Sexuality Stack Exchange Archive

Can constant usage of Viagra build up body tolerance?

• posted by: Graviton on 2015-07-29
• tagged: intercourse, sexual-dysfunction, pharmaceuticals
• score: 6

If I am having erectile dysfunction that is caused by psychological issues, and a doctor prescribed me Viagra, should I be judicious when using it? Is it possible to develop a tolerance for it, so that it becomes less effective when over-used?

What does current medical evidence say?

Answer 86

• posted by: Eleomosynator on 2015-07-29
• score: 6

Regarding how judicious you ought to be in your use of Viagra, that is certainly something you should discuss with your doctor.

There is evidence of the capacity for Viagra users to develop a tolerance. This tolerance was significant enough that folks raised their dosage or stopped using Viagra altogether. One such study is published in the Journal of Urology, Volume 166, Issue 3 (Sep. 2001), titled "LONG-TERM EFFICACY OF SILDENAFIL AND TACHYPHYLAXIS EFFECT."

Here are some things you can do if you find yourself developing a tolerance:

• Check with your doctor.
• Make sure that Viagra targets your specific ED problem.
• Make sure you are getting the actual drug.
• Try one of Viagra’s competitors, Cialis or Levitra.
• If you smoke, stop.
• Don’t rush things. Even folks without ED need time to become aroused.

The common theme in all the above advice is to talk to your doctor, so please do follow up with him or her.

---

All content is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.