Sildenafil (Viagra) Headache- Causes, Treatment & Prevention

You must have come across a Sildenafil headache if you are taking this ED pill for Erectile Dysfunction. 

Experiencing a headache after taking Viagra (Sildenafil brand drug) is, fortunately, not one of the most common side effects of the PDE5 inhibitor. However, being aware of it is essential to enjoy the best benefits of the ED pill. So, this blog takes a detailed look into why and how does Viagra give you a headache, along with addressing ways to prevent them. 

Viagra And Headaches- An Overview

Sildenafil, the generic version of Viagra, is the first line of therapy for treating Erectile dysfunction. With a fast-acting formulation, Viagra begins to work within 30 minutes of intake. 

A headache is a discomfort that may arise from numerous factors. A large number of medications may cause a headache as a side effect. So, let us understand how medications cause headaches in general. 

According to the Journal of Headache and Pain, two mechanisms are potentially responsible for causing headaches after taking a medication-

• Vasodilatation 

• Increase in intracranial pressure [1]. 

Why Does Viagra Cause Headaches?

Sildenafil or Viagra headaches are attributed due to two primary factors- 

Changes In Chemical Signaling 

The intake of phosphodiester inhibitors, including Viagra, affects the level of nitric oxide (NO) in the body. A study published in The Journal of Headache and Pain suggests that Nitric oxide (NO) is a key molecule in causing migraine [2]. 

Experimental evidence suggests that headaches associated with Nitric oxide are due to-

• Vasodilatation- It is a process of dilating or opening up the blood vessels in the brain that can result in migraines [3].  

• Trigeminovascular System Activation- The Trigeminovascular system refers to the small sensory neurons of the brain [4]. The activation of the Trigeminovascular system is responsible for causing vasodilation resulting in headaches. The trigeminal nerve is present in the bottom of the brain and is responsible for the sensation in the face. At the onset of a headache, a chemical called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is released that relaxes the blood vessel causing vasodilation [3].

Nitric oxide is also identified to cause cluster headaches and chronic tension-type headaches. 

Alternation In The Blood Flow

As stated above, Vasodilatation, which results in increasing the blood flow in the body, can result in migraine. However, an article by John Hopkins suggests that changes in blood flow do not initiate pain but may contribute to it [5]. 

According to Medical News Today, cluster headaches and migraines are linked with changes in the blood vessels [6]. 

Viagra And Migraines- What Types Of Headaches Can Viagra Cause?

According to The Journal of Headache and Pain report, Phosphodiesterase inhibitors can cause the following types of headaches [1]. 

Migraine With Aura

It is a sensory symptom, such as gastrointestinal or neurological, that occurs before or during a migraine. Symptoms of Migraine auras include blind spots, flashes of light, or a tingling feeling in the face or hands [7]. 

Cluster Headache Due To Sildenafil 

It is an uncommon headache type that causes pain on one side of the head, along with a stuffy nose, droopy eyelids, and teary eyes [8]. 

The International Headache Society ( ICHD) classifies Sildenafil headache as Type A (code 8.1.2). The ICHD states that the headache caused by Phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors are- 

• Predictable 

• Related to the pharmacological action of the drugs

• Dose-dependent [1, 9]. 

The occurrence of migraine from Sildenafil or Viagra is confirmed by a study that suggests it causes migraine by either affecting the Central Nervous System (CNS) or the perivascular sensory nerve terminals, a type of nerves present in the brain [10]. 

Sildenafil Headache- What Does Studies Indicate?

A study in the Journal of Headache and Pain evaluates the potency of Sildenafil to cause headaches through a scanning technique called proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) [11]. 

The study suggests that Sildenafil causes headaches in 53% to 62% of individuals [11]. 

Another study evaluating the effects of Sildenafil on patients with migraine with aura indicates that this PDE5 inhibitor induces migraine-like headaches in more than half of the patients. It further suggests that cGMP accumulation and PDE5-inhibition do not play a crucial role in the initiation of migraine aura but supports a dissociation between the headache and aura in such patients [12]. 

