Sildenafil citrate is one of the widely recommended drugs for managing erectile dysfunction (ED) in men and treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Erectile dysfunction is a condition where men experience weak erections or low sex drive. The inability to satisfy his partner is something that a man would not like to experience more often; this is where sildenafil citrate uses come into play. Moreover, the mental or psychological impact of declining libido forces men to look for an effective medication. In this regard, the effect of sildenafil citrate was well-tested and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998.
The Sildenafil citrate comes in brand and generic versions. It is available in three forms – an oral tablet, an oral suspension or liquid form, and an injection, which is only administered by a qualified doctor. The impact of Sildenafil Citrate on mental health cannot be ascertained due to lack of sufficient medical evidence, but most users find this drug good for achieving strong erection and thereby getting a satisfactory response from their partners.
Sildenafil citrate’s impacts on mental health vary from person to person as it has both positive and negative impacts on mental health. Some studies show that this drug helps improve cognitive function, mood, and confidence. It even potentially reduces suicidal thoughts in certain populations. At the same time, looking at its negative impact, it can cause side effects like headache, nervousness, sleeplessness, behavioral changes, and side effects linked to neuropsychiatric, like anxiety and psychosis.
The positive and negative effects of sildenafil can largely vary depending on the individual, existing medical conditions, medication and supplements taken, and their sensitivity to the drug. More research and studies are needed to fully identify and understand the complex association between sildenafil and psychological effects.
Sildenafil for treating ED and PAH
Viagra is a popular oral drug for treating erectile dysfunction. It is a form of citrate salt of sildenafil, a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5).
Sildenafil-formulated Revatio is recommended to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension or PAH, in which the blood pressure in the lungs becomes too high, and the heart has to work hard to pump blood into the lungs. Sildenafil may also be prescribed for other health conditions as determined by your healthcare expert. Sildenafil citrate comes in 100mg tablets, as well as 25mg and 50mg tablets. Doctors recommend different doses based on the condition and age of the patients suffering from ED and PAH. The usual dose of sildenafil is 50mg, and it is often recommended to be taken only once a day.
How does Sildenafil Citrate work?
Sildenafil belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which means most of the drugs of this group function in a similar way. The effects of medication on mental health cannot be substantially verified, but this medicine works in different ways, depending on the conditions. Some medical studies have found some neuropsychiatric side effects of this medication, but there has been little discussion about sildenafil-induced psychosis effects and their consequences.
How should sildenafil be used, and who should use it?
Sildenafil tablets are not recommended in every case of low sex drive and PAH; rather, the effects of the medication on mental health as well as physical function are considered before administering it. This substance is taken as early as 4 hours before physical intercourse and as late as 30 minutes before going to bed. Usually, it is taken an hour before sex and only once 24 hours. Sildenafil citrate uses and its exact dose, whether it is sildenafil citrate 100mg, 50mg, or 25mg, is decided only by the doctor. This medicine is taken with or without food. However, try to avoid foods rich in fat and oil as they could slow down the response and effect of sildenafil citrate.
Sildenafil citrate side effects
There are some common side effects of sildenafil citrate medicine registered in various cases. Some of those side effects include:
-
- Headache
- Nosebleeds
- Mild fever
- Bronchitis
- Insomnia
- Sore throat
- Skin redness
- Vomiting
- Nasal congestion or stuffy nose
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Usually, these side effects of sildenafil citrate remain low intensity and disappear after a few days or with the use of some home medicines. However, the possibility of some serious side effects cannot be ignored. The grave effects of sildenafil citrate include:
-
- Low blood pressure
- Blurry vision
- Fainting
- Persistent weakness
- Lightheadedness
- Increased shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Chest pain
Precautions with sildenafil citrate
Do not take sildenafil citrate medicine if you have had a heart problem in the past 3 months or stroke or heart failure in the past 6 months. The effects of medication on mental health vary from case to case. Take medical help if the erection takes more than usual time after sex. People taking other medications should consult a doctor before opting for sildenafil citrate uses in order to avoid any medicinal interactions.
