The Skinny on Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis

[stoked]

Cheers Troops,

 

Here in frozen cold Canada I work in the medical field, and increasingly see complications from the recreational use of Viagra, usually coupled with ecstasy or other club drugs….

 

Usually the problems are minor with younger folks but erectile dysfunction drugs can cause some significant problems for older folks. Not to point fingers (or anything else) but knowing how popular these drugs can be on vacation I thought I’d include a good reference article:

 

*NOTE 1- Always tell the Medic what you’re on or what your buddy is on!….. They don’t care about laws or lifestyle they need to know so they don’t give you a drug that will conflict with whatever is in your system kill you!

 

*NOTE 2- If you’re experimenting with Viagra start with a small 25 mg dose (the normal is 50mg) and work up from there…. 100mg dose is high and is not recommended for normal healthy males just trying to keep the party going! Read the pack and check the dosage! All pills are not created equal!

 

 

There are only three oral drugs approved by the FDA to treat erectile dysfunction: Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra. All work by increasing the flow of blood into the penis so that when a man is sexually stimulated, he can get an erection.

 

What Are the Differences Between Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra?

Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra work by a similar mechanism to cause erections. There are subtle differences in how long the drug works and how quickly it works. Levitra works a little longer than Viagra. They both take effect in about 30 minutes. With Levitra, the effects last for about 5 hours. With Viagra, the effects last approximately 4 hours.

Cialis works a bit faster (within about 15 minutes), and the effects last much longer -- up to 36 hours in some cases.

If One of These Drugs Isn't Effective for Erectile Dysfunction, Can I Try Another?

Because these drugs work the same way, it's unlikely that you'll have success with one if you've failed to achieve an adequate erection with another.

What Precautions Should I Take Before Taking One of These Drugs?

 

 

There are certain situations in which these drugs may not be safe to take. Before taking them, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic to Viagra or any other drugs.

• About any prescription or nonprescription medications you are currently taking, including herbal and dietary supplements.

• If you are scheduled for surgery, including dental surgery.

• If you take nitroglycerin or a long-acting nitrate to treat chest pain. The combination of Cialis, Levitra or Viagra with these drugs can cause dangerously low blood pressure.

• If you take alpha-blockers for blood pressure or prostate problems. The combination of Cialis or Levitra with these drugs can also cause dangerously low blood pressure.

 

 

In addition, always follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part that you do not understand. Take these drugs exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not take these drugs more than once a day.

Who Should Not Take Cialis, Levitra or Viagra?

 

If you have suffered from a heart attack, stroke or life threatening arrhythmia (irregular heart rate) within the last 6 months you should discuss other options with your doctor. It is also advised to avoid these drugs if you have uncontrolled high or low blood pressure or if you experience chest pain with sex.

What Are the Side Effects of Cialis, Levitra and Viagra?

 

 

Side effects are not common but they can occur. Side effects can include:

• Headache

• Upset stomach

• Flushing (feeling warm)

• Nasal congestion

• Changes in vision

• Back pain (with Cialis)

Call your doctor if you experience severe forms of these symptoms or if they do not go away after 4-8 hours.

 

 

Warning

Call your doctor or seek emergency treatment immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Rash

• Painful erection

• Prolonged erection (longer than 4 hours)

• Fainting

• Chest pain

• Itching or burning during urination

 

 

Stop taking these medications and call a doctor or health care provider right away if you experience sudden or decreased vision loss in one or both eyes. A rare vision problem called NAION has been reported by a few men using these drugs. NAION (nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy) causes a sudden loss of eyesight because blood flow is blocked to the optic nerve. People who have a higher chance for NAION include those who:

 

• Are over 50 years old

• Smoke

• Have heart disease

• Have diabetes

• Have high blood pressure

• Have high cholesterol

• Have certain eye problems

 

How Should These Drugs Be Stored?

These drugs should be kept in its original container and out of reach of children. Store them away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom hard to do in Thailand). Discard any medication that has expired or is no longer needed.

 

 

Hope this helps out ………

 

Stoked’

[Bruce Mangosteen]

TV advertizing for Cialis suggests not using it along with excessive amounts of alcohol. Any remarks on that?

[stoked]

TV advertizing for Cialis suggests not using it along with excessive amounts of alcohol. Any remarks on that?

