Levitra — answers to the main questions
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a healthcare professional. Always speak with a doctor before starting or changing any medication.
Frequently asked questions
What is Levitra?
Levitra is the brand name for vardenafil, a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. It belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medicines help improve blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation.
How does vardenafil work for erectile dysfunction?
Vardenafil blocks the PDE5 enzyme, which allows blood vessels in the penis to relax. This improves blood flow when a man is sexually aroused. It does not cause an erection on its own—sexual stimulation is still required.
How quickly does Levitra start working and how long does it last?
Levitra usually starts working within 30–60 minutes after taking a tablet. Its effects may last up to 4–5 hours. Individual response time can vary depending on age, health status, and other medications.
What causes erectile dysfunction that Levitra is prescribed for?
ED can result from physical causes (such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure), psychological factors (stress, anxiety, depression), or a combination of both. Lifestyle factors—smoking, alcohol misuse, obesity, and lack of physical activity—also contribute.
How do I know if Levitra is appropriate for me?
Levitra may be appropriate if you have persistent difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual activity. A healthcare provider will evaluate your overall health, medications, and risk factors before prescribing it.
Is Levitra safe for everyone?
No. Levitra is not safe for people who take nitrates (often prescribed for chest pain), certain heart medications, or who have specific cardiovascular conditions. It may also be unsuitable for individuals with severe liver disease or certain eye disorders.
What are the common side effects of Levitra?
Common side effects include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, and dizziness. These are usually mild and temporary. More serious reactions are rare but require urgent medical attention.
What are the dangerous symptoms that require emergency care?
Seek immediate medical help if you experience chest pain, sudden vision or hearing loss, or an erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism). These are uncommon but potentially serious complications.
Can Levitra be taken with alcohol?
Small amounts of alcohol may not significantly affect the medication, but excessive drinking can reduce effectiveness and increase side effects like dizziness or low blood pressure. Moderation is recommended.
Is it possible to take Levitra daily?
Levitra is typically taken as needed before sexual activity. Daily use may be considered in specific situations under medical supervision, but this is not standard for all patients.
Can younger men use Levitra?
Levitra is approved for adult men with diagnosed ED. It is not intended for individuals under 18. In younger adults, underlying psychological or lifestyle factors may need evaluation.
When should I see a doctor about erectile dysfunction?
If ED occurs regularly, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms (fatigue, low libido, chest discomfort), consult a doctor. ED can be an early sign of cardiovascular disease or other systemic conditions.
Detailed breakdown
1. Erectile dysfunction: causes and health implications
Erectile dysfunction is more than a sexual health issue—it can reflect underlying vascular or metabolic disease. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and hormonal imbalance are common contributors. According to major cardiology guidelines, ED may precede heart disease by several years.
Learn more in our Health & Fitness, Depression and Health & Fitness, Diabetes sections about related risk factors.
2. How Levitra compares to other PDE5 inhibitors
Levitra (vardenafil), sildenafil (Viagra), and tadalafil (Cialis) all belong to the same drug class. They differ in onset time, duration of action, and interaction profiles. Vardenafil is often described as having a balance between onset speed and duration.
Choice of medication depends on medical history, side effect tolerance, frequency of sexual activity, and physician recommendation.
3. Safety considerations and contraindications
The most important safety issue is the interaction with nitrates or nitric oxide donors, which can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Caution is also needed in men with recent stroke, unstable angina, severe arrhythmias, or significant hypotension.
Always provide your doctor with a full medication list, including herbal supplements. More guidance is available in our Disease & Illness resource hub.
4. Side effects and how to recognize complications
Most side effects are mild and related to vasodilation (blood vessel widening). However, rare events such as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) have been reported. Persistent or severe symptoms should not be ignored.
5. Psychological and lifestyle components
Even when medication is effective, addressing lifestyle factors improves outcomes. Weight management, smoking cessation, stress reduction, and regular exercise can significantly enhance erectile function and overall cardiovascular health.
Symptom/situation → urgency level → where to seek help
| Symptom or situation | Urgency level | Where to seek help |
|---|---|---|
| Mild headache, flushing, nasal congestion | Low | Monitor; consult primary care if persistent |
| Dizziness or lightheadedness | Moderate | Contact healthcare provider |
| Chest pain during or after sexual activity | High | Emergency services immediately |
| Erection lasting more than 4 hours | Emergency | Emergency department immediately |
| Sudden vision or hearing loss | Emergency | Urgent medical evaluation |
Checklist: what you can do today
- Schedule a medical evaluation if ED is new or worsening.
- Review all medications with your doctor to prevent interactions.
- Limit alcohol intake and avoid recreational drugs.
- Adopt heart-healthy habits: balanced diet, regular exercise, weight control.
- Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
- Reduce stress through counseling, mindfulness, or therapy if needed.
- Stop smoking to improve vascular function.
- Seek reliable information from trusted medical sources.
- Do not purchase prescription ED drugs from unverified online sellers.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — Drug Safety Communications and prescribing information for vardenafil.
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) — Summary of Product Characteristics for Levitra.
- American Urological Association (AUA) — Guidelines on Erectile Dysfunction.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) — Erectile dysfunction management guidelines.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) — MedlinePlus: Vardenafil information.
- American Heart Association (AHA) — Cardiovascular risk and sexual activity recommendations.
