There are some slight differences in how quickly ED drugs take effect, and the duration of their effects differ. Levitra is effective for a little longer than Viagra-where Viagra is good for about 4 hours, Levitra’s effects last roughly 5 hours. Both of the drugs take effect in about 30 minutes time.
Cialis works a little faster (about 15 minutes, but its effects are much more long-lasting, sometimes up to 36 hours (hence its nickname “the weekend pill”). You’ll need to discuss with your doctor what your exact needs are with the prescription.
Be aware that if one drug isn’t working for your ED problem, it’s not likely that another one of the three will, since they all work essentially the same way.
All three, however, have similar side effects that you’ll need to be aware of. If you have any of the following factors, you’ll need to discuss them with your doctor:
- Allergies to any drugs
- Any medications you’re already taking, prescription or over the counter, including dietary supplements or herbal compounds.
- Any surgeries that might be coming up, including oral surgery.
- Prescriptions for nitrates or nitroglycerin for angina. Combining Viagra, Cialis or Levitra with a drug of this kind can bring a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
- Prescriptions for alpha-blockers for hypertension or prostate issues. Again, alpha blockers and Cialis or Levitra can cause your blood pressure to drop dangerously low.
If you have suffered a heart attack, stroke, arrhythmia or chest pain during sex, you’ll need to bring this to your doctor’s attention. Don’t take any of these drugs more than once a day, and be sure to follow your doctor’s orders and read the additional precautions on the packaging. Any further questions should be taken up with your physician or prescribing pharmacist.
All three drugs do have infrequent side effects that can include heartburn, upset stomach, flushing, changes in vision, back pain (with Cialis), headache and nasal congestion. You’ll know if any of these symptoms become severe enough to contact your doctor (of if they last more that 4-8 hours).
More serious side effects can include a prolonged erection (more than 4 hours), chest pain, itching or burning while urinating, fainting or painful erection. Some isolated cases of NAION (nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy) have been reported; it’s a sudden loss of vision due to impaired blood flow to the optic nerve. Increased risk factors for NAION would include:
- Age of 50 or older
- Heart Disease
- High blood pressure
- Certain specific eye problems
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- High Cholesterol
Always take any of these drugs as directed. Be sure to store them in their original packaging, out of reach of children and in a cool place (not in the bathroom medicine cabinet).
Got Erectile Dysfunction? For a low cost solution call Patient’s Choice Medical Center of Las Vegas at (702) 474-6300