Viagra: From Dose to Dose
Is Bigger Always Better?
Disclaimer: Your healthcare provider is the best source of health and medical information. Articles written by UPGUYS are informed by peer-reviewed studies and research, as well as governmental health authorities and agencies — but they cannot replace advice from a healthcare professional. Talk to your healthcare provider about any physical or mental health concerns you might have.
Last time you took Tylenol for that splitting headache, did you take one caplet or two? Regular strength, or extra strength? Did you take it again four hours later? Our apologies if these questions are giving you a new headache.
As you may have gleaned from your over-the-counter or off-the-shelf pharmacy experience, medicines of all kinds come in a variety of strengths and dosages. Prescription erectile dysfunction medications, like Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil) are also available in different doses, depending on individual needs and preferences.
If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction — an inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse — more than half the time and over a period of several months, you might be prepared to do whatever it takes to find a solution.
Prescription erectile dysfunction medications, known as PDE5 inhibitors, have been shown to improve erectile function in a majority of men suffering from ED. But, depending on your situation, going directly to the maximum strength dosage might not be the best option.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the different dosages available for sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil, and what you and your doctor might consider when it comes to finding the solution that fits best for you.
Viagra (Sildenafil)
The godfather of all ED meds, you may already be familiar with the blue diamond-shaped tablet known as Viagra (generic name sildenafil). But it’s not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal — you’ve got at least two options in terms of dosage when it comes to sildenafil.
If you’ve never taken PDE5 inhibitors before, your doctor will probably recommend you start with the 50mg variety of Viagra. If, after a few attempts, the 50mg dosage isn’t sufficient, talk to your doctor — sildenafil/Viagra also comes in a 100 mg tablet. Regardless of the dose, Viagra should be taken no more than once per 24 hour period.
Cialis (Tadalafil)
The second most common prescription ED medication is the yellow egg-shaped Cialis (generic name tadalafil). Like sildenafil, there are lower and higher doses available. If you’re new to ED medications, your doctor might start you off with the 10mg version. Just like sildenafil though, you could also opt for the higher strength 20mg dose.
Unlike Viagra, Cialis is also available in a lower, daily-dose. Instead of taking medicine on an as-needed basis, the daily-dose (2.5–5mg) is meant to be taken every day. Depending on how often you have sex, and your preference of taking an everyday pill versus taking it an hour or so before sex, you and your doctor might decide that the daily-dose is the right fit.
Levitra (Vardenafil)
Rounding out the roster of most-common ED meds is Levitra (generic name vardenafil). Round and orange, these tables come in 10mg and 20mg doses. Unlike Viagra, which should be taken on an empty stomach, vardenafil can be taken with food. It also tends to last slightly longer than sildenafil. It might not have the same cachet as Viagra, but Levitra can also be very effective in temporarily restoring erectile function. Talk to a doctor about all of your options, including vardenafil.
What to Consider
As mentioned above, if you’re new to the world of prescription ED meds, you’ll probably want to start with a lower dose and work your way up from there as needed. Depending on your age and the severity of your ED, the lower dosages of Viagra, Cialis and Levitra may work just fine. That said, if the dosage doesn’t work as intended after a few separate attempts, talk to your doctor to see if a higher dose, or switching to another medicine, is an option for you.
It’s also important to understand the potential for common and mild, as well as rare and serious, side effects that can come with prescription medicines like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. Thinks like indigestion, runny or stuffy nose, and headache are all potential side effects of PDE5 inhibitors.
More serious side effects like vision changes, fainting, and an erection lasting more than four hours are rare, but require immediate medical attention. Taking a higher dosage could make it more likely for you to experience these side effects.
You should also tell your doctor about any prescription and over-the-counter medicines you’re currently taking — as well as vitamins or supplements — as PDE5 inhibitors can interact with other medicines and cause potentially serious complications.
A Treatment That’s Right For You
The most important step you can take in addressing erectile dysfunction is talking to a doctor to understand all your options. On top of prescription medications, lifestyle changes to diet and exercise can all help in improving erectile function. Whatever your needs are, a doctor will be able to assess your current situation and find the best path forward.