 

The official stance is:

 

 

Patients should be made aware that both alcohol and CIALIS, a PDE5 inhibitor, act as mild vasodilators. When mild vasodilators are taken in combination, blood-pressure-lowering effects of each individual compound may be increased. Therefore, physicians should inform patients that substantial consumption of alcohol (e.g., 5 units or greater) in combination with CIALIS can increase the potential for orthostatic signs and symptoms, including increase in heart rate, decrease in standing blood pressure, dizziness, and headache.

 

 

In monger speak that means you'll be more likely to get head rushes when you stand up, or possibly pass out.... The treatment lay flat on your back and let her do the work.....

[SteveBC]

How refreshing it is to get well informed and knowledgable info on a subject so close to our hearts / cocks.

 

Well done Stokes ( do you 'stoke' up on bluies whilst here ? )

 

Cheers pal.

 

SteveBC.

[swanks]

Having taken the time to post this most welcome informative post and clear up a lot of misunderstandings amongst some of the readers , is most kind of you and certainly gets a vote of thanks from me !

There are issues that some people find hard to discuss with there health care provider addressed in your post and this is obviously a subject with a direct relevents to almost all of the readers!

My thanks again

[whitespider - RIP]

Good post - useful info'

 

I would like to add that it is illegal to sell Viagra, Cialis etc over the counter in Thailand.

 

That said, many Pharmacies in Pattaya still do (the big ones in BKK have stopped now but the back street places will sometimes sell it).

 

My point is that if you are going to buy it without medical consultation do NOT buy them from the street vendors, they are almost certainly fakes (available in Cambo for aroud 60 baht a box) and with fake drugs you never know what you might be getting.

[stoked]

Good post - useful info'

 

I would like to add that it is illegal to sell Viagra, Cialis etc over the counter in Thailand.

 

That said, many Pharmacies in Pattaya still do (the big ones in BKK have stopped now but the back street places will sometimes sell it).

 

My point is that if you are going to buy it without medical consultation do NOT buy them from the street vendors, they are almost certainly fakes (available in Cambo for aroud 60 baht a box) and with fake drugs you never know what you might be getting.

 

Cheers White Spider

 

Thanks Great addition!.... I didn't think to get into the whole issue of fake drugs or legal acspects! The scary thing is they usually aren't just sugar pills, but actually have active ingredients in unregulated and varying concentrations.... It would be better if they where just sugar knock offs, with active vasodilators you could actually screw up your system pretty badly.

 

Also evidence seems to show that people can develop a strong psychological dependency on the little blue bastards…

 

Once again, Thanks

 

Stoked'

[Jake]

A personal opinion.

 

I have tried all three

 

Viagra was first one, then Ciallis and now Levitra

 

I started with the 50mg Viagra but currently get 100. I told my doctor that 50 was not good enough but the truth was that by getting the 100 I could break them in half and get 2 for 1 so to speak.

 

Next tried Ciallis. Quite honestly, it did not work for me. End of story.

 

Finally, I tried Levitra. Very good.

 

Full of beer now so cannot give full report but will if anyone is interested

 

Jake

[rockhard]

On the contrary. Viagra is sold openly - for 1800 baht at the Pharmacy between the PTT station & Bully's in Nana area.

 

A guy told me Pfiser had abandoned their patent on it but why then is it so damned expensive?

[Slapman]

excellent info and i hope some of the people in the catagories you mentioned take note.

what about me. 45, fit, healthy, but take lots of CAMAGRA to "keep the party going". i've heard it hits the liver pretty hard, do you know much about this drug ?.

[stoked]

excellent info and i hope some of the people in the catagories you mentioned take note.

what about me. 45, fit, healthy, but take lots of CAMAGRA to "keep the party going". i've heard it hits the liver pretty hard, do you know much about this drug ?.

 

Cheers Slapman

 

CAMAGRA is an herbal supplement, made to sound like KAMAGRA which is basically generic Viagra (Sildenafil citrate). It’s not popular over here I actaully had to look it up…… Sorry don’t know much about it….

 

There is ongoing debate about herbal products and liver damage usually focused around weight loss formulas but I’ve never herd anything around sexual aids. The signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis (liver damage) include but aren’t limited to, tiredness, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. If you haven’t had any problems a young fit guy shouldn’t have any issues…..

 

Now it might be hard to tell while partying in the LOS so if you’ve been taking it for awhile you might want to consider a quick blood test to check the liver enzymes…….

