, you can lose consciousness, which can lead to a severe drop in blood pressure. This can lead to low blood pressure in the brain, which can lead to a coma, and even death.
If you are going to use Viagra, it is best to avoid alcohol, and drink only in moderation. However, you can safely have a drink or two.
Side Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Viagra
Viagra is a prescription medication that can help men with erectile dysfunction achieve an erection, but how does it work?
Viagra is a drug that relaxes the muscles in the walls of blood vessels and allows blood to flow into the penis. This helps create and maintain an erection.
Alcohol, on the other hand, is a depressant that works in the brain to slow down the messages that are sent between brain cells, resulting in the relaxation of muscles.
Mixing alcohol and Viagra can intensify these effects and lead to dangerous health risks.
It’s important to note that mixing alcohol and Viagra can lead to a number of side effects that can endanger your health.
Common Side Effects
Dizziness: When alcohol is mixed with Viagra, it can lead to dizziness as the alcohol can exacerbate the dilation of blood vessels that occurs when Viagra is taken.
Headache: Mixing alcohol and Viagra together can result in a headache as the alcohol can cause dehydration.
Nausea: Alcohol is also a diuretic, which means that it makes you urinate more often and can also cause dehydration.
Vomiting: If you vomit after drinking alcohol and Viagra, it can cause the Viagra to be released in the small intestine, which can have serious health consequences.
Blurred vision: Drinking alcohol and taking Viagra together can cause blurred vision.
Rashes and hives: Some people who take Viagra experience a rash or hives.
Serious and/or Life-Threatening Side Effects
Low Blood Pressure: Mixing alcohol and Viagra can cause your blood pressure to drop.
Heart Attack: Mixing alcohol and Viagra can lead to a heart attack, as the alcohol can cause your blood vessels to narrow, which can lead to a heart attack.
Irregular heartbeat: Mixing alcohol and Viagra can cause your heartbeat to become irregular.
High Blood Pressure: Mixing alcohol and Viagra can cause your blood pressure to increase, which can lead to health problems.
The Type of Drink May Matter
Grapefruit juice, a common mixer in cocktails, appears to have some interactions with the drug Sildenafil, which is marketed under the name Viagra or Revatio. Men who drink a lot of grapefruit juice, for example, should be aware that this may increase the risk of side effects from Viagra.
It's believed that grapefruit juice interacts with the liver to lead to increased amounts of the ED drug circulating within the body.
Sildenafil (Viagra) is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor. Grapefruit juice contains a substance, also known as a cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitor, that may halt the breakdown of chemicals in the liver. Men who take Viagra should avoid drinking grapefruit juice, eat grapefruit, or take any medication containing ingredients that interact with grapefruit.
It's also possible that the mix of Viagra and alcohol may cause a man to be more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke. If you have low blood pressure, you may also be at a higher risk for heart attack or stroke if you mix the two.
The Alcohol Content May Matter
The amount of alcohol in your drink may increase the side effects associated with the ED medication, Viagra. Drinking a large amount of alcohol within a short time period may increase the risk of side effects, especially when a man uses Viagra.
Common side effects of Viagra include headache, facial flushing, and upset stomach.
Alcohol Can Make it Harder to Maintain an Erection
Too much alcohol can cause a man to be more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction.
A man who drinks too much alcohol may also find it harder to achieve an erection and maintain it, even if he takes Viagra.
If you mix too much alcohol with Viagra, you may feel less of an effect from the ED drug.
Stick to the recommended dose of Viagra and avoid mixing it with too much alcohol to prevent side effects.
Conclusion
Viagra has gained worldwide popularity and has helped millions of men overcome their erectile dysfunction. Alcohol is a depressant that can have side effects such as drowsiness, impaired judgment, and dizziness. If you have a small amount of alcohol, your side effects are lower.
While it's okay to have a drink or two with your Viagra, it’s important to know the risks of mixing alcohol with the drug. A large amount of alcohol within a short time period may increase the risk of side effects, and some of them can be fatal if you have pre-existing medical conditions like low-blood pressure or are at a higher risk for heart attacks.
This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Your specific circumstances should be discussed with a healthcare provider. All statements of opinion represent the writers' judgement at the time of publication and are subject to change. Phoenix and its affiliates provide no express or implied endorsements of third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products, or services.