Erectile dysfunction affects an estimated 30 million men in the U.S. ED is most common in men over 40, with numbers increasing with age. One study reported that the percentage of men suffering from ED increases from 5% to 15% between ages 40 and 70.
Viagra and its generic form, sildenafil, are commonly prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction, and it’s proven effective for most people. Viagra is easily the most well-known ED treatment, with a history going back decades.
With the popularity of Viagra and the growing legalization of cannabis, plenty of people are wondering whether or not it’s safe to use them simultaneously.
Cannabis, like Viagra, is commonly used to enhance intimacy. If you’re looking to use cannabis and Viagra together, it’s a good idea to understand the effects of these medications on the body.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is the brand name for sildenafil, a medication commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil is also approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In fact, Viagra was originally developed to treat angina, a heart condition, but it failed in trials. When the researchers realized it was causing erections, they took the drug in another direction, to great success. Viagra was the first medication approved to treat erectile dysfunction in 1998.
Viagra belongs to a classification of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Viagra was the first PDE5 inhibitor approved for use in the U.S. PDE5 inhibitors work by mimicking cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). In doing so, PDE5 inhibitors also stop the enzyme, PDE-5, from binding to and breaking down cGMP, which dilates blood vessels, decreasing blood pressure and increasing blood flow.
Viagra is generally considered safe, but there are potential side effects. These include:
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Headaches
- Feeling warm or warm to the touch
- Reddening of flushing, especially in the face
- Sudden nosebleeds
- Difficulty sleeping
- Burning, tingling, or numbness in the extremities
- Aching in the muscles
- Light sensitivity
- Seeing an unusual blue tint on objects that aren’t blue or not being able to tell the difference between blue and green
There are more serious side effects of Viagra as well. They include:
- Blurry vision
- Sudden vision loss
- Sudden hearing loss
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness
- Chest pain
- Burning during urination
- Rash
- Painful erection
- Erection lasting more than 4 hours
Viagra and Weed Interaction
Even substances that are generally considered safe, like cannabis or Viagra, have their risks.
Cannabis and Viagra both affect the cardiovascular system, and these effects can overlap in a dangerous way. Cannabis can temporarily increase heart rate and blood pressure, leading to an increased risk of heart attack in people with an underlying condition.
Sildenafil works by dilating the blood vessels. The combination of increased heart rate from cannabis and the dilated blood vessels from Viagra could be harmful. Of course, since Viagra is used to treat ED, there’s even more concern about increased heart rate (this time from sexual activity).
Cannabis is also a known CYP3A4 inhibitor. The CYP3A4 enzyme is used by the body to break down many medications, including sildenafil. By blocking the CYP3A4 enzyme, cannabis can increase the amount of Viagra in the system, potentially making it last longer and amplifying its effects.
According to a 2021 study, both cannabis and cigarettes increased concentrations of sildenafil. While the researchers concluded that the increase from cannabis wasn’t significant, it was still present. This is why the National Institutes of Health (NIH) warn that using Viagra along with CYP3A4 inhibitors increases risk and calls for additional monitoring.
Are There Any Benefits to Using Viagra with Weed?
Cannabis and Viagra have both been shown to help people better enjoy sex, making them seem like a logical combination. There may be some benefits to using both substances, but those benefits come from the individual effects of cannabis and Viagra, and there doesn’t seem to be any added benefit from using both together.
Viagra treats erectile dysfunction, allowing men suffering from the condition to achieve and maintain an erection and perform sexually. Meanwhile, cannabis has multiple effects known to enhance the sexual experience. These effects work independently of one another, and likely won’t be enhanced by combining the substances.
If there is any benefit to using cannabis and Viagra together, it isn’t well understood, and more research is required into how these substances interact within the body.
Are There Any Risks When Taking Viagra with Marijuana?
Despite both cannabis and Viagra being considered relatively safe on their own, the combination of the two may pose elevated cardiovascular risks that shouldn’t be ignored. Both substances work on the cardiovascular system, increasing heart rate and blood flow. This combination may increase the risk of serious heart complications, including heart attack.
There isn’t much research specifically into the combination of Viagra and cannabis. In a single case report from 2006, an individual using both cannabis and Viagra simultaneously suffered a heart attack. The researchers studying the incident theorized that it resulted because cannabis acts as a CYP3A4 inhibitor.
In fact, the NIH also cautioned against using Viagra along with CYP3A4 inhibitors, like cannabis, because slowing the body’s breakdown of a medication can potentially increase levels of that medication to a dangerous point.
Combine the enhanced effects of Viagra on the cardiovascular system with the increased risk of heart attack reported immediately following cannabis use, and there’s a clear reason consumers should approach with caution.
While there isn’t much research into the interactions between cannabis and Viagra, the way the two interact in the body could produce potentially serious risks for some consumers. As such, it is best to consult with your doctor before taking cannabis and Viagra simultaneously.
Precautions to Take When Combining Viagra and THC
It’s not recommended to combine cannabis and Viagra because they both affect the cardiovascular system, potentially putting unnecessary stress on the heart.
Before using both cannabis and Viagra together, speak with your physician about the potential risks.
Weed Alternatives for Enhancing Bed Performance
Cannabis and sex have a complicated relationship. For a lot of people, cannabis can help enhance the sexual experience, causing euphoria and enhancing pleasure. However, when it comes to sexual health, especially in men, the research is unclear.
There is evidence that cannabis can both enhance male sexual health and increase enjoyment. And, according to a 2020 study, increased cannabis use was associated with increased male sexual function.
At the same time, there have also been studies that suggest that there is a higher incidence of erectile dysfunction in regular cannabis users.
For a majority of consumers, it would seem that moderate cannabis use has no impact or may enhance sexual function. Still, maintaining good overall health is the best way to avoid ED. Good overall cardiovascular health, maintaining a healthy weight, and preventing risk factors like diabetes are going to do more to prevent erectile dysfunction than cannabis or Viagra ever could.
References
1. Feldman HA, Goldstein I, Hatzichristou DG, Krane RJ, McKinlay JB. Impotence and Its Medical and Psychosocial Correlates: Results of the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. Journal of Urology. 1994;151(1):54-61. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-5347(17)34871-1
2. 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
3. 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
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.
