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Viagra can cause headaches<ref name="Aldashev-2005"/> at altitude or at sea level<ref name="Hsu-2006"/>. No other side effects were noted in any of the altitude studies. Viagra is a vasodilator which can cause systemic hypotension (low blood pressure), especially given with nifedipine, but a review of 56 subjects administered Viagra for altitude sickness did not have this problem<ref name="JonesStokes2013"/>.The primary use of Viagra for Erectile Dysfunction does raise some questions about other possible side effects, as well as being a source of endless jokes. However, background reading suggests that Viagra does not result in unwanted erections and requires physical or mental stimulation. In the treatment of ED, noted side effects included headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion and impaired vision, including photophobia and blurred vision<ref name="ViagraSideEffect"/>.
=Viagra and Doping=
At the time of writing, the World Anti-Doping Agency has not banned Viagra (Sildenafil), but you should check before using Viagra (or any other medication) before taking it. [https://www.wada-ama.org/ https://www.wada World Anti-amaDoping Agency web site].org/]
=What this means=
Viagra is a prescription medication and should only be taken under medical supervision. I believe that self-medication is foolish and I urge you to talk to your doctor if you think Viagra would help. The performance benefits of Viagra at altitude might be significant enough to warrant further investigation, but personally I would only use Viagra as a treatment for altitude sickness.
* [[Intermittent Hypoxic Exposure]] and [[The Science of Intermittent Hypoxic Exposure]]
* [[Chronic Mountain Sickness]]
(Note that Facebook comments are blocked to the inevitable spam.)
=References=
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