Can You Really Have Viagra Headache?

Did you know that Viagra headache is very real and a common problem you may face after taking Viagra.

Viagra is a common ED medication known for its long history of effectiveness.

Several ED pills on the market are cheaper and may be more effective than Viagra. People may prefer it over others due to its brand value.

This does not mean that the consumption of Viagra does not have a downside. Viagra can induce mild to moderate side effects in individuals, including headaches.

Getting a headache from Viagra can spoil your mood and may impact your sexual performance as well.

This article will help you understand all about Viagra and Viagra headaches.

Viagra

viagraSource: Maksymiv
viagra tablets

Viagra is one of the first oral ED pills to treat erection problems in men or AMAB. Viagra has a long history of effectiveness in treating ED and has established a brand name for itself.

Viagra helps treat erection problems by increasing blood flow to the penile region.

The active salt in Viagra is Sildenafil Citrate, a PDE-5 inhibitor. Sildenafil inhibits the action of PDE-5 enzymes present in the penile region. 

This helps relax blood vessels in the penile region and increases blood flow to the penis. This makes it easier to get and maintain an erection.

Viagra usually starts working within 30 minutes of consumption, while the effects may last 4 to 6 hours.

Viagra at a glance

This is an overview for you to understand all about Viagra at a glance.

Viagra
ManufacturerPfizer Inc.
Active saltSildenafil Citrate
Onset of actionWithin 30 minutes of consumption
How long do the effects last4 to 6 hours  from consumption
Time of peak effectsWithin 1 hour of consumption

Side effects of Viagra

Side effects of ViagraSource: Getty-images
Side effects of Viagra

Some common side effects of Viagra may include

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Flushing
  • Upset stomach
  • Sleep problems
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Lightheadedness
  • Priapism

This list does not have all the possible side effects you may face after taking Viagra. It is not necessary for you to face any or all of these side effects.

If you face severe side effects, stop consuming the medicine immediately and contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Warning
Do not take Viagra if you have low blood pressure or heart disease. It can result in extremely low blood pressure.

Side effects of Viagra: headache

Viagra headache is a common side effect you may face after Viagra consumption. 

According to a paper, Viagra headache represents one of the mysterious headaches primary care physicians encounter frequently.

You may think, ‘Why does Viagra give me a headache?’

Here’s how Viagra may cause headaches after consumption.

The active salt in Viagra, Sildenafil, expands the blood vessels to help increase blood flow. 

But the medication does not just affect blood vessels in the penile region. It also affects the blood vessels and blood flow in other parts of the body.

The sudden relaxation of the blood vessels increases the blood flow and can result in headaches.

Viagra headache may accompany other side effects such as flushing and nausea.

Headache from Viagra usually isn’t serious and may last about 1 to 3 hours. 

Sometimes, the headache from Viagra may persist longer when the medication is still in your body. This may happen even if the effects of Viagra have worn off.

Another research states that Sildenafil (Viagra) can induce migraine headaches in some people.

Fact
Food and alcohol in the body may affect the pill’s effectiveness. You may take it before or after a light meal for the best results.

How to prevent a headache after Viagra consumption

Having a headache after taking Viagra can be off-putting and may affect your sexual performance as well. 

You may want to know the best way to prevent Viagra headache. Here are some tips that might be able to help you prevent a headache after Viagra consumption.

Taking a smaller dose and keeping yourself hydrated may work well for a lot of people taking Viagra.

You can also try other ED pills, such as Vidalista or Levitra to prevent a headaches. Let us discuss these in detail.

Take a smaller dose

Using a higher dosage of ED pills may pose a higher risk of potential side effects. Try taking a lower dose of Viagra, such as 50mg or 25 mg, instead of 100 mg Viagra.

Lower doses may help you achieve and maintain erections just as easily. Consult your doctor before taking any medications or switching from a higher to a lower dose. 

This may help you reduce the intensity and frequency of Viagra headaches.

