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Highlights
- Headaches are the most common side effect of all erectile dysfunction medications, including sildenafil (Viagra).
- Viagra headaches are caused by increased blood flow due to widening of blood vessels.
- While most sildenafil headaches are mild, some users may experience more intense headaches or even migraines.
- Lowering your Viagra dose may reduce side effects.
- Switching to another ED medication with a lower risk of headaches may solve your problem.
- In rare cases, sildenafil headaches can be a sign of an underlying health condition.
- Always talk to a doctor if you have frequent headaches after taking ED medication.
Michael DiLeo, MD, has over 30 years of experience in clinical and academic medicine. Through medical school, residency, and private practice, he has functioned as both a specialist and a primary care practitioner. He has twice served as chief of staff of a large regional hospital. He is a published author on women's health for McGraw-Hill. Learn More
The introduction of Viagra (sildenafil) made the lives of millions of men and their partners easier and more fun. While most men take Viagra with few to no adverse effects, for some men, taking ED medication means annoying side effects. The most common is sildenafil headaches.
What Causes Viagra Headaches?
Viagra belongs to a group of medications called PDE5 inhibitors. Sildenafil, the active substance in the little blue pill, affects your blood flow. It improves circulation into the penis and helps you achieve those strong erections you both enjoy.
That exact mechanism of expanding the blood vessels in your body is probably responsible for your headaches. Sildenafil works on the circulatory system in your whole body, not just in the penis.
However, Viagra headaches can also be caused — or made worse by — dehydration. Taking ED medication may cause fluid loss, similar to what you experience if you forget to drink enough water on a hot day.
Dosage also plays a role here. Stronger doses of Viagra are more likely to cause side effects, including headaches. Finally, if you drink alcohol, use recreational drugs, or take certain medications, you may be at increased risk of head pain.
Read: Viagra Frequently Asked Questions
Can Sildenafil/Viagra Cause Migraines?
A headache is never pleasant, but a migraine is another level of discomfort entirely. Although it’s rare, Viagra or sildenafil can trigger an attack of migraine for some men.
A 2003 study analyzed 12 migraine-prone men after taking a 100 milligram dose of sildenafil. Ten of those men had a migraine episode after taking the sildenafil.
Scientists are still researching the exact cause of this rare effect. They suspect that a mechanism involving a molecule called cGMP may be responsible for migraine induction. cGMP is found in human cells and plays a role in blood flow regulation, particularly blood vessel dilation.
Some people have what are called abdominal migraines, when the migraine involves that part of the brain where abdominal sensations are perceived. They will have pain in the abdomen instead of the head. Such a person will not connect the stomach pain with his migraine history; instead, it’s easy to misinterpret this as a true stomach upset from the Viagra medication.
Could Sildenafil Be Causing My Headaches With Aura?
One in three migraine sufferers experiences migraines with auras. There are several types of migraine auras:
- Visual auras. These symptoms may cause disturbed vision, for example seeing flashes of light or colorful stains.
- Sensory auras. These migraines include a stinging feeling in your limbs or face.
- Speech and language auras. People who have these migraines may have temporary difficulty speaking.
- Hemiplegic auras. This is the rarest case of migraine, where your arms, legs, or face feel weak or you can’t move them at all.
According to a study on patients suffering from migraines with aura, a 100 milligram dose of Viagra had a modest aura-inducing effect. The cause of this phenomenon remains unclear.
Can Viagra Cause Ocular Headaches?
You may have heard jokes about men seeing blue after taking Viagra. But it’s not a joke! Sildenafil can cause blue-tinted vision in some people. Fortunately, this side effect is almost always temporary and isn’t necessarily accompanied by headaches.
However, occasionally, sildenafil can cause more serious vision issues. According to a case report, 17 healthy men who took 100 milligrams of sildenafil reported to the eye clinic with visual disturbances that persisted for more than 24 hours. Their complaints included:
- Worsening eyesight and depth perception
- Disrupted color and contrast perception
- Photophobia (discomfort when exposed to bright light)
A case report of sudden vision loss in a man using sildenafil concluded there was a possible connection with sildenafil. This very rare side effect, called ischemic optic neuropathy, has been linked to disrupted blood flow to the optic nerve.
These optic side effects are very rare. Note that the study mentioned above involved only 17 men, and the case report only one. Statistically, “17 does not a study make”; it’s more like a case series. And a case report is anecdotal until other literature is able to replicate it.
However, while these visual side effects are rare, they can be serious. What it comes down to is that any drug can do anything to anyone. If you notice vision problems while using Viagra or other drugs containing sildenafil, see a doctor as soon as possible.
How Can You Prevent Sildenafil Headaches?
Sildenafil is a treatment of choice for erectile dysfunction because it’s easy to use and safe for most men. Still, it may cause unpleasant adverse effects, and headache is the most common side effect.
Don’t let sildenafil headaches kill your sexy mood. Follow our tips to minimize the risk:
- Stay hydrated. To reduce the risk of Viagra headaches, your body needs to be in good shape. Remember to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration. You can easily track your fluid intake on a mobile phone or smartwatch.
- Try a lower dose. Several studies revealed that taking a 100 milligram dose of Sildenafil can cause headaches. Start with a lower dose and adjust as needed. If headaches persist, discuss alternatives with your physician.
- Watch out for interactions. Mixing Viagra with some medicines can cause dangerous side effects. You shouldn’t take sildenafil if you’re on nitrates — medications prescribed for chest pain. Exercise caution with other drugs, such as alpha blockers or blood pressure pills. If you notice a lasting headache after taking Viagra, or experience them frequently, check in with a doctor to make sure ED treatment is safe for you.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs. To be on the safe side, you should avoid alcohol and recreational drugs while using sildenafil. These substances may strengthen the side effects of ED medication, including headaches.
- Try an alternative ED medication. See “Are There Any Alternative Medications to Viagra?” below.
Drinking plenty of water may reduce the risk of sildenafil headaches
What Can I Take for a Viagra Headache?
“Not tonight, I have a headache,” you say. How ironic is that? For anyone, a pounding head doesn’t pair well with a night of hot sex. Viagra-induced headaches usually go away within a few hours, but you don’t have to suffer and wait until they fade (along with your and your partner’s arousal).
Here are some tried and tested solutions for headache relief.
- Over-the-counter painkillers. If your headache is intense, you can take the pills you normally use for pain management. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen don’t cause drug interactions with sildenafil. Be careful if you’re using prescription medication and check for their interactions with painkillers.
- A cool towel. Place a cool, damp towel or an ice pack on your forehead, close your eyes, and rest. You may want to turn the lights off to reduce eye sensitivity.
- Warm hands. Ask your partner to put their hands on your head or give you a gentle head, face, or neck massage. A review of scientific literature revealed that massage therapy was an effective tool for pain management for approximately 45 percent of people who tried it.
- Deep breaths. If you know any mind and body techniques, such as deep breathing or body scan, you can try them to calm yourself and steer attention away from the pain. You may also listen to guided relaxations.
How Long Do Sildenafil Headaches Last?
If you get a headache after taking erectile dysfunction medication, expect it to resolve within 30 minutes to a few hours.
In the research cases above, most cases of migraine with aura did not appear immediately after taking the pill. Most people started having visual auras within one to three hours after they swallowed the medication, and their symptoms persisted for a few hours.
If you’re new to taking Viagra, it’s possible that headaches are a temporary complication. Your body may need some time to get used to the effects of sildenafil on blood flow. Many people tolerate the drug better with regular use.
In any case, consult with a medical professional if you notice headaches after taking Viagra or a similar 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.