Erectile dysfunction or impotence is commonly experienced by men as they grow older. It is characterized by difficulty or inability to maintain erection during sexual activity. Penile erection is caused by physical and mental stimulation that causes blood to enter the blood vessels in the penis. However, some men are having difficulty in getting an erection and even maintaining it. Age is not the only considered factor here because there are many other reasons why erectile dysfunction happens like unhealthy lifestyle, injuries in the brain and spinal cord, diseases, drugs, kidney failure, etc.
Levitra is one of the medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction. It is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor or PDE5 inhibitor. Drugs like these increases blood flow and relax muscles in the penis, which causes erection. There are other drugs in the market that gives the same effect such as Viagra and Cialis. However, they have different chemical make up and side effects.
Side effects
Typical side effects of this drug include back pains, having an upset stomach, redness and warm feeling in the chest, face, and neck, as well as headache, runny nose, and dizziness. However, there are more alarming side effects of this drug that users must watch out for. You need to seek for emergency medical help if you experience shortness of breath, sudden loss of hearing and vision, and seizures. Some people also had irregular heartbeat and chest pain accompanied by nausea and heavy sweating. The pain usually spreads through the shoulders and arms. Another bad side effect of it is swelling of hands, feet, and ankles and having penis erection for more than 4 hours. The last one is the most alarming side effect and immediate help is very much needed in this case.
How to Take
You can take Levitra with or without food. However, this can only be taken once a day and only when needed. Some people with other health issues are prescribe a lower dose of this drug or are only allowed to take it within 3 days after the last use. You should follow your doctor’s prescription because they know your condition and they can adjust the dosage if needed. This medicine is taken an hour before sex. But if the erection becomes painful and lasts for about 4 hours, call your doctor immediately.
Be careful in taking this medicine if you have the following conditions
If you had liver problems, heart attack, low or high blood pressure, seizures or convulsions, and stomach ulcer, you must tell your doctor first about it. The medicines that you are taking for these conditions may negatively react with Levitra and cause serious side effects and health hazards. This is also not very advisable for people with hearing and vision loss because this medicine may aggravate those conditions. But if it really needed, your doctor can give you lower doses. People with blood cell disorders and bleeding disorders like hemophilia should also take caution. Those with Peyronie’s disease (a rare condition characterized by penis deformity) will need a doctor’s advice before taking this drug too.