Cialis (tadalafil) is an oral tablet used to treat erectile dysfunction and other health conditions. Cialis is in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Like other prescription medications, Cialis comes with side effects. If a person mixes alcohol with Cialis, they may experience dangerous health conditions like low blood pressure. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that usually affects men of advanced age. Men who suffer from illnesses like heart disease or diabetes are also at an increased risk for experiencing symptoms of ED.
Doctors often prescribe Cialis to treat these conditions. Some people who take Cialis may be able to drink moderately without any risks to their health. However, over time, mixing alcohol and Cialis puts a person at risk for health consequences, including increased symptoms of ED.
If a person cannot cut back or stop drinking while on Cialis, they may be suffering from an alcohol use disorder. Fortunately, alcohol addiction is a highly treatable condition that can be addressed at a Vertava Health rehab program. Contact 844.470.0410 to learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment program.
Is Mixing Alcohol and Cialis Dangerous?
Mixing moderate amounts of alcohol with Cialis is not necessarily dangerous. However, if a person takes Cialis and has more than five drinks at a time, they could experience a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Having five or more drinks is considered binge drinking for both men and women. If a person routinely binge drinks, they may be struggling with alcohol use.
Side Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Cialis
People who are prescribed Cialis should be informed about the drug’s potential interactions with alcohol. Both alcohol and Cialis come with a list of short- and long-term side effects. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can impact a person’s coordination, balance, and decision-making ability. Over time, heavy alcohol use can lead to conditions like cirrhosis.
Cialis interacts with the body’s vascular system and can lead to headaches, indigestion, and pain throughout the body. This drug usually does not cause long-term damage to the body. When alcohol is mixed with Cialis, people may experience increased side effects of the prescription drug. These side effects can include:
- Stomach pains, nausea, and diarrhea
- Muscle aches
- Flushed skin
- Racing heart
- Coughing
- Changes in vision
- Decreased hearing
Mixing alcohol with Cialis can also lower the effectiveness of the prescription. This can lead to an increase in prostate issues and symptoms of ED.
Alcohol Use and Erectile Dysfunction
Alcohol is the leading cause of impotence and other sexual problems. One study found that up to 33 percent of men who are addicted to alcohol also struggle with erectile dysfunction. However, there is good news. This same research states that alcohol-induced ED is reversible. When people are abstinent from alcohol, their side effects stop. This means that regardless of medical history, people who quit drinking are able to return to normal sexual function.
Many people need help to stop drinking permanently. Alcoholism is a progressive brain disease, and medical detox and rehab programs are effective in treating alcohol addiction.
Without treatment, alcohol use may lead to other health concerns, including cirrhosis and heart disease. At Vertava Health, alcohol treatment programs provide comprehensive care that addresses each patient’s unique needs.
Signs of Alcohol Use
Although more than 15 million Americans currently have an alcohol use disorder, it can be overwhelming to realize that someone close to you is battling an addiction. One of the biggest indicators that a person has an addiction is taking prescriptions other than the doctor’s instructions. Consider familiarizing yourself with common signs of alcohol use in order to understand your loved one’s addiction better.
Someone who mixes alcohol and Cialis may show additional signs of alcohol use, such as:
- Blackouts (short-term memory loss when drinking)
- Mood swings
- Social isolation
- Defensive attitude about their substance use
- Financial issues
- Sneaking drinks
- Mental preoccupation with substances
If your loved one also struggles with health conditions like ED, it’s important to seek a rehab center that provides holistic treatment for both body and mind.
Finding Treatment for Alcohol Use
While Cialis is not habit-forming, alcohol is highly addictive. People who are dependent on alcohol may experience severe withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to quit on their own. The safest way to stop drinking is through the help of a medical detox program.
Medical detoxification helps patients through the withdrawal stage by providing emotional support and medication-assisted treatment. After a person successfully detoxes from alcohol, they are ready to begin formal addiction treatment.
Experts agree that detoxification alone is not enough to sustain recovery. Inpatient treatment can be an excellent next step in the treatment process. Those who suffer from other co-occurring health issues should find a treatment program that will treat the whole person and address each issue separately.
Vertava Health acknowledges that alcoholism affects the whole family. To promote healing among loved ones, our rehab centers provide both individual and family counseling as part of the treatment process. We offer therapeutic options such as:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Adventure therapy
- Art therapy
- Animal-assisted therapy
For more information on the dangers of mixing alcohol and Cialis, or treatment options near you, contact one of our Vertava Health specialists at 844.470.0410 today.
