The Independent Pharmacy

Can You Take Viagra Daily

Andy Boysan
Andy BoysanBPharmDirector & Superintendent Pharmacist

Reviewed on 29 Feb 2024

Viagra, also available under the name Sildenafil, is a commonly used brand-name prescription drug to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). But can you take Viagra daily? In theory, if you engage in sexual activity requiring an erection daily, then you could take Viagra daily. But in practice, this is not ideal. You'd likely be much better off using a medicine like tadalafil (Cialis) 5mg daily, as it offers baseline drug levels so you can engage in spontaneous sexual activity. Unlike Viagra, which requires planning to take 1 hour before sex, tadalafil acts faster and stays in the body much longer.

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Taking Viagra every day is a personal decision that requires carefully thinking about your health and any risks, ensuring you feel supported. A full check-up by a doctor is necessary to determine if daily use is appropriate and safe for you. Monitoring side effects and long-term impacts are also essential. This treatment option has potential benefits but is not recommended for every ED patient.

Here’s all you need to know about using Viagra the right way.

Key Takeaways:

  • Viagra can sometimes be prescribed in small daily doses under doctor supervision if deemed appropriate for an individual's health situation and needs. But it requires careful evaluation first regarding risks versus benefits.
  • Potential upsides of building steady blood levels with a daily dose include improved sexual function and spontaneity. However side effects may also occur more frequently to consider.
  • For very sexually active lifestyles, medications like daily Cialis may be better suited than daily Viagra for some. Cialis works faster and remains active longer to enable natural intimacy.
  • Addressing emotional health impacts along with exploring medical or lifestyle alternatives ensures personalised solutions to improving erectile function are matched to each patient’s circumstances.

Can You Take Viagra Daily?

So what’s the verdict - can someone reasonably take Viagra daily for general erectile health? While in special cases it may be approved under medical guidance, using it every day as a routine preventative measure is typically not warranted. For many, taking Viagra as needed before sexual activity may offer the support needed, though we recognise each person's experience and needs are unique.

In some rare situations though, a physician may suggest trying a small daily dose of the active ingredient sildenafil, found in Viagra. The rationale is maintaining steady therapeutic blood levels could possibly increase blood flow and enhance erectile function overall and spontaneity. However, if achieving an erection is already part of one’s daily activities, then requiring advanced planning around taking Viagra could hamper spontaneity.

In those engaging in very frequent sexual activity, alternative daily regimens may be better suited. For example, a low dose daily Cialis prescription could provide similar blood flow assistance without the need to premedicate before intercourse. Since it works faster and stays active much longer in the body, Cialis may facilitate greater intimacy flexibility. We encourage an open dialogue with your doctor about your lifestyle needs, ensuring the chosen regimen feels right for you. Remember, it's about finding a balance that respects your individual circumstances and well-being.

Recommended Dosage and Frequency

Now in some situations, even though Viagra is typically an as-needed medication, a doctor may explore prescribing low daily doses. What would be the reasoning behind using it every day? Well, the idea would be trying to maintain a constant, low level of the drug in the body. This could theoretically assist with keeping blood flow pumping to the relevant area.

However, before anyone starts on a daily regimen, it’s extremely important to have an in-depth medical evaluation. A physician will want to review your overall health picture - including age, other conditions, current medications, symptoms, etc. - to determine if daily dosing would be considered safe or advisable for YOU specifically. They’ll also want to regularly monitor how your individual body responds.

If you’re dealing with conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes, we’ll work closely with you to see if Viagra for daily use fits into your health care plan, always prioritising your safety and well-being.

Now, for individuals who require achieving an erection regularly, there’s an argument that daily Viagra could assist with that need IF deemed appropriate by your doctor. Of course taking a pill every single day, even a low dose, would still involve some commitment and safety considerations. But in theory, it’s mechanically possible if your unique situation warrants it.

If prescribed a daily Viagra regimen, you’ll typically start at the lowest dose--which often means taking a single 25mg tablet each day. This amount may sometimes increase if the lower dose is not providing the desired improvement in erectile function, pending your doctor’s guidance.

The daily dosage is aimed at maintaining a steady amount of the drug in your bloodstream to enhance blood flow. But every person can respond differently, which is why regular checkups with your doctor are important for addressing any side effects and making dosage adjustments over time if necessary.

Risks and Side Effects of Daily Use

While there can be benefits to using Viagra daily under medical guidance, it does come with some risks and potential side effects.

As with any medication, there is the chance of unpleasant side effects occurring on a daily basis that a person may just experience occasionally if not taking the medicine for erectile dysfunction every day. Common side effects of Viagra include headaches, vision problems like blurred vision, indigestion, a flushed or red face, and an upset stomach. These side effects are typically mild but should still be reported to your doctor if experienced daily.

Though more serious side effects are rare, we believe it's crucial for you to be informed, allowing you to make decisions with care and awareness. These can include a long-lasting and sometimes painful erection that does not go down after 4 hours (priapism), sudden vision loss, and hearing problems. A dangerous drop in blood pressure may also occur if nitrates, chest pain medication, or blood pressure drugs are mixed with Viagra without a doctor’s oversight. Nerve, muscle and prostate gland issues could possibly develop with long-term daily use.

Cardiovascular (heart health) impacts are another consideration, especially for patients with certain health conditions like heart disease. Your doctor will assess your risk factors before starting daily Viagra. We recommend keeping in touch with regular checkups so they can closely monitor your progress and make any needed adjustments.