The ability of Sildenafil to cause headaches is further supported by a study published in the year 2005. According to the study, the ED pill mimics a tension-type headache in healthy users, whereas it may result in migraine in patients who already suffer from it [13]. 

How Common Is a Headache After Taking Viagra?

According to FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), the prevalence of occurrence of headaches from Viagra differs depending on its dosage. 

• 25mg of Sildenafil causes headaches in about 16% of its users. 

• 50mg of Viagra or Sildenafil may cause headaches in 21% of users. 

• 100mg of this ED pill may cause headaches in 28% of people. 

The FDA also states that headache in users is reported after 1 hour of dosing [14]. 

How Long Does a Viagra Headache Last?

Viagra headaches often last for a few hours. They will diminish once the effect of the medication wears off, which is up to 4 hours. 

Best Way To Prevent Viagra Headache

Headache is not experienced by everyone taking Sildenafil dosage. And people who are suffering from it may take the following measures to prevent its occurrence. 

• Taking a Lower dosage - As per FDA, the occurrence of headaches differs based on the strength of the medication. Thus, if you are suffering from headaches following an administration of the Sildenafil tablet, you can request your doctor to lower your dosage. 

• Staying hydrated - According to researchers from the University of Quebec at Montreal, sexual activity can be a form of exercise. This is based on the finding that about 85 calories are burnt during intercourse. Based on another similar study, orgasms and stimulations can burn up to 3.5 calories. This may cause sweating leading to loss of fluid from the body. Thus, it is essential to stay hydrated during such a time.  As dehydration is one of the major causes of headache [15]. 

Another reason that may cause dehydration while taking Viagra is that this ED pill is a diuretic causing excess fluid or water loss from the body. 

• Looking for alternatives - If none of the above-mentioned ways is helping you prevent the signs of headache, you may ask your doctor to suggest alternatives to Viagra. Other ED pills are composed of a different active compound such as Vidalista 10 mg (composed of Tadalafil) and Vilitra 20 mg (consists of Vardenafil) that can help you get the same benefit without causing a headache. 

How To Get Rid Of Viagra Headache?

Fortunately, Sildenafil or Viagra headache can be treatable. Some of the effective ways to get rid of a Viagra headache are listed below.

• Use dim lights -  The findings of the National Institute of Health suggests that the use of Sildenafil is associated with reversible ocular side effects [16]. Some of which are sensitive to light and alternation in how the eyes perceive the light. 

Further, according to the American Migraine Foundation, light sensitivity or photophobia is a key reason for migraine, thus leading to headaches from Viagra. This can be prevented by using dim lights and also help get relief from such pain. 

• Taking OTC pain medications - The use of OTC painkillers can be helpful for mild pain. Acetaminophen and naproxen are two effective OTC analgesics that may be helpful with headaches related to PDE5 inhibitors. Other effective prescription pain treatment options are the Soma pill and Tapentadol. These are recommended for severe pain. 

• Use cooling pads - Placing cooling pads on the forehead will help relieve headaches caused by ED pills. 

Ibuprofen And Viagra- Is It An Effective Treatment Option? 

Ibuprofen is one of the common pain medications often taken by people. But is it safe to take Viagra with Ibuprofen? Let's find out. 

According to the website, Goodrx, these two compounds do not react with each other and are considered safe for use. 

The website Drugs also reports no drug interaction between these compounds. However, it is important to take these medications together under the supervision of a physician. 

Can You Take Tylenol With Viagra? 

The interaction between Sildenafil and Tylenol is also considered safe and not known to cause any side effects. 

Does Viagra Cause Headaches- Our Final Thoughts 

Taking Sildenafil or Viagra for Erectile Dysfunction may result in headaches in a few users. Studies show 16 to 28 percent of men suffer from headaches from this ED pill. Sildenafil is known to cause migraine or tension headaches, but employing specific strategies can help in lowering the possibility of experiencing such adverse effects. 

Viagra headache is treatable and can be improved by using OTC pain medications, cooling pads, and using dim lights.