Viagra is one of the many drugs that resulted from a happy laboratory accident. Scientists weren’t searching specifically for a drug to increase erectile function. But their study subjects reported a “side-effect” of easier and better erections. The drug was refocused for this purpose, and the rest is now history.
Buy Generic Viagra in Australia
Sildenafil, the chemical name of the compound, changed the concept of sexual aging after its patenting in 1996. Prior to Viagra’s availability, many men would find their ability to perform sexually declining in step with their increasing years. This caused frustration and mental stress, as the mental desire for sexuality is not always tied to the physical ability to perform sexually.
It is a commonly accepted prescription drug these days. But when it was first introduced, it was often met with laughter or embarrassment. Even today, despite the changing societal acceptance of it, some patients who utilize it are careful to keep their usage a secret.
Viagra recreational use
Because of the sexual performance aspects of Viagra’s use, the drug has started to gain a certain amount of “street cred” for recreational use. Some casual users will trade stories of how Viagra increases sexual libido or increases the size of the penis. For this reason, and others, a trade has started to grow in Viagra along the same channels as other drugs. Viagra is legal, but only when prescribed; and recreational users should be aware of the risks.
Side effects
As with all drugs, there are certain side effects to be cognizant of. Sildenafil works by increasing vasodilation of certain arterial blood vessels in the body. Sexually, this has the effect of increasing blood flow to the penis. In the rest of the body however, this can see a general lowering of blood pressure, or hypotension. Even in some patients that could benefit from a reduction in blood pressure this can still lead to dangerous complications. Which is why Viagra remains a prescription drug that should only be administered under a doctor’s supervision.
A further issue with recreational use of Viagra is the counterfeiting of the substance. As with all drugs received from unofficial suppliers, such sources are not subject to oversight or testing. Literally, someone can say almost anything they might sell or give a customer is Viagra, and few customers have the knowledge or ability to verify the claim. Customers in this position could be lucky and only receive a sugar pill, but less scrupulous street suppliers might repackage other drugs or pills they have on hand to look like Viagra. That could lead to serious issues when their unsuspecting clients use the unknown drugs.
Already a well-known drug, Sildenafil got a further boost a few years ago when it came off patent in many countries. Where before, only pharmaceutical giant Pfizer could produce and distribute Viagra, now other suppliers are free to join the market. The drop in costs, typical in most drugs that enter generic status, has made Sildenafil even more common to encounter. This is easy to understand when the price has dropped as much as five times from its previous levels.
I am General practitioner (GP) in Melbourne since 2006.