Safety and Health Considerations

Monitoring and Managing Side Effects

If placed on daily Viagra under medical supervision, regular checkups to monitor blood pressure, vision, or other side effects would be essential. Your doctor needs to closely supervise how your body responds over both the short and long terms.

Based on any side effects you experience, they may adjust the Viagra dosage and prescription regimen over time as needed. For example, they could reduce the dose if headaches become persistent or disruptive. Reporting any concerning symptoms promptly is crucial so adjustments ensure you remain safe.

It’s also vital to implement positive lifestyle shifts that aid overall health and erectile functioning if using Viagra daily - like eating more nutritious foods, exercising regularly, reducing alcohol use, quitting smoking, lowering stress, and getting enough sleep. Your doctor can provide guidance on healthy changes that help keep side effects minimal while optimising the benefits you experience.

Alternatives to Daily Viagra Use

While potentially helpful under medical supervision for some, taking Viagra every single day may not suit every erectile dysfunction patient’s needs or lifestyle. Several alternatives can be discussed with your doctor.

For example, medications like low dose daily Cialis (tadalafil) lasts much longer in the body compared to Viagra. This could reduce the need for taking a pill daily to get the same erectile function assistance, as the effects of Cialis remain active for up to 36 hours typically.

Non-drug options also exist, like vacuum pumping devices to help temporarily maintain an erection during sex for those times medication is inconvenient. For extreme cases refractory to pills, penile implants can provide a surgical solution as well.

Addressing psychological components often tied to erectile difficulties through counselling and support groups may also play a key role in the process, whether using medications or not. Identifying stressors and building mental health coping outlets is pivotal.

With wide-ranging possibilities given each patient’s unique health status and needs, having open and comprehensive discussions with your knowledgeable healthcare provider is key. Together you can determine suitable regimens or supplementary options if committing to a daily Viagra routine poses challenges.

Making Informed Decisions

Consulting Healthcare Professionals

Before potentially starting daily Viagra, thorough medical evaluations assessing your erectile dysfunction symptoms, medical history, age, conditions and current medications are vital. This extensive check-in allows identifying and minimising health risks. It also enables fully understanding the range of treatment options - including specific dosages and alternate meds better aligned to your lifestyle needs.

Once potentially placed on a recommended Viagra daily regimen, follow-up appointments remain pivotal. Ongoing honest communication allows healthcare providers to ensure effectiveness and safety in both the short and long terms. Don’t hesitate to report concerning side effects promptly or request adjustments as needed.

For example, for very sexually active patients, medications like daily Cialis may be preferred by doctors compared to Viagra. The longer lasting effects of Cialis allow greater spontaneity than having to pre-medicate with Viagra in advance of sexual activity. Open discussions lead to tailored solutions.

Personal and Emotional Considerations

In addition to physical health impacts, processing the potential emotional effects of erectile dysfunction represents an equally critical piece when evaluating daily Viagra. Exploring any mental health or relationship concerns with a licensed counsellor can ease the overall ED management process.

Recognise that support systems and intimate partnerships - whether with spouses, friends or support groups - provide invaluable understanding that you don’t have to tackle alone. Open communication enables working through challenges together and identifying counselling resources if needed.

The psychological impacts of ED often tie into struggles with intimacy. Seeking counselling allows addressing any self-esteem issues, anxiety, or relationship dynamics that develop due to erectile difficulties. Support is critical.

Take the Next Step With The Independent Pharmacy

Managing ongoing erectile dysfunction can raise complex feelings. Please know support is available. Acknowledging the condition and reaching out is an empowering, positive step.

The Independent Pharmacy provides a confidential online resource to help individuals understand and treat erectile dysfunction through customised medical advice. Start by confidentially filling out our erectile dysfunction self-assessment.

Their compassionate team of experts then reviews your health history and symptoms to recommend treatments - whether medications, lifestyle changes, or alternatives - best matched to your needs. For very sexually active couples, daily Cialis may be preferred over Viagra for enabling greater spontaneity. But lifestyle and counselling support also play a big role.

Take control of your sexual health and wellbeing without judgement by getting in touch today. Their personalised guidance, treatment solutions and discretion throughout each step can help you improve your quality of life on your terms.

FAQs

How many days in a row can you take Viagra?

Viagra is generally not recommended for daily use longer than 1 week without medical supervision due to lack of long-term safety data. It is important to consult your doctor and follow their advice on appropriate frequency based on your individual health. Most experts recommend limiting daily use unless it continues providing erectile benefits without adverse effects under guidance.

Does Viagra keep you hard after coming?

No, Viagra does not typically prolong erections after ejaculation or prevent the refractory recovery period before achieving another erection. It works by increasing blood flow to facilitate getting and maintaining an erection in the presence of sexual stimulation but does not override normal biological orgasms or arousal responses. Supporting overall health and functioning optimises post-ejaculatory experiences.

Do you build up a tolerance to Viagra?

In most cases, individuals do not build up a tolerance to Viagra’s effects with daily use. The typically recommended doses tend to remain effective over long periods when taken correctly under medical guidance. However, sometimes dosage adjustments may be made if erection improvements plateau—though other health factors are typically addressed first. Be sure to communicate regularly with your doctor if you feel the effects are decreasing.

Sources:

How and when to take sildenafil - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Side effects of sildenafil - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Erectile dysfunction (impotence) - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

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