The Ultimate Guide to Sildenafil Side Effects (and How to Handle Them Like a Pro) 

 

If you have ever heard of Viagra, then you have already heard of Sildenafil; it’s the powerful ingredient that helps men treat erectile dysfunction (ED). But just like any other medication out there, it’s good to know what it can do, but it’s equally as important to understand how it might make you feel. 

 

Whether this is your first time taking Sildenafil or you have been taking it for a while, this guide will help you cover everything you need to know about Sildenafil side effects, from the mild stuff like headaches to the rare reactions that deserve a call to your pharmacist. 

What Is Sildenafil and How Does It Work? 

 

Sildenafil belongs to a class of medicines known as PDE5 inhibitors. It aids better erections, which are easier to get and maintain when sexually stimulated.

 

It does so by relaxing blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow where it is needed. It does not lead to random erections — you still need sexual stimulation for it to work. 

 

You’ll take sildenafil up to 30-60 minutes before sex, and the effects can last for up to 4–6 hours, depending on the dose and your body. 

Headaches 

Headaches are the most common side effect of sildenafil, and you’re not made of glass. They occur because the medication dilates blood vessels to boost circulation to where you need it most — but it also impacts the blood vessels in your head. This can lead to a tight, throbbing pain around your temples or behind your eyes an hour or so after taking the dose. 

How to Deal with it 

Stay well-hydrated, since dehydration can make headaches worse. Rest somewhere quiet, and if the pain still persists, well then take a mild painkiller like paracetamol, provided it’s safe for you to take them. But try to avoid alcohol and caffeine on the same day — both can amplify the headache. Most people experience that after a couple of times, the headaches go away on their own. 

Feeling Sick (Nausea) 

Some of the patients using Sildenafil feel a little queasy after taking it. This usually happens because the medication relaxes the muscles throughout the body, including those in your digestive system, which can slow digestion slightly. The queasiness tends to pass once your body adapts to the medication. 

How to manage it 

If you are experiencing nausea, it may be a good idea to take sildenafil on a full stomach instead of an empty one. Opt for something bland like toast or crackers, and try to stay clear of spicy or heavy meals before you take your dose. You can also calm down your stomach by sipping on some ginger or peppermint tea. And if you take the drug and then sit up for a while, or use slow, deep breathing techniques, that can also make a significant difference. If the feeling of sickness keeps returning, your Pharmacist might consider adjusting your dose or trying a different medication that’s gentler on your stomach. 

Flushing 

 

One of the easiest side effects to observe is flushing — that warm, red feeling you get in your face or neck or chest. It happens because sildenafil increases your blood flow near the surface of your skin. 

 

It can seem like a small hot flash, particularly within 30–60 minutes after swallowing your tablet. Some even feel it after a glass of wine or a spicy meal, so it’s completely normal. 

How to calm it down 

• Stay cool — literally. Keep water nearby or use a fan. 
• Avoid alcohol — it makes flushing worse. 
• Try a cool, damp cloth if it feels too warm. 

Flushing usually passes quickly (within an hour or two). It’s harmless, it’s not really something to worry about, and most users of Sildenafil find it less noticeable the more often they take the medication. 

Indigestion (Heartburn) 

Indigestion and mild heartburn are common side effects as Sildenafil relaxes the muscles we have in our stomach. This makes it easy for acid in the stomach to rise to the esophagus, causing that burning feeling in your chest after a meal. 

How to manage it 

To manage it, aim to eat smaller, lighter meals before taking your dose, and don’t lie down too quickly after eating. Fat or spicy foods can increase the discomfort, so it’s best to keep things simple.  

Using the tablet with a little bit of water, on an almost empty stomach, can also minimize indigestion. If you are still experiencing high levels of heartburn, discuss the situation with your pharmacist — an antacid may be useful, or you might benefit from a slightly lower dose. 

Stuffy or Runny Nose 

Sildenafil can give you some mild nasal congestion because it relaxes blood vessels in the nose as well as everywhere else. You may feel a little congested and stuffy or find yourself sniffling more than usual, but generally, this never lasts longer than a day or two and does not harm you in any way. 

What to do 

To ease the pain, stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water and breathing in some steam from a hot shower or cup of tea. But warm liquids can soothe that irritation and make it easier to breathe. Sleeping with your head slightly raised also helps with congestion during the night. 

Feeling Dizzy or Lightheaded 

 

Feeling slightly dizzy after sildenafil? Completely normal — and most times it is temporary. The drug lowers your blood pressure a little, which is part of how it increases blood flow. 

You may be a little woozy, particularly when you stand up too fast or when you’ve been drinking. 

How to handle it 

• Get up gradually — especially from a sitting or lying position. 
• Keep drinking water and avoid alcohol. 
• When dizzy, sit or lie down until the feeling passes. 
• Have something light to eat to help balance your blood sugar. 

If the dizziness lasts for more than a few hours and begins to feel serious, contact your pharmacist. 

Blue Vision (and Other Vision Changes) 

One of the weirdest and rare side effects of sildenafil is blue-tinted vision, where everything appears to have a slight blueish color for a few hours. Some patients also experience a little bit of blur or light sensitivity. 

 

The reason your color perception is altered at all has to do with that tiny blue pill affecting specific enzymes in your retina — the tissue in the back of your eye that’s sensitive to light. 

How to handle it

If the way you see seems “blue,” or if the lights are too bright, sit down and rest your eyes until it fades. The effect tends to go away after a few hours. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until your vision returns to normal. If you do have sudden vision loss or any pain in your eyes, get medical help right away, because that could be a rare but serious reaction. 

Serious Side Effects—When to Get Help

 

Although unlikely, some sildenafil side effects can be serious. Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain, sudden vision loss or hearing loss, pain spreading to your arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating or a general ill feeling, or an erection that is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours. These are the red flags of a more serious condition.  Don’t dismiss those symptoms. Stop using the medication and call your pharmacist or emergency services right away. 

 

What About Tadalafil?

 

Another pill, tadalafil (Cialis), is also prescribed for some men with erection dysfunction; it works like sildenafil but may cause less frequent side effects. It normally lasts for up to 36 hours. A lot of guys like it because of the flexibility and the lasting effect that it provides. If you get too many side effects from sildenafil, then tadalafil is worth discussing with your pharmacist. 

Now you understand Sildenafil’s side effects.

 

Now that you are aware of how to reduce the Sildenafil side effects, you will have more confidence in using it yourself. But if you’re still struggling and the above doesn’t do it for you, then Tadalafil is likely to be a better bet anyway.