Men suffering from a condition called erectile dysfunction, or impotence in common terms, are often moved by some psycho-social need to seek medical treatment. While the condition does not exactly pose a health risk, the psychological aspect of being unable to perform something that one is supposedly physiologically equipped for can cause problems. It is this need that spurred the development of various drug formulations as treatments for the condition of erectile dysfunction. With the controversial introduction of male impotence drug Viagra in 1998, discussions on erectile dysfunction, whether for academic or social reasons, has slowly gained acceptance. More and more products have been developed to treat the dysfunction including vacuum devices and other oral drugs such as Levitra and Cialis.
The normal course of action for physicians consulted for erectile dysfunction would be to go from the least invasive method towards the most invasive method. Common options presented to anyone seeking treatment for the condition include lifestyle changes, counselling, and medication. As far as medication goes, there are those that are natural and, well, those that are not from natural sources. Natural cures are known to be safer and with less harmful side effects. Drugs like Levitra have a long list of side-effects that they are mandated to disclose to the public. Levitra side effects range from minor inconveniences to major life threatening illnesses.
Levitra, or verdenafil hydrochloride, is a prescription drug that blocks the chemical phosphodiesterase5 which causes the penile muscles to constrict and makes penile erection impossible to achieve. The drug works by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide in relaxing penile muscles during sexual stimulation. Levitra intake should be limited to one pill per day, taken about an hour before sexual activity. Clinical studies show that Levitra side effects can manifest especially for those who have heart problems and diabetes. Drug interaction can also result in Levitra side effects.
Among the major Levitra side effects are blindness and cardiovascular diseases. Anyone using Levitra can suffer from vision impairment that can be temporary or permanent. Clinical results show incidences of blurred vision, color vision changes, eye pain, and glaucoma in fewer than 2 percent of all cases. In rare cases, permanent blindness presented itself as one of the Levitra side effects. A condition called non-arteretic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), included in the list of Levitra side effects, has been known to lead to sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. People who are older than 50 years old and have illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and high cholesterol face higher risks of contracting this condition as a result of Levitra intake.
A number of patients claim to have experienced Levitra side effects concerning the heart, brain, and blood vessels. The use of Levitra has been known to increase the possibility of heart attacks, strokes, or sudden deaths. Other lesser serious, although not necessarily less alarming, side effects of using Levitra as treatment for erectile dysfunction are allergic reactions, arthritis, insomnia, chest pain, muscle pain, and hypertension.
Given these side effects, it would perhaps be best for anyone intending to take Levitra to have a more extensive consultation with his physician to cover all possibilities as well as other options available to him. Erectile dysfunction is a condition that can be treated in so many ways. It is not a dangerous condition, and it should not be made dangerous by taking the wrong medication.