Alcohol may worsen the side effects of Cialis, as well as worsen the erectile dysfunction that Cialis treats.
If you drink alcohol regularly, it’s important to understand the effects of mixing alcohol with your prescribed drugs, including Cialis. Alcohol use can worsen erectile dysfunction (ED), which is the main problem that Cialis is prescribed to treat.
Cialis is the most common brand name for the drug tadalafil, which is also sold under the brand names Adcirca and Alyq. Cialis treats symptoms of ED although it can also be used to treat other health problems.
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Important points to remember about using Cialis with alcohol include:
- Alcohol can cause ED, which is the main medical condition that Cialis treats. It can cause this by harming how your body makes testosterone, and can also lead to other conditions like low mood.
- Side effects of Cialis include widening of the blood vessels. Since alcohol can also widen the blood vessels, using them together puts you at an increased risk of side effects like low blood pressure.
- Not all ED medications cause low blood pressure. Viagra and Levitra were not shown to have this effect. If you struggle with alcohol use but also would like to take an ED drug, you can ask your doctor if one of these other drugs may be safer for you.
Alcohol Use and Erectile Dysfunction
Alcohol misuse is the leading cause of ED and sexuality problems in men. The more you drink, the more at risk you are for these issues. One study showed that men who have more than three drinks a day are at the highest risk. People who struggle with alcohol use have a high risk of having sexual problems linked to alcohol. Studies have shown that around 70 percent of people who drink a heavy amount of alcohol have a sexual problem like ED caused by drinking.
Doctors think that one of the reasons alcohol causes ED is that alcohol harms your body’s ability to make testosterone. Low testosterone in men can lead to problems like:
- Impotence
- Infertility
- Smaller testes
- Less chest and facial hair
Fortunately, medical professionals have found that some of these side effects may be reversed if you stop drinking. However, low testosterone is not the only way alcohol can cause ED. Alcohol use is also strongly linked to other conditions that can cause ED, such as depression. Even so, quitting drinking has been shown to improve symptoms of depression, and therefore, may also help improve ED symptoms as well.
Side Effects of Mixing Cialis and Alcohol
Cialis is a drug meant to improve the symptoms of ED. Cialis does not cause an erection directly but can make the penis respond better to stimulation. Cialis does this by relaxing and expanding the blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the penis.
However, alcohol use can also expand blood vessels. Because both alcohol and Cialis can widen the blood vessels, these two substances interact with each other when mixed. When used together, they may widen the blood vessels even more than when they are used individually.
You are at higher risk of certain side effects from over-expanded blood vessels when you mix Cialis and alcohol. These side effects may include:
- Low blood pressure, especially when standing up
- Rapid heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
Research shows that the risk of these side effects with alcohol and Cialis is worst when you have had five or more drinks. It is possible that the risk is even higher if you are also on drugs to lower your blood pressure.
Although most drugs for ED work in similar ways, studies have found that ED drugs have different levels of risk when paired with alcohol. Since people who take Cialis sometimes get low blood pressure when they drink, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put a warning on Cialis for use with alcohol.
If you struggle with alcohol use as well as ED, there are other treatment options for ED that you can explore with your doctor. Studies have shown that there are two ED drugs which carry less risk when used with alcohol. People who took these drugs and alcohol have shown minimal changes in their blood pressure. Therefore, the FDA does not warn against alcohol use with them. These ED drugs are Viagra and Levitra.
If you or a loved one struggle with alcohol use, don’t wait to get help. Caring representatives at The Recovery Village are here to help you every step of the way in your commitment to a healthier, alcohol-free life. Contact us today to learn more about comprehensive treatment for alcohol abuse and addiction.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Excessive Alcohol Use and Risks to Men’s Health.” Reviewed March 7, 2016. Accessed April 23, 2019.
Van Thiel DH, Gavaler JS, Sanghvi A. “Recovery of Sexual Function in Abstinent Alcoholic Men.” Gastroenterology, 1983. Accessed April 23, 2019.
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