Viagra has set itself as a well-established Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medicine that is prescribed for the treatment of male erection issues or Erectile Dysfunction (ED). It is a well-tolerated medicine with Sildenafil Citrate as its active ingredient. Although it is a safe and effective medicine, many men often ask if they can combine it with alcohol.
The straightforward answer to whether you can mix Viagra and alcohol safely is no. You should not mix alcohol with Viagra as their interaction can lead to severe side effects, requiring immediate medical attention.
This article discusses Viagra and alcohol interaction, side effects, who should be more cautious, how much alcohol is safe with Viagra, and how long you can take Viagra. So, let’s delve into the topic and learn in detail.
Can you mix Viagra and alcohol?
The answer to this question is no. You cannot take Viagra with alcohol, as their combination can cause severe side effects. Viagra is a prescription Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that increases penile blood flow and facilitates erection. However, taking it with alcohol can lead to negative consequences and disrupt the erection mechanism.
Alcohol acts as a Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant. In small amounts, it can reduce Anxiety and social inhibitions, which can reduce Sexual Performance Anxiety in men. As a result, it potentially makes it easier to initiate sexual activity.
However, alcohol also has several adverse effects on sexual function, such as:
- Alcohol constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow, making it harder to achieve an erection.
- It can suppress Testosterone levels, which are closely linked to sexual desire and arousal.
- Chronic or heavy drinking is a well-established cause of Erectile Dysfunction, sometimes referred to as brewer’s droop.
- Alcohol impairs nerve sensitivity and disrupts the hormonal signals necessary for sexual function.
As a result, instead of aiding in erection, alcohol does the opposite of Viagra and leads to erection issues.
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How much alcohol can you drink with Viagra?
The following are the details that you should know before consuming Viagra with alcohol:
Moderate consumption
Most research indicates that drinking a small amount of alcohol while taking Viagra generally do not cause adverse side effects for healthy individuals. A glass of wine or a single drink is unlikely to cause serious problems or interact directly with Viagra. Some studies have found no adverse reactions between Viagra and moderate alcohol intake, such as red wine.
Excessive consumption
Problems arise when alcohol is consumed in larger quantities. Before consuming a large quantity of alcohol with Viagra, read the following:
- Risk of very Low Blood Pressure: Although rare, combining high doses of alcohol with Viagra can cause dangerously Low Blood Pressure, which may result in fainting or other severe complications.
- Greater likelihood of whiskey dick: This term refers to temporary Erectile Dysfunction caused by excessive alcohol intake, which can ruin sexual performance even with Viagra.
- Other health risks: Excessive drinking increases the risk of liver problems, heart issues, Pancreatitis, weakened immune system, and stroke.
- Reduced effectiveness: Alcohol can worsen Erectile Dysfunction and counteract the positive effects of Viagra, making it harder to get or maintain an erection. Furthermore, excessive alcohol can also lead to alcohol-induced Erectile Dysfunction in many men.
Side effects of taking alcohol and Viagra together
Combining Viagra with alcohol leads to certain side effects. The following are alcohol and Viagra side effects:
- Headaches
- Facial flushing
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Who should be extra cautious?
Certain people are at a higher risk of developing complications after combining alcohol and Viagra, such as:
- Individuals with cardiovascular disease
- People with blood pressure changes
- People with liver problems
- People taking medications that also lower blood pressure
- Older adults
- People on multiple medications, such as those to treat chest pain, such as Nitrates
How long does it take for Viagra to leave your system?
Viagra typically stays in your system for up to 24 hours after you take a dose. However, its effects are most potent for about 4-6 hours. The medication’s half-life is about 4 hours, meaning that every 4 hours, the amount of Viagra in your body is reduced by half.
Furthermore, individual factors such as age, metabolism, dosage, liver and kidney diseases, and other medications can affect how quickly Viagra is cleared from your body. Higher doses may take slightly longer to leave your system, and people with impaired liver or kidney function may metabolize the medicine more slowly.
How long after taking Viagra can you drink?
There is no required waiting period between taking Viagra and drinking alcohol if you are consuming alcohol in moderation.
However, if you have taken an excessive amount of alcohol before taking Viagra, it is crucial to wait until the medicine leaves your system entirely. Combining alcohol and Viagra can lead to severe side effects that may need medical attention.
Therefore, you should consult your healthcare practitioner if you experience any side effects and seek medical attention.
Conclusion
Taking Viagra and alcohol can interact with each other and lead to severe consequences. Although drinking moderate amounts of alcohol is generally considered safe, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol with this PDE5 inhibitor can cause Low Blood Pressure.
Furthermore, excessive alcohol is also linked to causing alcohol-induced Erectile Dysfunction, potentially increasing the risks of erection problems. It can also reduce the effectiveness of Viagra. It happens because alcohol can constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the penis.
Moreover, people with heart and liver problems and who take Nitrates should stay cautious while taking Viagra to reduce the risk of severity. It is recommended to wait at least 24 hours after consuming alcohol if you want to take Viagra. This period allows Viagra to leave your system completely and reduces the probability of interaction.
However, it is essential to understand that alcohol is always dangerous and is not suggested for a healthy lifestyle. You can seek prescribed medications and your doctor’s help to avoid drinking alcohol and reduce the risks of severity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to drive after taking Viagra and drinking alcohol?
No, you should not drink after drinking and taking Viagra together. Both substances can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time. The combination increases the risk of dizziness and fainting, making unsafe activities like driving or operating machinery unsafe.
Can women taking Sildenafil (Viagra) for off-label use drink alcohol safely?
No, women taking Viagra for off-label use should not drink alcohol. Women prescribed Sildenafil for conditions like Pulmonary Hypertension should be especially cautious, as the combination can cause drops in blood pressure and side effects.
Does age affect the interaction between Viagra and alcohol?
Yes, older adults are more sensitive to both alcohol and Viagra. Age-related changes in metabolism and increased likelihood of other medications can heighten the risk of side effects. Thus, you should always consult your doctor before taking Viagra.
If not Viagra, what ED medication can I take with alcohol?
The answer to this question is none. You should not take any Erectile Dysfunction medication with alcohol. These medications are Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors and can interact with alcohol. Thus, it is advised to avoid mixing alcohol with ED medications.
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