Can You Take CBD and Viagra Together? Interactions + Safety Info You Need to Know

by Kat Austin September 29, 2023 10 min read

Can You Take CBD and Viagra Together? Interactions + Safety Info You Need to Know - VO Inc

CBD and Viagra—it’s a combination that has piqued the curiosity of many. You may already take CBD daily for its potential benefits, but now you’re considering adding Viagra (sildenafil) into the mix and wondering, can you take CBD and Viagra together?

While it's possible to use both, caution is essential. CBD viagra interactions may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness or low blood pressure. However, CBD might also have some potential benefits for maintaining an erection.

Before starting any combination of cannabis and Viagra, it’s important to inform your doctor or pharmacist to ensure it’s safe for you.

In this article, we’ll dive deeper into how these two substances work together and what you should know before using them in tandem.

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

Key Takeaways

  • Combining CBD and sildenafil (Viagra) is of interest due to their potential cardiovascular effects.
  • Limited research exists on the direct interaction, so caution and professional guidance are crucial.
  • Start with low doses, consult a healthcare professional, and monitor for any side effects.

What is CBD and What is Viagra?

A bottle of CBD oil surrounded by CBD oil capsules to showcase possible dosing methods.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

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. Some users suggests that CBD's ability to calm anxiety may play a role in improving sexual performance. 

Viagra

Sildenafil, known as Viagra, is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) by increasing blood flow to the penis. It’s an FDA-approved phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor and works for up to four hours. Viagra should be taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity, and it’s available by prescription for men 18 and older.

While Viagra helps achieve and maintain an erection, it does not affect libido. Common side effects include:

  • Nausea
  • Nosebleeds
  • Light sensitivity
  • Muscle pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Fainting
  • Painful erection

Always consult a doctor before combining Viagra with other substances, like CBD, to avoid interactions and ensure safety.

Can You Take CBD and Viagra Together?

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:

Potential Benefits of Combining CBD and Viagra

Combining CBD and Viagra could offer several potential benefits:

  • Reduced Anxiety: CBD may help alleviate anxiety, which may improve sexual performance, particularly for those with performance-related anxiety.
  • Pain Relief: CBD may help manage chronic pain, enhancing the overall sexual experience. Topical products provide localized relief, while edibles and tinctures offer longer-lasting effects.
  • Improved Cardiovascular Health: Research suggests that CBD may lower blood pressure and support cardiovascular function in as little as a single dose, complementing the effects of Viagra in improving erectile function.

While these benefits are promising, individual results may vary. It's essential to consult a healthcare provider before combining CBD and Viagra to ensure safety.

CBD and Viagra Interactions: What are the Risks?

There is currently limited research to help us understand if CBD and Viagra have synergistic benefits or adverse interactions.

A notable case from 2002 reported a patient who experienced a myocardial infarction after using both cannabis and Viagra. However, this case involved THC, so it's difficult to draw conclusions specifically about CBD products.

While THC was involved in this instance, it serves as an important reminder to be cautious about the potential health risks of combining substances like CBD and Viagra.

We also know that CBD and Viagra both affect the cardiovascular system, albeit in different ways. CBD is believed to have potential vasodilator effects, which means it may enhance the effects of Viagra.

However, this also adds to the possibility that the two have adverse interactions, such as negatively affecting blood pressure 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:

1. Increased effects

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. 

2. Increased side effects

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. 

A CBD oil capsule featuring a hemp leaf design

2. Slow metabolization

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. 

How to Take Viagra and CBD Together (Safely)

If your doctor is on board and you plan to take CBD and Viagra together, you should stay caution of potential side effects. Luckily, you may be able to combine sildenefil and CBD without any issues, assuming you use the correct dosages and dosing intervals.

Factors to Consider Before Mixing Viagra and CBD

Before mixing CBD oil and Viagra, there are several factors that should be taken into consideration:

  • Potential Interactions: Combining CBD oil with Viagra presents a possibility of interactions that might influence the efficacy and safety of both substances. It's essential to comprehend these potential interactions and have a discussion about them with a healthcare expert.
  • Seek Guidance from Your Doctor:Before combining the two, talk with your healthcare professional. They will be able to better asses your current health status, medications, and the dosages to help offer  insights and recommendations for combining Viagra with CBD. 
  • Consider Health Status and Medications: An individual's health status and concurrent medications should be carefully considered. Certain health conditions or ongoing medications could heighten the risk of potential interactions between CBD oil and Viagra. For instance, if you take medications that lower blood pressure or have a blood pressure or circulatory condition, neither Viagra or CBD may be advisable.
  • Mindful Dosage and Timing:Deliberate attention should be given to the dosage and timing of both CBD oil and Viagra. Adhering to prescribed dosages and schedules for each substance is critical for maximizing effectiveness and minimizing possible risks. A healthcare professional can provide guidance on suitable dosages and schedules personalized to an individual.

