Is Viagra Dependency a Thing?

A large population of men around the globe is suffering from a common sexual problem, impotence. It is generally known as Ed, Erectile dysfunction, an inability to get or keep an erection enough for sex. And, if you are among those men, you may hear about Viagra, a popular Ed pill. If you have thought of using it or already taking it, you may have worried about the dangers of its long-term use, haven't you? So here in this article, we have discussed some queries that you might have about Viagra dependency. Read on to know more.

Viagra, A Little Blue Pill

Viagra containing Sildenafil citrate is a PDE5 inhibitor medicine that increases blood flow to the penis to help a man get an erection. It's a quick, convenient option orally taken an hour before sex. Viagra is for all men above 18 years of age and is taken when a doctor seems helpful in their symptoms of Ed. It is a safe and effective medication against Ed but may also cause some common side effects in some people. But taking doses and duration as a doctor suggests and following proper instructions can help prevent any negative consequences. And one of the common concerns among men using Viagra is about its addiction or habit forming. 

Is Viagra Physically Addictive or Habit-forming?

For your information, Viagra is not addictive and does not cause any habit-forming tendency. Most men who take Viagra for Ed do not develop any physical or psychological dependence on it. 

 Many prescription or nonprescription medications can cause physical dependence and addiction. On average, more than two million people over the globe face some level of opioid use disorder. Opioid medications help in relieving pain, and they often cause drug addiction. 

 But Viagra is not an opioid; it means taking Sildenafil will not develop any physical addiction. Meaning that you will not face a physical dependence on it or develop any withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly. 

 The same thing happens with All Ed medications, such as Cialis(Tadalafil), Levitra(Vardenafil), and Stendra(Avanafil). You would not feel any physical dependence on these Ed medications too. 

 There is no scientific evidence that these Ed medications or other Ed drugs cause physical addiction.

 However, Viagra can cause some common side effects, but it's not a reason linked to physical addiction or withdrawal if you want to stop taking it.

Can You Become Psychologically Dependent on Viagra?

As you read above, Viagra or other generic form of Sildenafil isn't physically addictive. But people who use it improperly may become psychologically dependent due to its optimal result on sexual performance. For example, Improper use of Viagra includes using its high dose or taking it without a prescription. 

When you use Viagra incorrectly as a recreational drug, it may potentially have negative effects on your health. 

However, such consequences of psychological dependence are not seen when you take Viagra under a prescription. The purpose of using this Ed medicine is clear; you take it at the prescribed dose and duration. It would be best to take Viagra or other Ed drugs only when a doctor suggests them. 

The chances of psychological dependency are higher in younger men without Ed who use Viagra or other Ed drugs to boost their sexual performance. It is because Viagra and other Ed medications may have benefits on their sexual performance even if they do not have Ed. They can shorten the refractory period and have firmer erections, and make their sexual performance more optimal. 

While using Viagra without a prescription to boost sexual performance isn't the same as using Viagra when you are suggested for it. Instead, abusing the medication by using it in a way that isn't recommended then it can be unsafe. Viagra comes in different dosage strengths like 25mg, 50mg, or 100mg for Ed, but taking a higher dose can be unsafe without a prescription. Also, the developers of these Ed drugs and the FDA do not endorse or recommend taking them without a prescription. 

Using Viagra this way can cause psychological dependency and may increase the risk of developing adverse effects from Viagra. 

Common side effects of Viagra and other Ed drugs may cause headaches, muscle pain, flushing, dizziness, nausea, etc. So, it's all upon you whether you want to experience these risks to boost your sexual performance even if you do not have ED. 

Can You Build a Tolerance to Viagra?

When it comes to building a Tolerance to Viagra, the chances are less. Viagra is generally seen to have a slow and gradual progression of tolerance. Once a user finds the right dose, they do not need to increase the dosage as far for many years. 

But in the only case where Sildenafil abuse was reported, the chances of adverse effects were high. They arrived when taking seriously high doses of the medication, exceeding safe dosages. 

However, there are no long-term effects of Viagra tolerance, but it was due to taking too much of the Pfizer little blue pill. 

And, if we talk about the loss of Viagra efficacy over time, it can be due to changes in our body or health. The severity of the condition may require a higher dosage to get rid of the symptoms. But it is essential to consult a doctor before making any changes in the dosage. 

Can Viagra Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Viagra does not have any harmful effect on your penis, as it works by increasing blood flow. It doesn't damage your penis or vascular system or cause any natural depletion in your ability to perform in bed.

However, Viagra, without a prescription taken to boost sexual performance, can, over time, enhance your attitude about your sex. It increases your sexual confidence with medication but may reduce it when you do not take medication. According to the research, these negative consequences can develop psychological dependence, which may develop psychological erectile dysfunction. 

Under such circumstances, you may feel a minor type of performance anxiety, where you feel incapable or disappointed if you are not using medication. 

But, such a situation may appear due to a series of steps that takes you in the wrong direction for some time. Not a single use or rarely attempted consequences can lead to such psychological dependency. 

So using Viagra or any other Ed drug recreationally to boost your sexual performance will not cause Ed itself. But it could lead to stress and performance anxiety which is not exactly better for one. 

How to Avoid Viagra Dependency 

When you use Viagra as prescribed, it's a safe, effective, reliable medication. And it is the best way to prevent the risk of Viagra dependency. So if you have a prescription for Viagra or any other Ed drug you take, there's no need to worry about dependence.

Here are some general precautions and guidelines to avoid misusing Viagra. 

Take Viagra only at the prescribed dose-

Viagra, like other medications, also comes in different dosages. For example, 25mg, 50mg, 100mg, and the mostly recommended dose in most men is 50mg. So make sure you take the strength your doctor or healthcare provider advises. If you do not see any improvement from Viagra with the prescribed dose or develop any side effects, please consult a doctor soon. 

Keep realistic sexual performance expectations

You may risk becoming psychologically dependent on Viagra if you always wish to have unrealistic sexual performance expectations. You end up misusing Viagra to make yourself able to always get a firm, lasting erection even if you do not have Ed. So it would be best to communicate clearly with your partner and be realistic about your sexual performance. 

Use Viagra only when needed

Better you take it only when prescribed and when needed, take it an hour before sex. Try taking an Ed pill when anxious or concerned about your sexual performance. 

Limit the watch time of porn if you watch them

Watching porn may negatively affect your sexual performance and also affect your sexual expectations. In some cases, this habit can help to lead to a form of Ed known as Porn-induced erectile dysfunction. So if you try to get hard even with your partner, then you must try limiting the amount of pornography you watch.

Consider other treatments for Erectile dysfunction

Regarding Ed medications, Viagra and other Ed drugs are highly effective in preventing the symptoms of Ed. But these drugs are not the only option available for you. Some other options are also available to treat Ed, which include psychotherapy, vacuum erection devices, pelvic floor exercises, and surgical procedures. Using them or combining them with Viagra may help you improve your sexual responses. But consider choosing these treatment options only after discussing a professional medical advisor.