Can your body build a tolerance to Viagra?

In this article, we will explore the popular erectile dysfunction medication Viagra. We will answer a number of frequently asked questions about the medication, including whether it is deemed to be a safe long-term treatment for erectile dysfunction and whether or not your body builds up a tolerance to the medication over time. We will also answer whether or not you can take an overdose of Viagra, as well as where you can purchase Viagra online, and other alternative medications. 

Key Takeaways

Viagra is safe for long-term use, but consult your doctor

Viagra (sildenafil) is considered a safe and effective long-term treatment for erectile dysfunction. Most people see significant improvement, though some may experience mild side effects like headaches or flushing. If you're considering long-term use, consult your healthcare provider, especially as research on very long-term safety is still limited.

You may not build a tolerance to Viagra, but it varies

While some men report needing higher doses of Viagra over time, studies suggest that many users do not build tolerance. However, individual factors like age and health can affect how the body responds. If Viagra seems less effective, consult your doctor for advice rather than increasing the dose on your own.

Stick to the prescribed dose - overdosing can be dangerous

It's important to only take the Viagra dosage prescribed by your healthcare provider. Overdosing on Viagra can lead to serious health issues, including kidney damage or even death. If you feel your current dose isn’t working, speak to your doctor rather than adjusting it yourself.

Is Viagra safe as a long-term treatment for erectile dysfunction?

Yes, Viagra is a safe long-term treatment for erectile dysfunction. In a study involving 233 men with erectile dysfunction, it was noted that 93% of participants noticed a significant improvement in their condition after 16 weeks. In the same study, some adverse effects were reported such as flushing and headaches, however, these were at low frequencies (Christiansen et al, 2000). 

The active ingredient in Viagra is a medication called sildenafil. Whilst the majority of people who use sildenafil experience great results and minimal side effects, there is limited research on its safety over long periods of time, especially longer than 16 weeks as mentioned in the study above. If you want to use Viagra as a long-term solution to your condition you should consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the possibility of doing so.

Can you build a tolerance to Viagra?

Yes, the potential for developing tolerance to Viagra is a consideration when using it as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. Tolerance refers to the reduction of the effectiveness of a  medication over time, leading to the need for higher doses to achieve the same results. In a 2007 study that measured the effectiveness of the medication over a 4-year period, the participants did not exhibit any tolerance or change in results (McMurray et al, 2007). It is important to note that individual responses to the medication can vary. Because of this, it is important to monitor your own health and responses if you are going to be using Viagra in the long term. 

Do men build a tolerance to Viagra?

There is potential for some men to build up a tolerance for Viagra over time. Factors like age, overall health, and the presence of other medical conditions can influence how the body responds to the medication. In a study conducted in August 2000, 16 of 43 men using Viagra said that they needed to increase their dosage in order to achieve the results they experienced when they first began using the medication. These results were taken between one month of use and 18 months of use (Gottlieb, 2001). Again, it should be noted that there is limited data to suggest that men will build a tolerance to Viagra over time. If you are concerned about the results you are getting from Viagra, you should speak to your healthcare provider for further advice.

Can you overdose on Viagra?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on Viagra. Unfortunately, there have been multiple examples of men overdosing on their medication. The Viagra that you can purchase from UK Meds comes in three strengths, 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. The usual starting dose is 50mg which is taken one hour prior to sexual activity. Dosage can vary based on individual response and tolerance. Dosage should only be adjusted by your healthcare provider. 

In cases of overdose, the reported circumstances occurred in men over the age of 56. One case was of a man aged 56 years old who passed away from a reported Viagra (sildenafil) overdose. He was found with four times the maximum dose of sildenafil in his blood. This patient also had a complex medical history that included cases of diabetes, hypertension, chronic alcoholism, anxious/depressive disorders, as well as erectile dysfunction (Tracqui et al, 2002).

Another case of Viagra overdose occurred in a 67-year-old man who consumed 400mg of sildenafil to treat his erectile dysfunction. This resulted in him experiencing acute kidney injuries caused by a condition called tubular necrosis. Thankfully, the patient fully recovered (Liu et al, 2018). 

Due to the possibility of adverse effects, it is vital that you only ever take the dosage of Viagra that you have been prescribed by a healthcare provider. You should never self-adjust your dosage. If you believe you need to change the dosage of Viagra you are using, you should consult with a healthcare provider before doing so.

Is there an alternative to Viagra (sildenafil)?

If you do not think that Viagra would be the right option for you there are a number of different medications that you can try. Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil) are both similar medications to Viagra (sildenafil) in that they come in tablet form.

If you want to try an alternative form, Vitaros (alprostadil) is a cream that can help to effectively treat erectile dysfunction.

Where can you buy Viagra online in the UK?

If you are looking to purchase Viagra from an online provider in the UK, look no further than UK Meds. At UK Meds, you can purchase a variety of different erectile dysfunction medications online, including Viagra. We provide branded prescription Viagra, generic sildenafil (which is the same as Viagra, just not branded) and the over-the-counter version of Viagra called Viagra Connect.

Sources

• NHS - Sildenafil (Viagra)

• UK Government - Sildenafil 50mg Film-Coated Tablets PAR

• Medicines.org.uk - Sildenafil (Viagra) Summary of Product Characteristics