When Tadalafil Doesn’t Work: Frustrations, Side Effects, and Lessons Learned
Tadalafil, best known under the brand name Cialis, is often praised for its long duration of action and the way it allows intimacy to feel more natural. For many men, it restores confidence, improves relationships, and earns its reputation as the "weekend pill."
But not every story is positive. An analysis of hundreds of patient reviews shows that while many men thrive on tadalafil, a significant number report disappointment. For some, the drug causes headaches, back pain, or flushing. For others, it simply doesn’t work-no matter the dose or the brand.
This article takes a closer look at the other side of the tadalafil story: the frustrations, the side effects, and the lessons men have learned when expectations and reality don’t align.
Headaches, Back Pain, and Muscle Aches
Among the most common complaints are headaches, body aches, and back pain. For some, these side effects are mild and manageable. For others, they are so severe that they outweigh any benefit.
"About 60–90 minutes after taking Cialis, I got a severe backache, and my hands felt like they were asleep and tingling… the pain got so bad I considered going to the E.R." –Sco...
"68 Year Old Male: Wow, this drug was awesome… However, after the third time I took the drug, I developed the most severe back and leg ache I've ever experienced in my life." –WAS...
"Added 0.5 Tadalafil with good results in 1 day. By the 3rd day, had to stop due to bad back pain and headache." –Red...
Muscle pain and cramping are a known side effect of tadalafil, linked to its effect on smooth muscle and blood flow. While some men push through, others find the pain unbearable-especially when it lingers for 24–48 hours after a dose.
Flushing, Congestion, and Stuffy Nose
For another group of men, tadalafil brings unwanted vascular side effects like facial flushing, nasal congestion, and sinus pressure.
"Stuffy nose is irritating, mildly dull headache that Tylenol takes care of. The first couple of weeks I did experience muscle aches but these went away as my body became more accustomed." –Stv...
"I have mild ED as I am also Type 2 diabetic… Cialis works great, but does give you a slightly stuffy nose and slight headache." –Ala...
"Mild headache and stuffy nose. The downside is the pill lasts a long time-can be a distracting feeling horny all day." –ass...
While usually not severe, these side effects are persistent enough to make some men reconsider daily use. For others, they are tolerable trade-offs for improved performance.
"It Just Didn’t Work for Me"
The harshest criticism comes from men who say tadalafil did nothing at all. For them, the pill feels like a waste of money and hope.
"Please avoid this as it has no effects at all. I had 3 pills instead of 1, and still, there was almost no effect." –Anonymous
"Teva tadalafil is no comparison to Dr. Reddy’s. I’ve been using Teva 5 mg daily for three weeks, resulting in zero full erections." –Dis...
"One useless medicine and a complete scam… For me, it is just a sleeping tablet and is nowhere near what they say." –ban...
These accounts underline a difficult truth: tadalafil doesn’t work for everyone. Men with primarily psychological erectile dysfunction often find limited benefit. Others simply don’t respond, no matter the dose or timing.
The Problem with Generics and Brands
Another frustration comes from inconsistency between manufacturers. Some men report excellent results from one brand, only to be disappointed when their pharmacy switches to a different generic.
"Then a pharmacy refilled my script with BurelPharma brand… Do not buy these or accept them, they are absolute junk. They do not even work at twice the dose!" –Gen...
"The real Cialis is awesome, but not this generic joke. This generic tadalafil is trash. I feel no effect even at 20 mg." –Wax...
"Teva brand of tadalafil is a waste of time. It has no effect whatsoever. My doctor keeps prescribing even though I repeatedly ask for Cialis brand." –Chr...
While generics contain the same active ingredient, differences in formulation, fillers, or absorption may explain why some men experience inconsistent results.
Too Much of a Good Thing
Not every negative experience is about lack of effect. For some men, tadalafil works too well. They find themselves semi-aroused all day, waking with frequent erections, or feeling overstimulated.
"It made me feel semi-aroused through the day and night, thinking about sex, feeling tingly… I ejaculated 6 times in 36 hours. Mild headache and stuffy nose." –ass...
"Had no side effects, nothing for about 12 hours, then was woken maybe 6 times during the night with a raging hard-on… seriously feel I could go again." –Anonymous
"The only negative side effect is that I want to make love to my wife all the time." –Hor...
While some couples enjoy the boost, others find it distracting, exhausting, or even uncomfortable.
Comparing Tadalafil to Alternatives
Several reviewers compare tadalafil to sildenafil (Viagra) or other ED medications, often finding tadalafil slower or less reliable.
"I usually take sildenafil 1 hour before sex, and I get rock hard… I wanted to try tadalafil so it lasted more than 4–6 hours. I took a 10 mg tablet… it wasn’t really hard enough for penetration, so disappointed!" –Mit...
"I have only tried the generic version of Cialis, so maybe the real thing would work better, but it does nothing for me… Viagra is better, and I can get away with half the dose." –niv...
"Ever since using generic Cialis, I have done nothing but waste my money. One made by Treva is worthless, and the other made by Dr. Reddy works fair." –Dav...
Some men switch back to sildenafil for faster, more predictable results. Others alternate between medications depending on the situation.
Lessons Learned and Patient Tips
Even among those disappointed, many share tips for managing side effects or improving results.
"I may try an even lower dose-5mg or 2.5 mg? I certainly want to give it a try because it was amazing at first! But, I must admit I’m now very apprehensive." –WAS...
"Will now try one dose every other day. Will come back to site with results." –Red...
"By doing it this way [splitting pills before bedtime], I wake up like a teenager, so if the opportunity presents itself, I am ready!" –Ame...
Patients experiment with timing (morning vs bedtime), dosage (daily microdoses vs as-needed), and hydration to reduce side effects like cramps and headaches. While not every adjustment works, persistence sometimes pays off.
Pharmacist Commentary
Pharmacist Alessandro Grenci offers perspective on why experiences vary so widely:
"Not every medicine works for every patient-and that includes tadalafil. Some men find it life-changing, while others experience side effects or no benefit at all. This isn’t failure; it’s biology. Erectile dysfunction has many causes, and if tadalafil doesn’t suit you, there are alternatives-whether that’s sildenafil, vardenafil, or a different approach altogether. The most important step is to work with a healthcare professional to find what’s right for you, rather than giving up in frustration."
Conclusion
Tadalafil has earned its place as one of the most trusted treatments for erectile dysfunction. But the patient stories remind us that it’s not a universal solution.
For some, it brings headaches, muscle pain, or nasal congestion. For others, it simply doesn’t work-or only works inconsistently depending on the brand. And for a smaller group, it works so strongly that intimacy becomes overwhelming.
The lessons are clear:
- Side effects are real and sometimes severe.
- Effectiveness varies, especially between brands.
- Alternatives exist, and perseverance often pays off.
Tadalafil may disappoint some men, but it isn’t the end of the road. With medical guidance, many go on to find a treatment that suits their needs-whether through dose adjustment, switching brands, or trying a different medication altogether.
