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CBD And Viagra: Apples To Oranges
Google searches for the terms “CBD” and “male enhancement” are on the rise which leaves this writer wondering why. CBD and Viagra (Sildenafil citrate) are two completely different substances that do different things.
Viagra is a prescription drug for erectile dysfunction and CBD is a cannabinoid used for relaxation, focus, and seizure mitigation But, because some companies seem hell-bent on misleading the public with some creative marketing out there, we’ll be using this post to answer the following question.
Is CBD Better Than Viagra?
Answering the question “Is CBD better than Viagra?” is tricky because the two substances are different and address different aspects of health.
What Does Viagra Do?
Viagra, also known by its generic name Sildenafil, is a medication available via prescription used to treat,
- Erectile dysfunction – is a condition characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sex.
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension – is characterized by high blood pressure in the blood vessels that supply the lungs. If left untreated, pulmonary hypertension can damage the right side of your heart.
How Does Viagra Work?
When aroused, men’s bodies release nitric oxide— a molecule that facilitates erections and directs blood to the penis with a series of chemical messengers. An enzyme called PDE5 can break down said messengers and make getting an erection harder.
Viagra is a PDE5 blocker and can prevent it from getting in the way of a good time. Viagra also works by helping relax arteries in the genitals which helps increase blood flow.
What Does CBD Do?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid that works with your endocannabinoid system to achieve and maintain homeostasis.
Homeostasis can mean different things to different people. The endocannabinoid system takes part in a lot of your body’s functions like,
Related: CBN for Sleep?
CBD Is Not Male Enhancement
CBD as of right now has no reported erectile benefits. One might be able to argue that CBD may help with cardiovascular function and thus should help with erectile dysfunction, but as of yet no such findings have been reported. So, it is best to view marketing claims about CBD and male enhancement through a critical lens.
Can You Take CBD With Viagra?
Can you take CBD with Viagra? Yes. Should you? Now that’s a different question.
While there have yet to be any studies on the topic, just knowing how both substances work can help us make educated guesses about the risks involved.
Viagra has some uncommon side effects like,
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Priapism (the erection that lasts more than four hours)
We think that it’s possible CBD may compound those effects or possibly prolong them.
Agonistic Interaction
Because CBD and Viagra can relax blood vessels and thus lower blood pressure, it’s possible that taking both could compound and lead to sudden dizziness, fatigue, and even fainting.
Slowed Elimination
CBD generally works through enzyme inhibition, meaning that the molecules your body uses to break down substances are held back by using CBD. In this case, taking CBD with Viagra could slow down your body’s elimination of Viagra meaning that you might be in for a long hard afternoon.
Apples To Oranges
While both CBD and Viagra have generally good safety profiles, that doesn’t mean you should use CBD to replace Viagra to tackle your erectile dysfunction. It may not work, you may be out of some money, and CBD may interfere with your other medication.
That said, CBD may greatly benefit you and your situation. Either way, you should consult with your doctor with any questions or concerns.