Hard Facts: What Happens When You Combine Viagra and Weed?

Viagra is a medication commonly used by men to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Research suggests that between 30 million and 50 million men in the United States have ED, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). ED is more common as people get older. At age 40, about 40% of men are affected, and 70% report having ED by the age of 70.

Viagra is the most well-known medication for ED, with more than 1.2 million men using the drug in 2023, according to data from ClinCalc. With the popularity of the medication and the widening legalization of cannabis, some consumers might wonder if it’s safe to mix Viagra and weed.

Both Viagra and weed affect the cardiovascular system. Because of this, patients should probably avoid mixing the two medications except under the advice of a physician. This guide dives deeper into the question.

What is Viagra?

Viagra is a brand-name medication commonly used to treat ED. The generic form of the medication, sildenafil, is also approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). 

Viagra was initially developed to treat the heart condition angina, but it failed in clinical trials. When the researchers realized it was also causing erections, they began developing the drug as a treatment for ED. It was the first medication approved to treat erectile dysfunction in 1998.

Viagra is one of a group of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It 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 prevent the enzyme PDE-5 from binding to and breaking down cGMP, which dilates blood vessels, thereby decreasing blood pressure and increasing blood flow.

Viagra is FDA-approved and widely prescribed, 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.

Viagra may also cause more serious side effects. 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 (priapism).

What Does Current Research Say About Interactions Between Viagra and Weed?

There is little research on combining weed and Viagra, so the safety profile of mixing the two is not known. Patients should seek the advice of a physician and proceed with caution.

Anecdotally, some people report that cannabis enhances their sexual experience, increasing libido and leading to more satisfying orgasms, but research has yet to back these claims up.. With these claims and the growing availability of cannabis, some may think that weed and Viagra are a natural combination. But even substances that are as widely used and prescribed, like Viagra and weed, can have their risks. 

Cannabis and Viagra both affect the cardiovascular system, and these effects can overlap dangerously. Cannabis can temporarily increase heart rate and blood pressure, leading to an increased risk of heart attack in people with an underlying condition. According to a study published in Clinical Cardiology in 2002, researchers documented a single case of an individual who had a heart attack after taking cannabis and Viagra.¹

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. And since Viagra is used to treat ED, there’s even more concern because of the increased heart rate associated with sexual activity. 

Some research has shown cannabis to be a CYP3A4 inhibitor, according to information compiled by the District of Columbia Department of Health. The CYP3A4 enzyme metabolizes many medications in the body, including sildenafil, according to the Penn State College of Medicine. 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 published in the peer-reviewed journal Pharmaceutics, both cannabis and cigarettes increased concentrations of sildenafil. While the researchers concluded that the increase from cannabis wasn’t significant, it was still present.² This is why the NIH warns that using Viagra along with CYP3A4 inhibitors increases risk and calls for additional monitoring.

Why You Should Talk to Your Doctor Before Considering Weed and Viagra

Patients who are considering mixing cannabis and Viagra, including CBD, should first have a conversation with their doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks. Remember that both Viagra and weed can affect the cardiovascular system, so it’s best to avoid mixing the two except under the advice of a physician.

Men who are currently taking Viagra and are considering replacing the medication with cannabis should also talk to their doctor to discuss any potential risks of quitting or reducing Viagra, which can include the return of ED symptoms.

To talk to a doctor about weed and Viagra, schedule a consultation with a physician, ideally one who has experience with both sexual health and cannabis.

References

1. 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 ↩︎
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 ↩︎

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.