Introduction: In the fast-paced life of modern society, male friends often feel physically and mentally exhausted due to the pressure of work, family and other aspects.
This feeling of exhaustion not only affects their daily life and productivity, but can also be a potential health problem.
Especially for men, long-term physical fatigue may induce various diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.
In this context, sildenafil, as a first-line drug for the treatment of male ED, has won wide recognition in long-term clinical practice for its remarkable efficacy and safety since its advent more than 20 years ago.
As one of the most widely used and well-known drugs in the field of andrology, sildenafil is not only trusted by doctors, but also won the favor of many patients.
However, despite sildenafil's remarkable efficacy and excellent user feedback, many people have expressed concerns about whether long-term use of the drug can cause addiction.
01
Sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, which is better?
Sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil, all three drugs have shown some efficacy in the treatment of ED, but their effectiveness will vary depending on individual differences.
Sildenafil
Sildenafil is the first phosphodiesterase inhibitor to be put on the market, and its effect is remarkable and has been accepted by the majority of patients. It increases the amount of nitric oxide in the cavernous body by inhibiting the activity of phosphodiesterase, thereby promoting vasodilation, increasing blood flow, and improving erectile function.
However, the effects of sildenafil are not the same for everyone, and some people may experience drug resistance or unsatisfactory results.
Tadalafil
Tadalafil, as a new generation of phosphodiesterase inhibitors, has a similar effect to sildenafil, but the effect is longer, and can last for more than 36 hours.
This makes it more convenient for patients to live intimate lives without the need to take medication in advance every time. However, there may also be some side effects of tadalafil such as headache, facial flushing, etc., which require patients to be aware of while using it.
Vardenafil
Vardenafil is another phosphodiesterase inhibitor with a mechanism of action similar to sildenafil and tadalafil, but the effects may vary from person to person. Some patients may find that vardenafil works better, while others may find it less effective than other medications.
02
Can long-term use of "sildenafil" become addictive?
In the world of medicine, sildenafil is a legendary drug. Although when first hearing about it, many people may be skeptical of it and even scoff at it, believing that it contains hormones that can lead to addiction after taking it.
However, this is far from the case. Sildenafil is not only a proven and effective drug, but also a first-line drug for the treatment of ED in men, and is widely trusted by male patients worldwide.
Under the regulation of neuroendocrine, sildenafil promotes the release of nitric oxide from nerve endings and vascular endothelium through a series of complex biochemical reactions. This response, in turn, increases the level of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which relaxes the smooth muscles of the corpora cavernos, congests the sinuses, hardens the organs, and ultimately achieves its therapeutic effect.
It is important to note that those drugs that can cause addiction often give people a strong sense of mental pleasure or relief from physical pain.
Once these medications are stopped, the patient may feel extremely unwell and unable to accept the physical and mental pain, thus falling into a situation of drug dependence. However, in the case of sildenafil, long-term consumption does not lead to addiction due to its unique mechanism of action.
Therefore, when we have an in-depth understanding of the pharmacological effects and therapeutic effects of sildenafil, we will understand that it is not an addictive drug and will not cause addiction when taken for a long time. The successful application of this drug has not only brought good news to male patients, but also set an example for the medical community, demonstrating the great potential of scientific research and medical development.
03
After stopping the drug, "it is not good" is a physical reason
One may wonder why, after stopping taking certain medications, the body doesn't seem to function as well as it did before, as if it becomes dependent on those medications to maintain its normal function.
Is this long-term dependence on drugs what we commonly call "drug dependence"? However, when we dig deeper, we will find that this view is not entirely accurate.
The root cause of the dysfunction that occurs after stopping the drug is not drug dependence, but the natural development of the disease itself. Taking atherosclerosis and vascular stenosis caused by the "three highs" (hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia) as an example, these pathological changes will gradually affect blood flow to the corpora cavernosa, and then cause ED. The main goal of medication is to relieve this poor blood flow by dilating blood vessels.