 

 

Stoked’

[rockhard]

Nice piece of detective work. CAMAGRA - what a rip!!!!

 

As mentioned by me in another thread the 2 fake Viagra products Made in Thailand - Kamagra & Penagra have serious quality issues & they are nowhere near 100mg as stated on the package. 300 mg of that fake stuff versus 50 mg Pfiser - I'll take the branded stuff at 225 baht a dose. Damn that shit works good. Pharmacist told me to avoid fatty foods right before taking it. It also stays active in my system for a long time - anyhting up to 12 hours. Recently got off 3 shots in one long session - a personal record!!! Cheers!!!

[jawadde]

Very informative post stoked , thanks !

 

Could you also give some comment about 'Liveraid (silymarin)' , sold in the PI , supposedly good for the liver ?

[stoked]

Very informative post stoked , thanks !

 

Could you also give some comment about 'Liveraid (silymarin)' , sold in the PI , supposedly good for the liver ?

 

 

Cheers Jawadde,

 

Herbals are always a bit hard to comment on, mainly because of the varying standards for production.... Unfortunately the legal standards from place to place are also tricky. Here in Canada the regulations on herbal formulas aren't "evidence based”; companies don't have to prove they work they just have to prove they don't do harm.... It's kind of a license to scam....

 

If you're looking to use supplements I'd pick up a book on general natural herbs, and use it as a reference guide (most of the internet based info is nothing more than advertising packaged to look like studies), or go see a registered/licensed homeopath or naturopath practitioner. These professionals have a reputation to protect and are usually well educated, they maybe a bit “new age” but that’s the world you’re playing in. Most will steer you away from “premixed” well advertised formulas because you’re usually paying a lot for big claims with little evidence.

 

Wish I could tell you more, but it’s a very polarizing issue in the health care industry. Those that use herbals swear by them, and those that don’t believe you get the same benefit from a well balance diet.

 

If you’re not a good eater or enjoying a good binge on vacation it’s worth while to pick up a good multivitamin to supplement the nutrients that are stripped during the detoxification of booze.

 

Here’s a good link: http://www.britishlivertrust.org.uk/content/liver/diet.asp

 

Important side note - DO NOT TAKE TYLENOL for hang-overs, and read the labels on over the counter drugs before taking them while drinking a lot!

Watch out for anything containing acetaminophen, this pain killer is processed in the liver and can actually cause liver damage in small doses when combined with heavy alcohol use.

 

In summary pick up a good vitamin, take plain old aspirin (ASA) for hang-overs and where a condom (always a good idea).

 

Hope this helps out…….

 

Stoked'

[slightly]

The official stance is:

Patients should be made aware that both alcohol and CIALIS, a PDE5 inhibitor, act as mild vasodilators. When mild vasodilators are taken in combination, blood-pressure-lowering effects of each individual compound may be increased. Therefore, physicians should inform patients that substantial consumption of alcohol (e.g., 5 units or greater) in combination with CIALIS can increase the potential for orthostatic signs and symptoms, including increase in heart rate, decrease in standing blood pressure, dizziness, and headache.

In monger speak that means you'll be more likely to get head rushes when you stand up, or possibly pass out.... The treatment lay flat on your back and let her do the work.....

 

Thanks for the info

 

I suffer from Gout & I take a drug called Allopurinol daily

 

I worry about long term liver damage from medication, so I was wondering do you know if its OK to take

Viagra / Cialis / Kamagra with Allopurinol.

 

[stoked]

Thanks for the info

 

I suffer from Gout & I take a drug called Allopurinol daily

 

I worry about long term liver damage from medication, so I was wondering do you know if its OK to take

Viagra / Cialis / Kamagra with Allopurinol.

 

 

 

Cheers Slightly

 

Allopurinol isn’t something I’m really familiar with; I know is it’s intended to prevent gout symptoms and must be taken regularly. Once a gout attack has kicked in it won’t do much for you….

 

It’s sold under different brand names from country to country. Basically it prevents the build up of uric acid in the blood, which causes the painful joint swelling of gout…..

 

I’ve never seen any contraindications for use with herbal or pharmaceutical potency aids, but they do give some warnings for mongers that might have diabetes, heart or kidney disease….

 

I don’t want to blow you off but, it’s out of my field…… I’d talk to a doc to confirm things….

