Tadalafil: From Turbocharged Viagra to Muscle Trouble

If you go to the gym, you've probably heard about tadalafil. It's all the rage, the "secret" to giving your muscles that sinister pump and, as a bonus, ensuring a "good morning" for the rest of the day. But wait, before you go out there and stuff yourself with this stuff, let's put some serious thought into the information, because things could get ugly.

Tadalafil: What is it and what is it for (really)?

Tadalafil is originally a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (the famous "limpness") and, in some cases, benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). It works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, facilitating blood flow and, consequently, an erection. Simple, right?

The bodybuilding trend: Why did it become a pre-workout trend?

This is where people's creativity (or lack thereof) comes in. Someone realized that tadalafil increases blood flow and thought: "If it increases blood flow to the penis, it must increase blood flow to the muscles too! Guaranteed monster pump!" And doesn't it make sense, in a way? Increased blood flow can, in fact, give a sensation of muscle swelling during training.

The Dark Side of the Force (and Erection)

But it's not that simple. Using tadalafil unnecessarily and without medical advice is bizarre! And the risks are very real, you know?

High (or low) blood pressure: Tadalafil can cause hypotension (a drop in blood pressure), which can lead to dizziness, fainting and even more serious problems, especially if you already have low blood pressure. Imagine the scene: you're there, lifting weights, your blood pressure drops and you make the news!

Vision problems: In rare cases, tadalafil can cause sudden loss of vision. Weird, right? Trading your vision for a pump? It doesn't make sense!

Endless (and boring) erection: Yes, tadalafil can cause priapism, a painful erection that lasts for hours and can permanently damage the penis. Have you ever thought about having to go to the hospital with a "gun" pointing to the sky with nowhere to shoot?

Dangerous interaction: Tadalafil can interact with other medications, such as nitrates (used to treat heart problems), enhancing their effects and causing serious health problems. If you are already taking something, there is a high chance that it will go wrong!

Psychological addiction: Believe me, the "crutch" of tadalafil can make you psychologically dependent. You'll start to think that you can't train well without it, and then things will go downhill for good.

What to do then?

The truth is that there is no magic. If you want a respectable pump, focus on the basics:

Diet: Eat right, with complex carbohydrates and quality proteins.

Training: Train hard, focusing on technique and load progression.

Rest: Get plenty of sleep so your muscles can recover and grow.

Supplementation: Use supplements responsibly and under professional guidance. Creatine, caffeine and arginine can give you extra strength, without the risks of tadalafil.

Tadalafil is not a pre-workout, it is not a vitamin and it is not a joke. It is a medication that should be used under medical advice and under professional supervision. If you are looking for a turbocharged pump, focus on the basics, seek guidance from a physical education professional and a nutritionist and leave tadalafil for those who really need it.

Remember: true shape is built with dedication, discipline and information. And, of course, with a clear head!