Take a light meal

The effectiveness of Sildenafil in Viagra is affected by the food contents in the stomach. The medication may not work properly or work at all after a heavy meal.

The medicine may show the best results on an empty stomach, but this may also increase the chances of a headache after Viagra consumption.

Taking a light meal may help you reduce the intensity of such headaches. Avoid high-fat food with Viagra as it can slow its absorption into the bloodstream.

Hydration

Dehydration is a common cause of headaches. You may feel dehydrated during or after sex because of sweating, and your body may lose moisture.

Avoid taking alcohol, as it can act as a diuretic and cause you to urinate more frequently than usual.

Drink lots of water or caffeine-free drinks to keep yourself hydrated.

Try other ED medications

Viagra (Sildenafil) comes under the category of PDE-5 inhibitors, along with several other medications. There are chances that while Viagra may not work for you, other ED medications may work effectively.

Some other ED medications may include Vidalista (Tadalafil), Levitra (Vardenafil), and Avana (Avanafil).

Talk to your doctor about switching medicine to help you decide the most suitable medication.

How to treat a Viagra headache

Once the effects of Viagra have set in, they may also come with a headache. Here are some ways to treat a Viagra headache.

Hot or cold compress

Using a hot or cold compress over the affected area may help you relieve the pain or reduce its duration directly.

Keep the lights low

Switching off unnecessary lights and keeping the lights dimmed might not help you prevent a headache. 

But it can reduce the intensity of the headache and help you relax and rest.

Caffeinated drink

Having a caffeinated drink such as tea or coffee may help you reduce the intensity of Viagra headache and its duration. 

You should remember that caffeine can act as a diuretic, so it is important to take them in limited quantities. Drinking water after taking them may also be helpful.

Painkillers

A Viagra headache usually goes away after a few hours on its own. But if you have a persistent headache, you may want to take painkillers such as Ibuprofen.

Viagra and Ibuprofen do not interact with each other and are safe to consume for most men. But you should always consult your doctor before taking any medications.

Final Outlook

Viagra headache is a common side effect of Viagra. Such headaches usually go away on their own in a few hours but may become troublesome sometimes.

You may want to get rid of such headaches with the help of painkillers or a hot or cold compress.

However, prevention is always better than cure. It is difficult to determine the best way to prevent Viagra headaches.

Several tips can help you prevent a Viagra headache, such as using a lower dose of the pill or trying other ED medications.

Other ED medicines such as Tadalafil or Vardenafil may work more effectively than Viagra for some people due to differences in body mass, weight, age, etc.

You should always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication or treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take Paracetamol with Viagra?

According to Drugs.com, there are no interactions between Viagra (Sildenafil) and Paracetamol. It is safe to use Paracetamol with Viagra in most men.
You should always consult your healthcare provider for the most suitable treatment.

How long does it take for Viagra side effects to go away?

In most men, the side effects of Viagra start to go away after 1 hour, and within 12 hours, almost all side effects go away.
If you face severe side effects, stop taking Viagra and contact your doctor immediately.

When does Viagra peak?

Viagra is taken as needed and shows effects within 30 minutes of consumption. The peak effects are mostly visible within 1 hour of consumption.
The effect of the medication may vary depending on body mass, age, weight, etc. Consult a doctor before taking any medication.

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Jim Carson is a highly skilled and dedicated medical writer passionate about advancing medical practice. With years of experience in the field of medical sciences, Jim has made significant contributions to various studies aimed at improving healthcare outcomes. He currently writes for Cheapmedicineshop.com, providing expert insights and knowledge on various topics. Jim's expertise extends to various areas, including drug interactions, dosages, side effects, and best practices for medication use. In Los Angeles, Jim lives with his loving wife, children, and beloved pets. He deeply values spending time with his family and cherishes their presence. When he's not writing, Jim enjoys watching football games and staying updated with the latest sports news. Jim's writing shines through his commitment to advancing medical practice and improving healthcare outcomes. Readers can trust Jim's articles to be informative, accurate, and reliable, making him a trusted pharmaceutical information source for the website's audience.