While Viagra is one of the most popular ED treatments, there are some roadblocks that people may encounter when searching for it. As a brand-name drug, it can be expensive for some budgets or you might not feel comfortable discussing ED symptoms with a doctor who could prescribe Viagra. This means that when you do have access to Viagra, you might be wondering how to maximize the effect and if chewing or breaking down the oral tablet causes it to work faster.
Chewing Viagra doesn’t make it work faster. This is because tablets that you swallow or chew still have to be broken down in your digestive tract and go through several more steps before they start working.
Viagra is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It works as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor and limits the impact that they have on the body. PDE5s can interfere with how blood moves to the penis and can make getting an erection or maintaining one throughout sex difficult.
When someone takes a Viagra pill, the impact of PDE5s is reduced and an erection is usually easier to achieve. It can take between 30 and 60 minutes on average to take effect, but in some people, it can take up to 2 hours.
The primary ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil, which is also available as a generic medication. If you want to save a little money or Viagra isn’t covered by your insurance, it may be worth considering generic sildenafil.
Read on to learn more about the different types of Viagra, how they work for ED, how to get a prescription, and whether they’re safe.
Viagra and sildenafil have the same active ingredient and work the same way. Brand-name Viagra is more expensive than generic sildenafil, but they’re equally effective.
This is because generic versions have to prove they’re safe and effective to the FDA before they’re approved for sale in the United States.
Sildenafil and Viagra pills may look different
The size, color, and shape of a tablet doesn’t affect how it works, but brand products like Viagra usually have distinct shapes, colors, and markings to help market them.
Sildenafil is approved for more than ED
Viagra is only approved for treating ED, but generic sildenafil is approved to treat both ED and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Sildenafil is available in other forms
Sildenafil is also available as an oral suspension and injectable for use by medical professionals.
Compounding is an option for people when an FDA-approved product isn’t available. These are custom medications made from active ingredients based on a doctor’s prescription.
For example, a pharmacist can transfer the dosage from a tablet to a liquid or create a custom dosage strength based on a doctor’s prescription.
It’s important to remember that compounded medications
According to Jeremy Kahn with the Office of External Affairs at FDA, “Generally, compounded drugs are not FDA approved. This means that FDA does not verify the safety or effectiveness of compounded drugs. Compounded drugs also lack an FDA finding of manufacturing quality before such drugs are marketed.”
Compounded medications have different quality standards depending on where they’re made, whether that be a doctor’s office, state-licensed pharmacy, or outsourced federal facility.
Since Viagra and other ED medications are commonly sold as counterfeit online, it’s important to talk with a doctor about all your ED treatment options. This can help you avoid the risks of buying fake Viagra.
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But keep in mind that quality can vary with compounded medications. That’s why choosing a reputable pharmacy is important if you decide to try chewable Viagra.
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Keep in mind
How well or fast a medication works depends on many factors including genetics, age, other health conditions, other medications you take, and even how you take it (for example, whether you take it on an empty or full stomach).
Viagra and sildenafil oral tablets won’t work faster under your tongue
Viagra tablets and generic sildenafil are meant to be swallowed. These tablets aren’t designed to work under the tongue.
Other forms of sildenafil can work under the tongue
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One reason they start working faster is because the ODF formulations don’t go through the digestive tract to be broken down. The medication is designed to be absorbed by the blood vessels under your tongue and get into your bloodstream quicker.
But sublingual and dissolving sildenafil aren’t in the United States
Sublingual and oral dissolving film tablets aren’t available in the United States right now.
If you’ve tried Viagra and it didn’t seem to work, don’t give up right away. It can take trying it a few times before you know the best timing and dose for you.
This is because medications work a bit differently in each of us. Your doctor may be able to adjust your dose if it didn’t work after a few tries or offer other choices to consider.
There are other treatment options that you can discuss with your doctor.