 

However, the five cherry cure has been championed by many a gout sufferer…. Cherries seem to do the trick for a lot of people; they say that eating five fresh cherries a day keeps the gout away…. Unfortunately booze can fuck up this equation….. The detoxifying of booze causes a high out put of uric acid, and increases the likelihood of a gout attack….

 

All I can say with confidence is ask your doctor and eat cherries along with lots of fruit to fend of the joint pain….. I won’t say avoid booze, mainly due to circumstances in Pattaya, but if you can you’re a stronger man than I…….

 

Take care and good luck…… I really wish I could provide a better answer…….. Sorry mate!

 

Stoked’

[pattayaplayer]

Cialis and the Indian generic or copy version sold in Pattaya works well for me. No side effects while with Viagra there were side effects. This thread is good. The basic message is use in moderation and with caution. If you do, life in Pattaya is great.

[Nitram]

It is a pity that Uprima (apomorphine) never made it and got withdrawn from the market. It works trough a totally different mechanism than the other three by stimulating the dopamine receptors in the brain (the 'pleasure center') thus relaxing the smooth muscle tissue in the penis to facilitate an erection, just like a natural erection would occur. A mechanism that comes pretty close to a real aphrodisacum.

 

For commercial reasons (?) Abbot withdrew the med which is a pity for many men on nitrates because it was the only E.D. med that didn't gave dangerous side effects if you took them both. The generic version (manufactured by Ajanta Pharma in India under the brand name Aprima) is still readily available on the internet.

I have tried it and although it is much less aggressive than Viagra it certainly works for me but I doubt if it will be powerfull enough for men who suffer from severe impotence. Common side effects in higher doses (4mg and up) are nausea and dizzyness due to orthostatic hypotension.

I have read a few abstracts about an experimental combination therapy with Uprima and Viagra and it gave a succes rate of over 90% in men who previously failed to respond to Viagra or Uprima alone.

[slightly]

Cheers Slightly

 

Allopurinol isn’t something I’m really familiar with; I know is it’s intended to prevent gout symptoms and must be taken regularly. Once a gout attack has kicked in it won’t do much for you….

 

It’s sold under different brand names from country to country. Basically it prevents the build up of uric acid in the blood, which causes the painful joint swelling of gout…..

 

I’ve never seen any contraindications for use with herbal or pharmaceutical potency aids, but they do give some warnings for mongers that might have diabetes, heart or kidney disease….

 

I don’t want to blow you off but, it’s out of my field…… I’d talk to a doc to confirm things….

 

However, the five cherry cure has been championed by many a gout sufferer…. Cherries seem to do the trick for a lot of people; they say that eating five fresh cherries a day keeps the gout away…. Unfortunately booze can fuck up this equation….. The detoxifying of booze causes a high out put of uric acid, and increases the likelihood of a gout attack….

 

All I can say with confidence is ask your doctor and eat cherries along with lots of fruit to fend of the joint pain….. I won’t say avoid booze, mainly due to circumstances in Pattaya, but if you can you’re a stronger man than I…….

 

Take care and good luck…… I really wish I could provide a better answer…….. Sorry mate!

 

Stoked’

 

Thanks Stoked

 

That was some sound advice.

I knew most of it already, & i have beentold for years to eat lots of fruit especially berries.

I have also been told to drink cranbeery juice, which I do but I cant find it in Pattaya supermarkets.

 

I never knew about Cherries being benefical, so thanks for that......I will try it.

You live & learn !!

 

I have 2 vices....Beer & women.... Its Impossible for me to stop either, but I will continue to cut back

( on the beer that is )

 

[bluejake79]

Cheers White Spider

 

Thanks Great addition!.... I didn't think to get into the whole issue of fake drugs or legal acspects! The scary thing is they usually aren't just sugar pills, but actually have active ingredients in unregulated and varying concentrations.... It would be better if they where just sugar knock offs, with active vasodilators you could actually screw up your system pretty badly.

 

Also evidence seems to show that people can develop a strong psychological dependency on the little blue bastards…

 

Once again, Thanks

 

Stoked'

 

 

Nice piece of detective work. CAMAGRA - what a rip!!!!

 

As mentioned by me in another thread the 2 fake Viagra products made in Thailand - Kamagra & Penagra have serious quality issues & they are nowhere near 100mg as stated on the package. 300 mg of that fake stuff versus 50 mg Pfiser - I'll take the branded stuff at 225 baht a dose. Damn that shit works good. Pharmacist told me to avoid fatty foods right before taking it. It also stays active in my system for a long time - anyhting up to 12 hours. Recently got off 3 shots in one long session - a personal record!!! Cheers!!!