This is similar to the principle that many patients with chronic diseases need to take long-term medication to control blood pressure, blood lipids, blood sugar and other indicators. It is precisely because there is no cure for these diseases that patients need to rely on drugs for a long time to maintain the stability of their body functions.
It is important to note that drugs like sildenafil may play an important role in the treatment of ED. Studies have shown that these drugs can promote more blood flow to the corpora cavernosa, providing adequate nutrients to the cavernous cells, helping to maintain cell activity and excitement.
Therefore, for many people with ED, these drugs may be their hope for a healthy life.
04
Are there any side effects after stopping the drug?
The occurrence or absence of drug side effects is often related to various factors such as the individual's physical condition, dosage, and time of medication. Therefore, the issue of side effects after sildenafil discontinuation cannot be generalized.
In general, the main side effects of sildenafil include headache, facial flushing, visual disturbances, etc. These symptoms usually appear within a few hours of taking the medication and in most cases gradually lessen. However, there are also some people who experience side effects that last longer, such as visual disturbances that may last for days or even weeks.
When we stop taking sildenafil, most of the side effects will gradually go away. This is because the concentration of the drug in the body gradually decreases until it disappears completely. However, there are also some side effects that may persist for a while, which may be related to the individual's physical condition and the rate at which the drug is metabolized.
In addition to the common side effects, there are some people who may experience some rare side effects like heart palpitations, low blood pressure, etc. These side effects are usually related to the specific constitution of the individual and have a low probability of occurring.
05
During the period of taking sildenafil, it is clear that 2 points can be used with confidence
Use as directed by a healthcare professional
When using sildenafil for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases or other related diseases, it is highly recommended to do so under the guidance of a doctor. Depending on the patient's specific condition, such as age, gender, weight, health status, and the severity of the disease, the doctor carefully evaluates and determines the most appropriate dosage and medication schedule for the patient.
Your doctor will make a thorough assessment of your overall health, including your medical history, family history, allergies, and other medications you're currently taking. This helps doctors determine whether sildenafil is a good candidate for the patient and determine the most appropriate dose.
In addition, the doctor will develop a personalized medication plan according to the patient's specific situation. This may include guidance on timing, frequency, dose adjustment, etc. Doctors also closely monitor for any side effects or adverse reactions and adjust the medication regimen as needed to ensure patient safety and treatment outcomes.
Dosage control
For most men with ED, the recommended starting dose is 50 mg. This dose is usually effective in improving ED and improving quality of life. However, since each patient's physical response and severity of illness may vary, the doctor adjusts the dose according to the patient's specific situation. The dosage is usually adjusted between 25 mg and 100 mg to ensure that the drug is working at its maximum without placing an unnecessary burden on the body.
It is important to note that sildenafil can only be taken at most once a day. Excessive use may lead to an increase in adverse effects, such as headache, facial flushing, etc. Therefore, patients should strictly follow the doctor's advice when using it.
In addition, for men who have a more frequent private life, they may need to take sildenafil more often. In this case, the doctor may advise them to take the medication regularly twice a week. However, this again needs to be decided on a case-by-case basis and on the advice of the doctor.
06
No matter how good sildenafil is, these 4 conditions are not recommended
Patients with cardiovascular disease
In patients with cardiovascular disease, sildenafil needs to be used with extreme caution. This is because sildenafil has the potential to cause blood vessels to dilate, further increasing the burden on the heart. This can pose serious health risks for patients with conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.
Patients who are taking nitrates
The use of sildenafil is also not recommended for patients who are taking nitrates. Because nitrates and sildenafil have similar pharmacological effects, the use of both together may cause excessive drops in blood pressure, leading to serious health problems.
Patients with severe liver or kidney disease
The use of sildenafil also needs to be carefully considered in patients with severe liver or kidney disease. This is because sildenafil is metabolized and excreted primarily through the liver and kidneys, which can increase the burden on the liver and kidneys and further impair their function in patients with liver and kidney insufficiency.
minor
In addition, the use of sildenafil is also not recommended for minors. This is because minors are not yet physically mature and have a different ability to respond to drugs and metabolize them than adults, so the use of sildenafil may pose unknown health risks.