Can You Overdose on Viagra?

Highlights

• Verifiable reports of Viagra overdose are rare, but there have been a few.

• The vast majority of Viagra overdoses are non-fatal, although there are potentially serious risks for some men with certain health conditions.

• Always take Viagra as prescribed, at the proper dosage and schedule.

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We’ve all heard the jokes about a “Viagra overdose” and the urban legend about the guy who took too much. But they do bring up a good question: What might happen if you take too much Viagra? Or Cialis, Levitra, or any other ED medication? 

We looked up the verifiable case reports and studies of Viagra’s safety to get a clearer picture of what’s real and what’s not about whether you can overdose on Viagra. We found that the truth is substantially different from the stories passed around on social media.

What Happens When You Take Viagra?

Viagra is a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, or PDE5i, which means it keeps the PDE5 enzyme from acting on, and thereby limiting, a specific chemical in the body, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). 

Nitric oxide clings to cGMP, which relaxes blood vessels throughout the body. More blood is able to reach the penis, making it easier to get and keep a firmer erection.

Viagra has been available for decades now, and longitudinal studies have found that it’s generally safe with a low risk for most men when taken as prescribed. But, of course, not everybody takes the correct dosage.

Can You Overdose On Viagra?

You can take too much of any drug, but your experience will depend heavily on the drug, what it does, and your personal health history. In the case of Viagra, most of what we know about overdose comes from case reports and anecdotal studies.

It can be difficult to substantiate some of these anecdotes. If you search for stories of “Viagra overdose,” often Viagra overdose is blamed when the real problem is related to untreated side effects, for example. Still, there are some case reports that are verifiable.

For example, a popular viral story from 2017 told the story of a healthy 36-year-old man hospitalized for 36 hours after he took 35 Viagra pills as a joke. He experienced green vision, stomach cramps, and a headache that lasted a few days. 

Worse, for a total of five days, he developed a “useless” erection with the slightest stimulation, such as brushing against something. 

While it may sound funny, it’s also dangerous. Priapism, an erection lasting four hours or longer, can seriously damage the penis and even cause permanent erectile dysfunction. Fortunately, the subject of our story got treatment and seems to have suffered no serious injury.

Vision problems are a common theme in verifiable overdose reports, at least one of which resulted in permanent retinal damage. While most of these involve extreme doses of liquid sildenafil — 750 to 1500 milligrams — at least one case study showed vision problems with a dose as low as 200 milligrams.

Probably the most extreme overdose on record is 6500 milligrams, when a man in his 50s tried to poison himself with sildenafil. He survived for 24 hours before he was found and checked into a hospital. This man was lucky; with only moderate treatment, he made a full recovery.

Is There Any Risk in Taking Viagra?

While Viagra has been around for over twenty years and is a well-understood medication, there are some situations where caution is recommended.

Your risk for severe reactions increases if you have:

• Had a cardiac or cerebrovascular event in the last six months
• A history of congestive heart failure or unstable angina
• Hypotension (low blood pressure) or uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure)

A case study on the only currently known fatal Viagra overdose illustrates these risks. The man in question suffered from diabetes and hypertension, among other health issues, and it appears that an overdose of Viagra put excessive strain on his heart. 

There are two points of concern with Viagra for men with heart disease that you should speak with your doctor about.

First, there’s a risk of a sudden and potentially dangerous drop in blood pressure when an ED med is combined with blood pressure medication, another ED medication, or certain recreational drugs. 

Remember, Viagra and other PDE5i’s relax your entire circulatory system. They can interact with other drugs that have the same effect, causing them to amplify each other. 

Don’t take Viagra without a doctor’s clearance if you’re currently using:

• Nitrates
• Alpha-blockers
• Beta-blockers
• Diuretics
• ACE inhibitors
• Calcium antagonists

Secondly, there’s a risk of Viagra staying in your system longer than it should, raising the risk of drug interactions. Viagra is broken down by liver enzymes, so any drug that also acts on the liver is a potential risk. Also, liver disease can affect Viagra clearance from the body, making its expected duration unreliable.

Taking ED Medication Safely

In general, there’s very little risk for men in otherwise good health who want to treat their ED with Viagra or another PDE5i. However, being proactive with your health is always smart, so take the following steps:

• Get a check-up. There are many causes of ED, and making sure it’s not a symptom of a more serious problem is good for your overall health. For example, poor circulation to your penis may indicate poor circulation to other vessels, like your coronary arteries.
• Phase out supplements. A number of supplements, especially those made overseas, may be tainted with pharmaceuticals or other potentially dangerous substances that aren’t listed on the label. These supplements, often called gas station sex pills, are not safe, especially if you’re concerned about overdose. Stop taking them and give them time to clear your system before taking an ED medication.
• Learn how it works. Remember, any PDE5i takes between half an hour to an hour to kick in, only lasts for so long, and won’t give you an erection without sexual stimulation. 
• Check your dosage. Know what you’re prescribed and why. Viagra, for example, is available in 25 milligram, 50 milligram, and 100 milligram strengths and should be taken a maximum of once daily.
• Start small. Especially if you’re concerned about health risks elsewhere, start with the lowest strength, and only increase the dose (within recommended limits) if you’re not experiencing effects.

Don’t Ignore Erectile Dysfunction

ED shouldn’t define your life, your relationships, or your self-image. Getting treated for ED can help you improve your health and your mental outlook. eDrugstore offers free telehealth consultations and detailed discussions of ED medication to help you find the ED treatment approach that works best for your needs.

To learn more, visit our erectile dysfunction page.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you overdose on Viagra? 

Yes, it is possible to overdose on Viagra, especially if you exceed the recommended dosage. Taking too much can lead to serious side effects such as priapism (a prolonged erection), vision problems, or cardiovascular issues. Always follow the prescribed Viagra dosage and consult a healthcare provider for proper guidance. 

Can I adjust the Viagra dosage according to my preference?

You should never adjust the Viagra dosage without consulting a doctor. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage based on your medical history and response to the medication. Changing the dose on your own can increase the risk of side effects. 

What should I consider while buying Viagra online?

When buying Viagra online, make sure the pharmacy is licensed and requires a prescription. Avoid websites offering Viagra for sale without a prescription, as they may sell counterfeit or unsafe medications. Look for reviews and ensure the online pharmacy follows proper regulatory standards. 

How long will the Viagra last if I take it with Red Bull?

While Viagra can typically last between 4 to 6 hours, combining it with Red Bull or other caffeinated drinks is not recommended. Caffeine may affect blood pressure and could interact with Viagra, potentially leading to unwanted side effects. Always consult a doctor before combining any medications or stimulants.