A lot of baloney if you ask me. The 'fake' drugs are simply generics made by companies like Ajanta Pharma Limited. They make a whole range of drugs and export all over the world. They are the same drug with a different brand name like 'Kamagra' . To say a huge pharmaceutical company like Ajanta puts the wrong amount of ingredients in their drugs is bullshit.

 

The cost of drugs like Kamagra is next to nothing to manufacture, whether it has 25mg or 100mg of the active ingredient. To suggest the generics have less Sildenafil Citrate because the pharmaceutical companies are 'cutting' their drugs like a back street drug dealer to make more profit is again bullshit.

 

I have tried Viagra and I have tried the generics. They are exactly the same. I would not try Viagra again because it is way too expensive.

 

A lot of the above 'fake' stories originate from American drug companies who want to dissuade people from buying cheaper generic drugs.

[Next!]

Have used all 3 in the past. Favorite cialis. You can walk about town on it. For those short time guys. Attempt it with viagra! In my case I look like a tripod walking down the street. Definitely get some looks. Also viagra does give me a little heartburn. A couple of antiacids and no problems. later Next!

[Khun Scalawag]

A lot of baloney if you ask me. The 'fake' drugs are simply generics made by companies like Ajanta Pharma Limited. They make a whole range of drugs and export all over the world. They are the same drug with a different brand name like 'Kamagra' . To say a huge pharmaceutical company like Ajanta puts the wrong amount of ingredients in their drugs is bullshit.

 

The cost of drugs like Kamagra is next to nothing to manufacture, whether it has 25mg or 100mg of the active ingredient. To suggest the generics have less Sildenafil Citrate because the pharmaceutical companies are 'cutting' their drugs like a back street drug dealer to make more profit is again bullshit.

 

I have tried Viagra and I have tried the generics. They are exactly the same. I would not try Viagra again because it is way too expensive.

 

A lot of the above 'fake' stories originate from American drug companies who want to dissuade people from buying cheaper generic drugs.

I would have to disagree.

I'm a big fan of Cialis and have used both the genuine and generic products. I've can tell you that the generic is absolutely, without a doubt, inferior to the real Cialis.

A 20mg Cialis pill, made by Eli Lilly (actually, Lilly ICOS, LLC.), goes into effect in 30 to 60 minutes and will last 36 hours or longer. The results are same, each and every time I've used it.

Tadalis, made by ajanta pharma limited (that is how they spell it, all lowercase) in India, takes 3 to 4 Hours to go into effect and is near worthless after 24 hours. There is no consistency to the generic and each time I've taken it the results have been different.

Caveat emptor

[Captain Murgatroyd]

Hi Guys,

I started cialis ( situationally) a couple of years ago... I find it works fine for me, 36-48 hrs!

 

Viagra = Le Bonk

Cialis = Le weekend!

 

You lads don't know when you're well off!

Spanish fly was no fun!

 

Murgatroyd

[bluejake79]

I would have to disagree.

I'm a big fan of Cialis and have used both the genuine and generic products. I've can tell you that the generic is absolutely, without a doubt, inferior to the real Cialis.

A 20mg Cialis pill, made by Eli Lilly (actually, Lilly ICOS, LLC.), goes into effect in 30 to 60 minutes and will last 36 hours or longer. The results are same, each and every time I've used it.

Tadalis, made by ajanta pharma limited (that is how they spell it, all lowercase) in India, takes 3 to 4 Hours to go into effect and is near worthless after 24 hours. There is no consistency to the generic and each time I've taken it the results have been different.

Caveat emptor

 

Some people will claim particular brand named drugs are better than a generic but it is simply the power of marketing because they are exactly the same drug with a different label on them. 100mg of Sildenafil citrate is 100mg of Sildenafil citrate regardless of the brand name printed on the box. Same same with a 20 mg dose of Tadalafil.

 

Any additional benefit you feel from the more expensive brand name drug is a placebo effect.

[rockhard]

You have no concept of Thai's ability to make real looking fakes. No more Kamagra for me. A year ago it was great. Now I need 3 tabs to get wood. Fuck that. I'll use a 1/2 of a Pfizer like before.

 

The pharmicist took back 10 packs (od Kamagra) with nary a peep. Just said I would get my cash back. That should tell you something.