Is it safe to mix Viagra and weed?

Cannabis may interact with sildenafil (Viagra), a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Taking them together may increase the risk of certain side effects and cause the effects of cannabis to last longer than intended.

Learn the risks of an interaction between cannabis and Viagra to use them safely.

What is Viagra?

Viagra is prescribed for ED, also known as impotence, which is the inability to get or keep an erection for sexual activity.

Sometimes Viagra is also prescribed to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a type of high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.

How does Viagra work?

Viagra temporarily increases blood flow into the penis, helping you get and maintain an erection when you’re sexually aroused.

Although Viagra is generally considered safe, it can cause side effects, such as:

• Headache
• Heartburn
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Numbness in the arms, hands, feet, or legs

In rare cases, Viagra can cause more severe side effects that require medical attention, including chest pain, fainting, or an erection that’s painful or lasts longer than 4 hours.

Ask your doctor to help you determine a dosing plan that helps minimize these risks.

Is it safe to mix Viagra and weed?

Research on the interaction between cannabis and Viagra is limited.

Mixing cannabis and Viagra can increase your risk of certain side effects, such as:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea

In one case report, a person experienced a heart attack after combining cannabis and Viagra. However, this side effect is likely very rare, and the individual may have had underlying risk factors.

Cannabis may inhibit the levels of liver enzymes that help your body break down and metabolize certain medications, including Viagra. This can make the medication’s effects stronger and longer-lasting than intended.

Before taking cannabis with Viagra, speak with your doctor to establish a safe dosing plan.

Can you take CBD and Viagra together?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabis compound. It can be used to help relieve health issues, such as:

• Pain
• Inflammation
• Anxiety
• Insomnia

Like other cannabis compounds, CBD can inhibit liver enzymes that help your body metabolize Viagra. This can increase some side effect risks and make Viagra’s effects last longer.

Speak with your doctor before mixing CBD and Viagra.

How to take weed and Viagra

If you’re looking to treat ED, ask your doctor if it’s safe to take cannabis and Viagra together.

Also, consider these safety tips:

• Dose wisely: Start with the lowest dosage amounts of cannabis and Viagra. Increase your doses slowly as needed (under your doctor’s supervision) until you achieve the desired results.
• Time each dose wisely: Space out your cannabis and Viagra doses to minimize your risk of side effects. Viagra can start working in 30 minutes and last for 4 to 6 hours. Inhaled cannabis can take effect in less than 30 minutes and last for 3 hours. Cannabis edibles can take effect in 2 hours and last for 8 hours.
• Consider your other medications: If you’re taking other medications, ask your doctor if they’re safe to combine with cannabis and Viagra.

The takeaway: Taking cannabis and Viagra together can increase the risk of certain side effects

Taking cannabis and Viagra together may increase your risk of side effects like dizziness, nausea, and headache. Combining them may also have additive effects on blood pressure and circulation, and make Viagra’s effects last longer.

Speak with your Leafwell pharmacist or doctor before combining these substances, especially if you have heart problems or are taking other medications.

Resources

• Cannabidiol, a major phytocannabinoid, as a potent atypical inhibitor for CYP2D6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21821735/
• Cannabinoid interactions with cytochrome P450 drug metabolism: A full-spectrum characterization. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34181150/
• Myocardial infarction following the combined recreational use of viagra® and cannabis. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/clc.4960250310
• Onset and duration of action of sildenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1874251/
• Sildenafil. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699015.html

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