ED Medication Recommender
What's Most Important to You?
Select your top 3 priorities to see which medication works best for you
Your Results
Select your priorities above to see personalized recommendations
If you're dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED), you’ve probably heard of Levitra Extra Dosage. It’s one of the most common prescriptions for men who need stronger, longer-lasting results. But is it the best option? Or are there better, cheaper, or faster alternatives out there? Let’s cut through the noise and compare Levitra Extra Dosage (vardenafil) with the other major ED medications-Viagra, Cialis, and Stendra-based on real-world performance, side effects, and how they actually feel when you use them.
What Is Levitra Extra Dosage?
Levitra Extra Dosage contains vardenafil a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis. The "Extra Dosage" label means it comes in a 20 mg strength, which is the highest available dose for vardenafil. Most men start with 10 mg, but if that doesn’t work well enough, doctors often switch them to 20 mg.
It takes about 25 to 60 minutes to kick in, and its effects last around 4 to 5 hours. Unlike some other ED pills, Levitra Extra Dosage works best when taken on an empty stomach. A high-fat meal can delay how fast it starts working-sometimes by over an hour.
It’s not a magic pill. You still need sexual stimulation for it to work. But when it does, users report firm, reliable erections that hold up well during activity.
Levitra Extra Dosage vs. Viagra (Sildenafil)
Viagra is the OG of ED meds. It’s been around since 1998, and most men know the name. But how does it stack up against Levitra Extra Dosage?
- Onset time: Viagra takes 30-60 minutes to work. Same as Levitra.
- Duration: Viagra lasts about 4-5 hours-very similar to vardenafil.
- Food interaction: Both are slowed down by fatty meals, but Viagra is more sensitive. A heavy meal can push its onset to 90 minutes or longer.
- Side effects: Both cause headaches, flushing, and nasal congestion. But Viagra is more likely to cause blue-tinged vision (a rare but noticeable side effect). Levitra tends to cause less visual disturbance.
- Effectiveness: Studies show both work for about 70-80% of men. Some users say Levitra feels "smoother" with fewer crashes afterward.
If you’ve tried Viagra and it didn’t work well-or gave you weird vision issues-Levitra Extra Dosage is often the next logical step. It’s not stronger, but it’s often better tolerated.
Levitra Extra Dosage vs. Cialis (Tadalafil)
This is where things get interesting. Cialis isn’t just another pill-it’s a different kind of tool.
- Onset time: Cialis takes 30 minutes to work-slightly faster than Levitra.
- Duration: This is the big difference. Cialis lasts up to 36 hours. That’s why it’s called "the weekend pill." You can take it once a day and be ready whenever the moment happens.
- Dosing: Cialis comes in two forms: "as-needed" (10 mg or 20 mg) and daily (2.5 mg or 5 mg). Levitra only comes as needed.
- Food interaction: Cialis isn’t affected by food. You can take it after a big meal and still get results.
- Side effects: Cialis is more likely to cause back pain and muscle aches, especially with daily use. Levitra doesn’t have this issue.
Levitra Extra Dosage is better if you want something you take just before sex. Cialis wins if you want flexibility-no timing, no planning, no stress about when to take it. But if you’re sensitive to muscle aches or don’t want a pill in your system for days, Levitra is cleaner.
Levitra Extra Dosage vs. Stendra (Avanafil)
Stendra is the new kid on the block. It’s less known but faster than most.
- Onset time: Stendra starts working in as little as 15 minutes. That’s quicker than any other ED pill.
- Duration: Lasts about 5-6 hours-slightly longer than Levitra.
- Food interaction: Minimal. You can take it with or without food.
- Side effects: Stendra has the lowest rate of side effects among all four. Headaches and flushing are less common. It’s also less likely to cause dizziness or low blood pressure.
- Availability: Stendra is more expensive and not always covered by insurance. Levitra is more widely available and cheaper in generic form.
Stendra is ideal if you need speed and minimal side effects. But if you’re looking for value, reliability, and proven results, Levitra Extra Dosage still holds its ground. Stendra might be better for spontaneous encounters, but Levitra gives you more consistent performance over time.
Who Should Avoid These Medications?
None of these drugs are safe for everyone. You should not take vardenafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, or avanafil if:
- You take nitrates (like nitroglycerin) for chest pain-this combo can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
- You have severe liver or kidney disease-dosing may need adjustment.
- You’ve had a stroke, heart attack, or life-threatening arrhythmia in the last 6 months.
- You’re on certain HIV or antifungal medications (like ketoconazole or ritonavir), which can spike vardenafil levels to unsafe amounts.
Always talk to your doctor before switching or starting any ED medication. It’s not just about getting an erection-it’s about protecting your heart and overall health.
Cost and Accessibility
Brand-name Levitra Extra Dosage can cost £5-£8 per pill in the UK. Generic vardenafil (sold as Vardenafil Hydrochloride) is often half that price. Viagra and Cialis have generics too, and they’re widely available on NHS prescriptions if you qualify.
Stendra doesn’t have a generic version in the UK yet, so it’s usually the most expensive option. If you’re paying out of pocket, generic vardenafil gives you the best balance of price and performance.
Real User Experiences
One man in Manchester, 54, switched from Viagra to Levitra Extra Dosage after his vision kept going blurry. "I didn’t realize it was the medicine until I read the leaflet. After switching, no more blue tint, and my erection was just as strong. I’ve been on it for two years now."
