Can you take Viagra and Levitra together?
You should not take Viagra and Levitra together: both are PDE5 inhibitors that work the same way, so combining them only stacks their effects.
You should not take Viagra and Levitra together. Both are PDE5 inhibitors that work the same way, so combining them does not improve results — it simply stacks their effects and can make blood pressure fall dangerously. If one does not work well enough, the answer is to talk to a doctor about adjusting treatment, not to add a second drug.
Viagra contains sildenafil and Levitra contains vardenafil. Both belong to the class of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors and help you get and keep an erection by improving blood flow in response to sexual stimulation. Because they share a mechanism, taking them at the same time means a double dose of the same kind of action.
Why taking Viagra and Levitra together is risky
Combining sildenafil and vardenafil can cause the two medications to interact and produce excessive effects. The main danger is that blood pressure can drop too far, which raises the risk of adverse events. Reported side effects of mixing ED medications include:
- dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting;
- headache and flushing;
- heart palpitations;
- priapism — a prolonged, painful erection unrelated to arousal, which is a medical emergency.
None of these risks come with any added benefit, which is exactly why doctors advise against the combination.
Stimulation is still required
It is worth remembering that neither drug produces an erection on its own. Both Viagra and Levitra only work alongside sexual stimulation — they make an erection easier to achieve when you are aroused, rather than causing one automatically. Taking more medication does not change that fundamental point.
Viagra, Levitra and Cialis compared
All three of the best-known ED drugs are PDE5 inhibitors that work in a similar way, but they are not identical, and many men simply prefer one over another.
| Brand | Active ingredient | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Viagra | Sildenafil | Shorter-acting |
| Levitra | Vardenafil | Shorter-acting |
| Cialis | Tadalafil | Longer-acting |
If one drug is not working for you, switching — under medical guidance — is a far safer strategy than combining two. A doctor can help you find the single medication that suits your needs.
The nitrate warning applies to all of them
Whichever PDE5 inhibitor you use, the same critical rule holds: do not combine it with nitrates. Nitrates should be avoided for at least 24 hours after a shorter-acting drug like Viagra or Levitra, and at least 48 hours after a longer-acting drug like Cialis, because the combination can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure. This is covered in detail in our guide on taking Viagra after a heart attack or with heart medication.
Talk to your doctor before deciding
The safest path is always to discuss your medical history and preferences with a doctor, who can recommend the right single medication and dose. For a broader look at potential downsides, see our overview of whether Viagra can bring any harm, and if you have liver concerns, our guide on Viagra and liver function. For the full picture, return to our guide to erectile dysfunction and male sexual health.