How to treat headaches from Viagra and Cialis

Headaches can be a common side effect of erectile dysfunction (ED) medications, such as Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil). In general, the higher the dose, the more likely headaches and other side effects are to occur while taking these ED treatments. Luckily though, Viagra and Cialis headaches are treatable and typically short-lived. 

Here, we explain how and why Viagra and Cialis can cause headaches and offer research-backed tips to treat and prevent the side effect, so you can continue to reap the rewards of ED meds without a throbbing head.

Viagra and Cialis dilate (widen) the blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the penis. By causing this vasodilation, the ED meds can also boost blood flow to other areas of the body, such as the brain. These changes in blood flow might be to blame for the development of a Viagra or Cialis-related headache. 

It's also worth noting that there seems to be a relationship to dosage. In one study, for example, researchers noted that higher doses of Viagra present a higher risk of developing headaches. Headaches are the most common side effect associated with Viagra, with up to 28% of patients who are prescribed the medication experiencing headaches, especially at higher doses. Additionally, 11%–15% of men reported experiencing headaches after taking Cialis.

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Below are a handful of ways to address Viagra and Cialis headaches:

Consider a lower dosage 

Studies suggest that men who take lower-dose daily Cialis typically have fewer or milder side effects than those who take higher doses on an as-needed basis. The same principle can be applied to Viagra (Doses of 100 mg or higher of Viagra have been associated with greater side effects.) If you're experiencing headaches on a higher dosage, talk to your healthcare provider about potentially trying a lower dosage that could still be effective in treating your ED.

Switch to a different ED medication 

Switching brands of ED medications probably won't cure your headaches entirely since this is a common side effect with all types of PDE5 inhibitors, but it is a potential option. Alternatively, ask your healthcare provider about avanafil (Stendra), a newer ED treatment that's been shown to have the lowest rate of headaches and other symptoms associated with ED meds, such as flushed cheeks and dizziness.

Stay hydrated 

Dehydration is a common cause of headaches in and of itself, and physical activities, such as sex, are more likely to leave you feeling dehydrated, as they can cause you to sweat and lose fluid in your body. (After all, intercourse can be quite the workout.) But breaking a sweat in the bedroom isn’t the only way you might experience dehydration. 

Drinking alcohol and caffeine can also be to blame; that’s because both beverages are diuretics, meaning they can make you have to urinate (i.e. lose fluid) more often than usual. 

The fix? Stay hydrated. Avoid drinking high amounts of alcohol and caffeine prior to taking your pill and be sure to drink lots of water before, after, and while the medication is in your system. 

You also might want to consider eating a light meal or snack when you take Viagra or Cialis — just be sure to steer clear of high-fat foods, as they can delay absorption and, in turn, the efficacy of certain PDE5 inhibitors, including Viagra.

Take an over-the-counter painkiller 

While it’s always best to talk to your healthcare provider before popping any pills, taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to treat a temporary headache from Viagra or Cialis might be a safe bet. When taken at the recommended dose, both of these over-the-counter meds don’t interact with Viagra or Cialis.

 That said, if you have other health issues, such as liver disease or kidney disease, discuss these medications with your healthcare provider before trying them on your own. Additionally, using an over-the-counter painkiller more than about 10 days a month can lead to medication overuse headaches. 

None of the above doing the trick? Here are some other ideas.

• Have some caffeine: While it’s best to limit caffeine before taking your pill, a small amount once a headache has started may help. Caffeine causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels) in the brain, which may ease headaches. Additionally, having caffeine along with OTC medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may increase their effectiveness at relieving pain, research shows.

• Lie down in a dark, quiet room: Bright lights can make your headache worse. Lying down in a dark room helps you recover without extra stimuli.  

• Use a cold compress: Try using a cold compress, ice pack, or frozen headache cap to ease the pain. 

• Massage your temples and/or neck: This can help relieve some tension and reduce discomfort. 

• Take a hot shower: A hot shower can help relax tight muscles and simply help you relax in general, which may help take your headache down a notch.  

A headache caused by Viagra or Cialis should ease up as the drug wears off, so how long it lasts depends on which one you take. Viagra clears the body relatively quickly, and side effects typically last only a few hours. Cialis stays in your system much longer, so its side effects can potentially last longer too, sometimes more than half a day.  

Everyone is different, and some people might experience a short-lived mild headache while others might have one that's more severe. If your headache is severe and lasts more than a few hours, it's important to let a healthcare provider know.

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Headaches are a common side effect of ED medications such as Viagra and Cialis, but there are things you can do to make them more tolerable or less likely.

• Viagra and Cialis can cause headaches because they dilate (widen) the blood vessels in the body, including the blood vessels in the brain, which can result in a headache.

• Higher doses of Viagra and Cialis are linked to a higher risk of side effects. You can ask your healthcare provider about taking a lower dose or switching medications altogether.

• To combat a headache from ED medications, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol.  

• Talk to your healthcare provider if your headaches are negatively impacting your quality of life. No one should have to live (or have sex) in pain. 

• If your headache is severe or associated with other symptoms such as impaired vision or weakness, seek emergency medical attention.