Viagra is a commonly used medication that’s prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Because of how popular this medication is, it’s important to understand how it can interact with other substances and any dangerous implications that could occur from combining this treatment with another prescription.
People use CBD for a variety of reasons, and due to its popularity, it’s probable that people use it alongside Viagra. As CBD becomes more widespread, there are a variety of questions being raised about potential interactions with other substances and health products.
Even though experts generally consider both CBD and Viagra safe, that doesn't mean that using them together is. Interactions inside the body can be complex and unpredictable. So, how safe really is it to use CBD and Viagra together?
What is Viagra?
Sildenafil is the generic name for Viagra, a medication that works to treat erectile dysfunction temporarily. Viagra is considered a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor and works by improving blood flow to the penis. While Viagra can induce an erection, it is only a temporary solution, and it will not have an impact on someone’s sexual drive.
Viagra is provided as a tablet and should only be taken as instructed by a doctor. Following your doctor’s orders is especially important with this medication, as there are certain factors that can reduce its effectiveness. If you notice that you don’t get the desired effects from Viagra, there may be some outside circumstances that are impacting its efficacy. In this case, contacting your doctor and raising your concerns is best.
Viagra is generally considered safe, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some possible side effects that can accompany this medication. Possible side effects include:
- Nausea
- Nosebleeds
- Light sensitivity
- Muscle pain
- Blurred vision
- Fainting
- Painful erection
Viagra is a medication that should only be combined with other substances under the guidance of a doctor. If you take any other medications, it’s essential to be sure that your doctor is aware of them to ensure there aren’t any potential adverse interactions that could occur.
What are the Benefits of Combining CBD and Viagra?
One of the most prominent benefits that can come from this combination is reduced anxiety. Research indicates that CBD may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, which may help improve someone’s sexual performance.1 If you struggle with anxiety related to performance, then CBD may be a great solution.
Some people also struggle sexually because of chronic pain. If you deal with this, then you may consider if CBD could be the right option for you. Current research suggests that CBD may be an effective treatment for pain, so it may be an excellent option for those who want quick relief.2 If you’re going to be using CBD for pain, then both oral and topical products may be great options. However, topical products may be best if you’re looking for localized relief. If you’re looking for more comprehensive relief that lasts for hours, an edible or tincture option could be right for you.
Interestingly, research suggests that even a single dose of CBD may help lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular function.3
While all of these benefits come from CBD alone, it doesn't take a great imagination to put together how they might combine well with the benefits of Viagra. Still, while these benefits can be tempting, it’s important to remember that not everyone experiences the same benefits. It’s not possible to predict how someone will react to the combination of CBD and Viagra, so it’s important to keep that in mind if you’re going to be taking both of these things at the same time.
What are the Risks of Using CBD and Viagra Together?
If you’re planning on taking CBD and Viagra together, then you may be wondering if there are any risks that you should be aware of. There hasn’t been significant research to understand the effects of combining CBD and Viagra. It’s possible that cannabis use could change some of the pharmacokinetic properties of Viagra, but more research needs to be done.4
There is one noted case from 2002 in which a patient took both cannabis and Viagra, and it resulted in a myocardial infarction.5 However, this was a product with THC in it, so it’s not possible to make inferences based on this case about CBD products alone. While this case did involve THC, it’s an important warning to be aware of when it comes to potential health effects that could arise from combining CBD and Viagra.
In considering using CBD and Viagra together, it’s also important to think about any other medications that you may be taking. Other medications may complicate the effects of this combination, so be sure to speak with your doctor about your medication routine and if it’s okay to add CBD or Viagra to it.
Precautions to Take When Combining CBD and Viagra
Taking CBD and Viagra together is not without its risks, but are there precautions that should be taken?
In order to answer that question, more research needs to be done in this area. More research will hopefully reveal precautions that should be taken and any risks that users should be aware of.
One of the most important things to do is speak with your doctor about your intentions to combine these two substances. They’ll be able to provide personalized advice to ensure you don't experience any adverse effects. Be sure to ask any questions you may have and be sure to share any concerns of yours that arise.
It is possible that combining CBD and Viagra could increase the side effects of Viagra, so it’s important to be aware of those and watch out for them. If you experience adverse side effects and are concerned, don’t hesitate to reach out to a medical professional and share your concerns with them.
If you have pre-existing health conditions, then it’s most likely best for you to avoid this combination of substances. There hasn’t been enough research to understand potential interactions that could occur, so opting to stay away is an excellent way to protect your health and avoid potential risks.
If you are going to be combining these two substances, it’s best only to do so occasionally. Using this combination consistently could lead to adverse side effects.
Can CBD Replace Viagra?
In short, no, CBD is not an adequate replacement for Viagra.
While CBD has many potential benefits, directly impacting erectile dysfunction isn’t one of them. Using CBD alone is unlikely to provide the same benefits that Viagra does. While this is true, that doesn’t mean that CBD doesn’t provide some indirect benefits for erectile dysfunction, such as reducing anxiety and impacting blood pressure.6
If you’re looking for a treatment for erectile dysfunction, then it’s best to look at options other than CBD. With that being said, there likely will not be any adverse effects from trying out CBD on its own as an erectile dysfunction treatment. As always, speaking with your doctor before adding anything to your health and wellness routine is important.
References
- Sharpe L, Sinclair J, Kramer A, de Manincor M, Sarris J. Cannabis, a cause for anxiety? A critical appraisal of the anxiogenic and anxiolytic properties. Journal of Translational Medicine. 2020;18(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-020-02518-2
↩︎ - Ueberall M, Essner U, Mueller-Schwefe GHH. Effectiveness and tolerability of THC:CBD oromucosal spray as add-on measure in patients with severe chronic pain: analysis of 12-week open-label real-world data provided by the German Pain e-Registry. Journal of Pain Research. 2019;Volume 12:1577-1604. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/jpr.s192174
↩︎ - Jadoon KA, Tan GD, O’Sullivan SE. A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study. JCI Insight. 2017;2(12). doi:https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.93760
↩︎ - Murtadha M, Raslan MA, Fahmy SF, Sabri NA. Changes in the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Sildenafil in Cigarette and Cannabis Smokers. Pharmaceutics. 2021;13(6):876. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13060876
↩︎ - McLeod AL, McKenna CJ, Northridge DB. Myocardial infarction following the combined recreational use of viagra® and cannabis. Clinical Cardiology. 2002;25(3):133-134. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/clc.4960250310
↩︎ - Kumric M, Dujic G, Vrdoljak J, et al. CBD supplementation reduces arterial blood pressure via modulation of the sympatho-chromaffin system: A substudy from the HYPER-H21-4 trial. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2023;160:114387. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114387
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