A 48-year-old teacher in Bristol tried Cialis daily and loved the freedom-but got constant lower back pain. He switched to vardenafil and said, "Now I take it only when I need it. No aches. No hassle. Just works."
Another user, 61, tried Stendra on a date and was impressed by how fast it worked. "Fifteen minutes. That’s insane. But it cost me £12 a pill. I can’t do that every week. So now I stick with generic vardenafil."
Which One Should You Choose?
There’s no single "best" ED pill. It depends on your life, your body, and your priorities.
- Choose Levitra Extra Dosage (vardenafil) if you want reliable, fast-acting results without the side effects of Viagra or the long duration of Cialis. It’s the sweet spot for most men.
- Choose Viagra if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind the occasional visual side effect.
- Choose Cialis if you want spontaneity and don’t mind daily dosing or muscle aches.
- Choose Stendra if speed is your top priority and cost isn’t an issue.
Many men try one, then switch. That’s normal. Your body changes. Your needs change. What worked at 45 might not work at 55. The key is to track what works and talk to your doctor about adjustments.
Can I take Levitra Extra Dosage every day?
No. Levitra Extra Dosage (20 mg) is meant for as-needed use only. Taking it daily increases the risk of side effects like low blood pressure, dizziness, and priapism (a painful, prolonged erection). If you need daily treatment, talk to your doctor about Cialis or low-dose tadalafil instead.
Does Levitra Extra Dosage work better than generic vardenafil?
No. Generic vardenafil contains the exact same active ingredient as brand-name Levitra. The only differences are in inactive fillers, packaging, and price. Generic versions are just as effective and are often 50-70% cheaper. Many pharmacies in the UK stock generic vardenafil under names like Vardenafil Mylan or Vardenafil Teva.
How long does it take for Levitra Extra Dosage to leave your system?
Vardenafil has a half-life of about 4-5 hours, meaning half the drug is cleared from your body in that time. After 24 hours, more than 90% of it is gone. But if you have liver or kidney issues, it may stay in your system longer. Always follow your doctor’s dosing advice.
Can I drink alcohol with Levitra Extra Dosage?
Small amounts of alcohol (one or two drinks) are usually fine. But heavy drinking can reduce the effectiveness of vardenafil and increase side effects like dizziness, low blood pressure, and headaches. If you drink often, talk to your doctor about safer limits.
Is Levitra Extra Dosage safe for men with diabetes?
Yes. Clinical studies show vardenafil works well in men with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In fact, men with diabetes often benefit from ED meds because nerve and blood vessel damage from high blood sugar is a major cause of ED. Always monitor your blood sugar and check with your doctor before starting any new medication.
Next Steps
If you’re considering switching from one ED medication to another, don’t guess. Keep a simple log: note the date, dose, meal timing, alcohol intake, and how well it worked. After 3-4 tries, patterns will show up. Bring that log to your doctor.
Also, don’t overlook lifestyle changes. Losing 5-10% of body weight, walking 30 minutes a day, and cutting back on alcohol can improve ED as much as any pill. Medication helps-but it’s not the whole solution.
ED is common. It’s not a weakness. And the right treatment exists. You just need to find the one that fits your body and your life.
Sean McCarthy
December 3, 2025 AT 01:26Levitra works fine but generic vardenafil is the real win. Same pill half the price. Why pay more for a label?
Shannon Gabrielle
December 3, 2025 AT 04:22Of course the American pharma giants want you to buy brand name. They don't care if you go blind from Viagra or get back pain from Cialis. They just want your cash. Generic vardenafil is the only smart choice if you're not rich.
ANN JACOBS
December 4, 2025 AT 04:47It is truly remarkable how the medical community has evolved in its approach to erectile dysfunction. Once considered a taboo subject, it is now openly discussed with empirical data and comparative pharmacokinetics. The nuanced differences between PDE5 inhibitors-vardenafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, and avanafil-are not merely pharmacological curiosities but represent significant advancements in patient-centered care. Each compound offers distinct advantages based on metabolic half-life, food interaction profiles, and adverse effect spectra, allowing for truly individualized therapeutic regimens. It is imperative that patients engage in collaborative decision-making with their physicians, incorporating lifestyle modifications as foundational interventions rather than secondary considerations.
Nnaemeka Kingsley
December 4, 2025 AT 08:12i tried all of these man. levitra was good but i got dizzy after a beer. cialis made my back hurt like i did 100 squats. stendra worked fast but my wallet cried. now i use generic vardenafil. no drama. no pain. just works. dont overthink it.
Kshitij Shah
December 5, 2025 AT 00:16Levitra? In India we call it 'the poor man's Viagra'-cheap, works, no fancy packaging. But honestly, if you're spending £12 a pill on Stendra, you're either rich or desperate. Or both. My uncle takes generic vardenafil with his chai and still outlasts the young guys.
Linda Migdal
December 5, 2025 AT 22:46Let’s be clear: the FDA has approved these compounds based on rigorous Phase III trials. The pharmacokinetic superiority of avanafil in terms of onset time is statistically significant (p<0.01), yet its cost-effectiveness ratio remains unfavorable in most payer models. Vardenafil offers the optimal balance of bioavailability, tolerability, and reimbursement accessibility. Insurance formularies reflect this reality-not bias.
Tommy Walton
December 6, 2025 AT 23:34Levitra isn’t just a drug-it’s a metaphysical bridge between desire and reality. The 20mg dose? That’s the universe whispering, ‘You’re worthy of pleasure.’ 🌌✨