Viagra + CBD Dosage and Administration

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:

CBD:

  • Start with 5-10 milligrams of CBD. You can take this amount daily for maximum benefits. 
  • When using CBD to enhance sexual function, you may take a therapeutic dose of 10-20 milligrams. 
  • Start with low doses and increase over time to find your dosage sweet spot. 
  • Choose CBD gummies or oil, which help you better control the amount that you take. 
  • Take CBD at least an hour before you need it to be effective. Some dosing methods take longer to kick in than others.

Viagra:

  1. Viagra comes in different strengths. 25 milligrams is the lowest dose and may be the best dosage to take when pairing it with CBD, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. 
  2. Always take Viagra as directed by healthcare provider.
  3. Swallow Viagra pills approximately one hour before sex.
  4. Do not take more Viagra than prescribed, and watch for the effects to kick in after 30-60 minutes. 

Alternate Options: Using CBD Oil to Enhance Sexual Function

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:

Lower Anxiety and Stress

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.  

Reduce Performance Anxiety

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. 

Lower Blood Pressure

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.  

Obesity-Related Erectile Dysfunction

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.

Types of CBD Products for Sexual Enhancement

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:

  • CBD edibles: Edibles, like gummies and candies, offer pre-portioned doses that have long-lasting effects. They may take up to 90 minutes to kick in, however, so take them about 2 hours before sex. 

  • CBD oil: CBD tinctures make it easy to measure a specific dosage. They also take effect more quickly, usually in 30-60 minutes. Take a tincture dose sublingually (by dropping it under the tongue) around an hour before sex. 
A person holding a single white supplement for improving sex drive near a glass of water

Other Natural Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction

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:

  • Regular exercise
  • Couples intimacy practices (snuggling, increased foreplay)
  • Healthy deity (with more high-antioxidant fruits and vegetables)
  • Adaptogens (for decreasing stress)
  • Cordyceps (mushroom that enhances blood flow)
  • L-Theanine (reduces stress, promotes relaxation, relaxes blood vessels)
  • Ginkgo Biloba (contains nitric oxide to increase blood flow)
  • Ginseng (contains nitric oxide for blood flow, natural aphrodisiac)

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.

Conclusion: Caution Before Taking CBD and Sildenafil Together

In the realm of supplements and medications, curiosity often drives individuals to explore new combinations. CBD and Viagra (sildenafil) are no exception. While there’s interest in their potential benefits when used together, it’s crucial to approach this combination with caution. CBD and sildenafil can interact in ways that might increase the risk of side effects, such as dizziness or low blood pressure.

Before combining CBD with Viagra, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice to ensure safety. Your health and well-being should always be the top priority when making decisions about substances that can affect your body.

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FAQ - CBD and Viagra

Can CBD and sildenafilbe taken together?

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.

How to enhance Viagra 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.

What foods should you avoid when taking Viagra?

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.

What medication can you not take with Viagra?

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.

What is the average age of men taking Viagra?

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.

Can you take Cialis and CBD?

Taking Cialis and CBD together is generally considered safe, but as with any combination of substances, caution is important. CBD can affect the metabolism of medications like Cialis, potentially leading to an increased risk of side effects.

Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before combining CBD with Cialis to ensure it’s safe for you.

Resources

  1. “Cannabinoid (PRECIPITANT) Medication Affecting the Metabolism of Another (OBJECT) Medication”https://bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/sites.psu.edu/dist/d/117691/files/2020/06/Cannabinoid-as-PRECIPITANT-Medication-Affecting-the-Metabolism-of-ANOTHER-OBJECT-Medication_04_25.pdf
  2. “Individual prolactin reactivity modulates response of nucleus accumbens to erotic stimuli during acute cannabis intoxication: an fMRI pilot study”https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28401285/
  3. “Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/ 
  4. “Effect of cannabidiol on plasma prolactin, growth hormone and cortisol in human volunteers”https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8257923/
  5. “A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5470879/
  6. "Myocardial infarction following the combined recreational use of viagra® and cannabis" https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6654297/

  7. " Side Effects of Sildenafil" https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sildenafil-viagra/side-effects-of-sildenafil/

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