Viagra is the most trusted erectile dysfunction (ED) medication worldwide. It is composed of sildenafil citrate and helps men achieve and maintain a firm erection.

If you’re taking this ED medication for the first time, you may have questions about its effects, proper use, and what to expect. This blog will walk through everything that first-time users need to know about this ED drug.

Preparing for Initial Viagra Use

Before taking Viagra, consulting a knowledgeable and experienced healthcare provider is strongly recommended.

Healthcare professionals can best assess if Viagra is safe and appropriate for your condition. If found suitable, they will suggest a tailored starting dose and usage instructions based on various factors such as age, weight, current medications, and underlying health conditions.

Generic Viagra has various brand names and dosage strengths, such as Cenforce Professional, Cenforce 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, Aurogra 100 mg, and Malegra 200 mg.

How To Take Viagra At The Start Of Treatment?

When starting Viagra, it is essential to follow all your medical provider’s instructions for timing, proper dosage, and administration. Never adjust or change anything without their guidance. Here are some key best practices to follow when using Viagra [1].

• Take the prescribed Viagra dose on an empty stomach or with a light meal 30-60 minutes before intercourse. Swallow the whole tablet with a glass of water without crushing or breaking it.

• Note that Viagra does not lead to an erection on its own. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis. This mechanism is only triggered when you are sexually aroused. When the brain sends signals to release nitric oxide, a chemical that initiates this process, without arousal, Viagra won’t be effective.

• Do not mix Viagra with other medications like nitrates, alpha-blockers, or blood thinners to avoid potentially dangerous interactions.

What Happens When You Take Viagra for the First Time?

When beginning Viagra, know that it takes time to move through your system and start showing its effects. After swallowing the Viagra tablet, you can expect [2]:

Within 30-60 minutes: Effects start as Viagra enables improved blood flow to the penis.

Peak erection potential: Most men reach maximum erection hardness after 1-2 hours. Depending on the dose and other factors, benefits may last up to 4 to 6 hours or even longer.

Potential adverse effects: After taking the medication, some men may experience side effects, and the most commonly reported side effects are headaches, upset stomach, and facial flushing.

How Much Viagra Should I Take The First Time?

If it’s your first dose of Viagra, it’s crucial to follow the prescribed dosage given by your healthcare professional.

In general, the recommended starting dose of Viagra is 50 mg. This dose of the ED pill can be adjusted based on your response to the medication and any unwanted side effects you might experience [3].

Dosage Guideline

Starting dose: The starting recommended dose of Viagra is 50 mg.

Adjustments: If the starting dose (50 mg) is ineffective or causes severe side effects, your doctor may adjust it by decreasing it to 25 mg or increasing it to 100 mg.

Maximum dosage: The maximum recommended dose of this ED medication is 100 mg per day. Do not take more than one dose within 24 hours.

Does Viagra Work Every Time?

Viagra is effective and works for most men, but unfortunately, it doesn’t work for everyone. In a study by Alexander Stridh et al., it was indicated that Viagra was effective for 70% of men, and they saw improved erections versus 18% taking a placebo. Some of the factors affecting the effectiveness of Viagra include [4]:

• Viagra may not be right for you, or your dose may be wrong. Therefore, you might benefit from a higher dose than prescribed or other alternatives.

• If you’re not aroused sexually, Viagra will not work properly. Therefore, proper sexual arousal is important for this medication to work effectively, as mentioned already.

• While Viagra often works for men whose primary cause of ED is psychological, it still may not work if you are too anxious or stressed. In this case, you should consider combining this medication with some counseling.

Safety Tips for First-Time Users

• Never change the dose or frequency of Viagra without consulting your doctor.
• Take this ED pill on an empty stomach for faster absorption.
• While on this medicine, stay hydrated and avoid the intake of alcohol, which can exacerbate side effects.
• Seek emergency help if you experience sudden hearing loss, vision changes, chest pain, shortness of breath, or other severe symptoms.

Is Viagra Safe?

Yes, Viagra is absolutely safe. The medication is made by Pfizer, a reputable pharmaceutical company, and has been put through numerous clinical trials to ensure its safety. If taken correctly under normal circumstances, the medicine will not cause any harm.

Conclusion

Taking your first dose of Viagra can make you feel a little scared, but it doesn’t have to be. Awareness of its effects, how it works, when to take it, and possible side effects can help you relax. Talk to your healthcare provider about any doubts, and give yourself a positive experience.