Other types of PDE5 inhibitors include:
- avanafil (Stendra)
- tadalafil (Cialis)
- vardenafil (Staxyn, Levitra)
Other ED solutions include:
- alprostadil (Caverject, Edex, MUSE)
- testosterone
- lifestyle changes
The best way to take Viagra is on an empty stomach or with a light meal 30 to 60 minutes before engaging in sexual activity. The effects can last up to 4 hours. Remember, Viagra only works with arousal or stimulation.
Don’t take more than one dose in a 24-hour period.
Tips for taking Viagra
Some tips on taking Viagra include the following:
- Avoid eating fatty foods with Viagra because it can slow down how quickly the medication starts to work.
- Avoid drinking grapefruit juice with Viagra because it can interact with the medication.
- Avoid drinking excess alcohol, as it can affect your ability to get an erection.
- Don’t take Viagra if you’re currently on nitrate medications for your heart or alpha blockers for high blood pressure.
Common side effects of Viagra include:
- headache
- indigestion
- upset stomach
- stuffy nose
- dizziness
- back pain
Talk with your doctor if you experience any serious side effects, such as:
- chest pain
- priapism (an erection lasting longer than 4 hours)
- sudden change in vision or hearing
Call 911 if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as:
- swelling of tongue, face, or mouth
- rash or swelling of skin
- trouble breathing
- wheezing
- chest tightness
- pain
Viagra can be a very effective treatment for ED, but it does require a prescription from a doctor. If you are experiencing symptoms of ED and have questions about Viagra’s effectiveness, it’s worth talking with your doctor first.
If you are uncomfortable about meeting with a doctor in person to discuss your ED symptoms, there are many online services available that allow you to meet with a doctor from your home.
Additionally, there are other treatment options for ED besides Viagra that your doctor can discuss with you. It’s important to remember that Viagra doesn’t work for everyone and it is possible that it may not work for you. If you are finding that Viagra isn’t working for you, talk with your doctor to hear their recommendations about other treatments.
Is it possible to speed up the effects of Viagra?
No, there isn’t a way to speed up the effects of Viagra. These tablets need to be processed in your digestive system to take effect and even if you crush or chew the pill, the time it takes for your body to fully process the pill stays about the same.
Like with many medications, if you take it with food, it will take your digestive system longer to fully digest the pill since it’s also processing whatever you recently eat. If you are trying to get the fastest results from Viagra, it should be taken on an empty stomach or after eating a small amount of food.
Will half of a Viagra pill work?
Yes, if you choose to divide a Viagra pill in half, it will still work. Some people may find that they don’t like how a full dose affects them and consider dividing the pill in half. It’s worth noting that Viagra is available in several doses (25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg) so if you’re prescribed a higher dose that feels like it’s too much, talk with your doctor to see if they recommend lowering your dosage.
Can you dissolve Viagra in water?
No, Viagra isn’t water-soluble and won’t dissolve well in water. In fact, it’s possible that breaking up the pill and trying to dissolve it might actually make it less effective. However, it is recommended that you take Viagra with water since it can help the pill move through your digestive system easier.
Indigestion or an upset stomach can be a side effect of Viagra and some people have found that taking Viagra with a glass of water reduced the chances of digestive issues.
If you have trouble swallowing Viagra, consider investing in a pill splitter that can cleanly divide your pills in half without the risk of shattering the pill or creating excessive dust after the break. Pill splitters are also much safer than trying to do it yourself with a sharp knife.
Viagra was the first ED medication introduced way back in 1996. It’s been very successful, helping millions of people.
Viagra is available as oral tablets in three strengths, but a pharmacist can also compound it in other dosage forms, like a chewable or liquid version, though these are not FDA approved.
Chewable Viagra doesn’t work any faster than oral tablets you swallow whole.
ED is a common condition that affects millions of people and has many causes, both psychological and physical. This is why it’s important to get a medical diagnosis to find out what may be causing your ED. A doctor can help you find the best ED treatment based on your age, overall health, and lifestyle.