Highlights
- Viagra is commonly prescribed to men with erectile dysfunction.
- Most of Viagra’s side effects are mild, and the drug is well tolerated by most men.
- Long-term side effects of Viagra are rarely serious, but more research is needed.
For millions of men with erectile dysfunction, Viagra is the magic key to a great sex life. The little blue pill can unlock a man’s full potential in the bedroom, and it and other ED medications are a first-line treatment for most men with erectile dysfunction.
Viagra is very well tolerated by most men, but like any medication, it does have side effects. Most are short-term and temporary and well understood. However, we don’t know as much about the potential long-term effects of Viagra.
Spoiler alert: They are very rare!
Short-Term Side Effects of Viagra
What’s so great about Viagra is that it’s an on-demand drug. Like painkillers, you only take it as needed. If side effects emerge, they usually last only as long as the medicine stays in your system.
Viagra is still so popular today because most men tolerate it very well. Side effects are usually mild and temporary; they fade as soon as your body clears the active drug.
Potential short-term side effects of Viagra include:
- Headaches
- Flushing
- Indigestion
- Congested nose
- Harmless vision disturbances, such as “seeing blue”
- Dizziness
- Rash
Long-Term Use and Limited Documentation
Although Viagra has been a lifesaver for millions of couples worldwide, the drug doesn’t solve ED permanently. Unless erectile dysfunction symptoms subside, men need to take it every time they have intercourse.
Since this is a drug designed to be taken long-term, there is a possibility that users can develop side effects over time.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many comprehensive, long-term studies examining the extended use of Viagra. We need more research to fill this gap and help long-time users avoid potential complications. So far, however, Viagra continues to have a great track record.
What We Know About Long-Term Side Effects of Viagra
A study, published in Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management followed 979 men over a period of four years. The participants took Viagra as needed, in varying doses of 25, 50, and 100 milligrams.
The reassuring takeaway from this report is that Viagra is a well tolerated treatment over longer periods.
Over four years, only 3.8 percent of men had side effects which led to changing their dosage or stopping the drug altogether. And even those adverse effects were benign – users complained most about headaches, indigestion, and nasal congestion.
It’s possible that some of the long-term side effects of Viagra are more likely to occur in people with underlying medical conditions. For example, diabetes or high blood pressure are risk factors both for ED and a condition called NAION (non-arteric anterior ischemic optic neuropathy), a condition that can cause vision loss.
Although no direct link between those conditions and ED medication use has been found so far, men with a “crowded optic nerve” who take Viagra may be at a higher risk of developing NAION.
Serious Side Effects of Viagra Are Rare
Serious, long-term side effects of Viagra are extremely rare and include:
- Sudden hearing loss. One of the most concerning (although often temporary) complications of taking Viagra is sudden hearing loss in one or both ears. Men who take Viagra may be more prone to hearing problems, but the number who have experienced long-term hearing loss is tiny. The most recent report we could find, published in 2011, found 47 reported cases.
- Priapism. The risk of priapism, another serious Viagra side effect, is also very small. Men are more likely to develop a painful and lasting erection when taking certain antipsychotic or antidepressant medication compared with using Viagra. However, priapism is a serious condition that warrants immediate medical attention. If left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to the penis.
- Vision problems. Viagra can cause temporary vision changes, including a bluish tinge to vision, increased sensitivity to light, or blurred vision. These usually subside as the medication wears off. In rare cases, however, it can lead to NAION, as discussed above, which can lead to permanent vision loss.
- Cardiovascular problems. Viagra can cause a potentially fatal drop in blood pressure, but this is generally associated with the use of nitrate medications. Never take Viagra — or any other ED medication or over-the-counter “male enhancement” supplement with nitrates, as the combination can lead to cardiovascular problems such as heart attack, stroke, or irregular heart rhythm in susceptible individuals.
Read our Comprehensive Guide to Viagra and Sildenafil Side Effects to learn more about all the side effects of Viagra.
Dependency and Tolerance Concerns
Erectile dysfunction, even if caused by physical factors or illness, impacts a man’s emotionally as well as physically. Because the drug works so well, some users may develop a psychological dependency on it. Those who could potentially resume intercourse without Viagra’s support, may be reluctant to give up on the drug.
Viagra does not lead to a physical addiction comparable with the abuse of alcohol or recreational drugs. If you stop using the ED medication, you won’t have withdrawal symptoms.
Can you develop tolerance to Viagra over time? It’s highly unlikely, as long as you take the medication as prescribed by the doctor. There is strong evidence to suggest that the ED pills will stay effective in the long term and not require higher doses to get the job done.
When in Doubt, Ask the Experts
If Viagra has helped you get your sex life back on track, you might be considering long-term use of the medication.
Personalized Care Is Key With Long-Term Viagra Use
More research is needed to better understand the long-term effects of Viagra, but based on what we know so far, the medication is well tolerated for both short-term and long-term use. Viagra has been around for decades, and so far, it has been proven to be safe and effective for most men.
If you have concerns about potential long-term effects, speak to your healthcare provider. He or she will instruct you about possible symptoms of side effects. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to report that to your physician. And be sure to show up for your regular healthcare appointments.
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This information is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication.
Anka Grzywacz is a sexologist, reproductive health expert and Certified Sex Coach™. In her online practice she helps busy women and couples solve their intimate problems.