CBD and Viagra - it's a combo that has caught the curiosity of many, mainly by happenstance. You’re already taking CBD daily to reap it’s potential benefits, but you want to add in a dose of Viagra here and there and you’re wondering–can you take CBD and Viagra together?
As with any combination of medications or supplements, caution and knowledge are key. In this article, we'll dive into the world of CBD and Viagra, exploring if and how they can be used together safely.
Here’s what you need to know:
Table of Contents
What is CBD and What is Viagra?
Potential Interactions of CBD and Viagra
How to Take CBD and Viagra Together
Alternate Options: Using CBD for Sex Drive
Other Natural Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction
Conclusion
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its more famous cousin, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD doesn't have psychoactive effects. Instead, it's known for its potential health benefits, including reducing anxiety, pain relief, and supporting sleep.
CBD is available without a prescription and is best used daily for compounding, consistent effects. The effects of CBD can last between 4-8 hours depending on the dosage and dosing method used. For this reason, it’s often used to enhance sexual performance, though research on its benefits for ED is limited.
Viagra is a well-known medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping men achieve and sustain an erection during sexual activity. It also has vasodilating effect, which could compound with the effects of CBD.
Viagra is FDA-approved and available only by prescription. Doctors prescribe it for erectile dysfunction for males aged 18 or above.
Viagra comes in pill form and is designed to be taken between 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. The effects can last up to four hours.
In general, you may be able to take CBD and Viagra together under your doctor's guidance. However, there is very little information available to help us understand the potential interactions between the two, so the combination should be approached with caution.
Let's dig deeper into the details behind CBD and Viagra's potential synergy and risks when combined:
There is currently no research to help us understand if CBD and Viagra have synergistic benefits, and research regarding CBD’s effect on sex drive is limited.
However, the combination of CBD and Viagra is a topic of interest because both affect the cardiovascular system, albeit in different ways. CBD is believed to have potential vasodilator effects, which means it may help widen blood vessels, while Viagra directly enhances blood flow. This has led some to wonder if using them together could amplify their effects.
It also adds to the possibility that the two have adverse interactions, such as affecting blood pressure in a negative manner or counteracting each other’s effects. Limited evidence has found some interaction between CBD and sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra.
More specifically, the combination of CBD and Viagra can create a risk of three specific adverse reactions:
CBD and Viagra both work by widening the blood vessels, which can lead to extensive relaxation. If this helps to increase the intensity and duration of an erection, this can be a good thing, especially for those who don’t experience complete effects from Viagra alone.
However, increasing the vasodilatory effects can also increase the potential of side effects related to vasodilation, like lower blood pressure. Taking Viagra and CBD together, especially at high doses, can cause the blood pressure to drop too low. This can lead to dizziness, faintness, headaches, and more.
CBD is inhibits the liver enzymes, CYP450 enzymes, needed to metabolize Viagra and other drugs. If you take CBD first, it may slow down the metabolic process used to break down Viagra. In this case, Viagra stays in your system longer and at higher levels. This can increase the risk of side effects when taking Viagra at higher doses.
At low doses, however, it may simply extend the effects of Viagra by a couple of hours.
Before mixing CBD oil and Viagra, there are several factors that should be taken into consideration:
When combining Viagra and CBD, it’s essential to consider the dosage carefully. Viagra, as a prescribed medication, comes with specific dosage guidelines. You want to follow those guidelines carefully–never take more than is recommended. However, you may consider asking your doctor to prescribe you the lowest dosage available when pairing it with CBD.
Here are some dosage guidelines to abide by when mixing Viagra with CBD:
If you’re concerned about combining the two, consider an alternate approach–try CBD oil for enhancing sexual function.
Currently, there is not much evidence to help us understand CBD’s potential effects on erectile dysfunction, but there are many anecdotal reports that suggest positive results. One study shows that CBD activates the portion of the brain involved with sexual arousal and libido, which is a promising start to understanding how CBD may affect overall sexual performance.
On the plus side, the potential side effects linked to CBD are mild and rare, meaning you can give CBD for erectile dysfunction a shot with little to no risk involved.
Here are some reasons that CBD may be useful for enhancing sexual function:
One common cause of erectile dysfunction is anxiety. Furthermore, high-stress levels often result in poor sexual performance. Both stress and anxiety can lead to depression, which can further lower libido and negatively affect sexual function.
According to preliminary research, CBD may have anxiolytic effect that help combat anxiety. CBD may also help to lower cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone that impacts testosterone levels. High cortisol may lead to low testosterone, which can negatively impact sexual function and libido.
Along with CBD’s potential ability to help manage stress and anxiety, it may help to reduce performance anxiety.
Performance anxiety is a form of anxiety directly linked to fears about your ability to perform sexual. If CBD helps to manage overall anxiety levels, it may also help to manage performance anxiety. Plus, many people report feeling more relaxed after taking CBD, which may promote physical intimacy and reduce stress surrounding relationship anxiety and sex.
According to some studies, CBD can help to lower blood pressure. This may naturally help to stimulate blood flow to the penis to correct erectile dysfunction. However, more research is needed to fully understand this therapeutic avenue.
Some experts point to CBD as a potential weight loss aid. It plays a role in managing the way the body balances cholesterol and breaks down fat. Because obesity can lead to low testosterone and poor sexual performance, this may be one way that CBD can help improve sexual performance in the long term for some people.
When it comes to using CBD for sexual enhancement, especially when taking it alongside Viagra, there are two primary dosing methods that work best. These are the best option because they allow you to take precisely measured doses (vs vapes or flower where the exact amount of CBD you ingest is impossible to measure). These two methods are:
Because erectile dysfunction is often caused by poor blood flow, anxiety, stress, or other lifestyle factors, there are many natural remedies you can try to help ease the problem. As a bonus, most of these can be safely combined with CBD to increase your therapeutic approach. (As always, talk to your doctor before pairing any supplements with Viagra or other medications.)
Some things you may try include:
Exploring these remedies may offer an alternate path for those looking for non-pharmaceutical choices prior to considering the combination of CBD oil and Viagra. It's crucial to understand that each person's experience can differ. Seeking guidance from a healthcare professional is recommended to ascertain the best treatment approach.
In the world of supplements and medications, curiosity often leads to exploration. CBD and Viagra are no exception. While there's intrigue regarding their potential combined use, it's important to prioritize safety and consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Remember, your health and well-being should always be the driving force behind any decision involving substances that impact your body.
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CBD and Viagra can generally be taken together, but it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before combining them. CBD may interact with medications, potentially affecting how Viagra works or increasing the risk of side effects.
To enhance the effects of Viagra, ensure you take it as directed on an empty stomach or after a light meal, avoid alcohol, and maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise. Consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice is also recommended.
When taking Viagra, it's best to avoid high-fat meals as they can delay the absorption of the medication, potentially reducing its effectiveness. Excessive alcohol should also be avoided, as it can impair the ability to achieve an erection.
Viagra should not be taken with nitrates (such as nitroglycerin) or other medications used to treat chest pain, as this combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. It's important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking.
The average age of men taking Viagra is typically around 60 years old, though it is used by men of various ages experiencing erectile dysfunction. The medication is commonly prescribed to older men but can be used by younger men as well if needed.
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