Often known as impotence, erectile dysfunction can be defined as the partial, total or inconsistent inability to achieve or retain an erection for sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction is known to destroy people's sex lives and ruin what could be an otherwise fulfilling relationship. This common sexual condition can lead to psychological conditions such as stress, depression, frustration, anxiety, loss of self-esteem, etc. The feelings of guilt, rejection and anger that occur with this condition may even break the relationship. Men with erectile dysfunction find it difficult to have a meaningful sex life.
How does Levitra work?
Levitra ( active ingredient vardenafil) is an oral prescription pill used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. Levitra does not cure erectile dysfunction, so you will have to take Levitra each time you want to be sexually active. Levitra is manufactured by Bayer in Germany and distributed by Glaxo Smith Kline. Levitra pills are available in dosages of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg. Your doctor is likely to recommend the 5 mg dose during the initial stages of the treatment and adjust the dosage depending on how your body reacts to it. Levitra works as a PDE5 inhibitor. High levels of the chemical PDE5 block penile blood flow and prevent satisfactory erections. Levitra restricts the action of PDE5 and relaxes the smooth penile muscles in order to ease the flow of blood to the penis.
Who should not take Levitra?
Levitra is a prescription only drug and it is not recommended to be taken by everyone. Levitra vardenafil can only by men over the age of 18 who have been clinically diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. It is prohibited for treating any form of sexual dysfunction in women. Levitra is not recommended if you take nitrate medications for chest pain or if you have been prescribed alpha blockers for treating high blood pressure. Do not combine Levitra with recreational drugs such as ‘poppers.’ Avoid taking Levitra along with other PDE5inhibitors such as Viagra or Cialis, or if you have been asked to avoid sex for medical reasons.
Levitra comparisons with Viagra and Cialis
All three medications - Viagra, Levitra and Cialis belong to the same family of medications (known as PDE5 inhibitors). Viagra was the first PDE5 inhibitor to be approved by the FDA in 1998. FDA approval for the other two medications came later in 2003. All three drugs are prescription drugs and do not work effectively in the absence of external sexual stimulation. But there are important differences between them. For instance, Viagra needs to be taken on an empty stomach for best results, while Cialis and Levitra are not affected by food intake.
The effects of Viagra and Levitra generally last for a few hours, but Cialis can last for up to 36 hours. Viagra has a definite headstart over the other PDE5 inhibitors but Cialis, popularly known as the ‘weekend pill,’ has caught on with Viagra because it is the only erectile dysfunction drug to be available in a daily use low dose version. However, Levitra has an advantage over other PDE5 inhibitors, however, because it attacks PDE5 selectively and does not damage other isoenzymes. That is why, a smaller dose of Levitra can be as effective as a larger dose of other PDE5 inhibitors
By Tom Howarth
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