I've read on reputable websites that Cialis can work as quickly as 30 minutes and that it reaches a maximum level in the blood in 2 hours.  

I have a prescription for Cialis 10mg. They aren't cheap. Since I want to get the most bang(ing) for my buck, I try to take a pill at least 2 hours and as much as 4 hours before I am scheduled to meet with a lady.  

Sometimes it kicks in right on time, which is awesome. And sometimes I end up with a raging hard on 3 hours too late or even the next morning. It all seems kind of hit or miss and not a little frustrating.

If anyone else has had this kind of experience with Cialis or, better yet, has any sound advice that might help me with this timing issue, it would be most appreciated. Also, would I do better with Viagra or Levitra?

P.S. My apologies if this topic has been covered previously

or after eating or maybe on an empty stomach with no food afterwards?  I'm not a doc and I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

... I took the 20 mg Cialis as needed dose (per prescription).  

With Viagra I take 50 mg just before entering the in call. It works quick enough that I'm good to go after talk, shower, and foreplay.

My experience may not be yours. Talk to your doctor.

I split a 20mg pill in half and take first half about four hours before and the other half about two hours before.  Over the years, I have tried many variations, but the foregoing seems the most effective.

Get a prescription for the 5 mg daily Cialis and only take it on the days you are going to have sex, or even double up to 10 mg on those days.  The daily Cialis is the cheapest alternative in terms of $/mg.  I have had much better results with Cialis than Viagra.  I, like many others, had a hard time coming with Viagra.

I got a script for 100mg and my doc recommended cutting the pills in half.  A 50mg dose works for me, but I get a stronger rush with the full 100mg dose which I find enjoyable.  I take it about 45 minutes before meeting my date, so the rush is happening when we get busy.  Oh, and I try not to eat for at least several hours beforehand.  Taking vitamin V on a full stomach slows everything down a lot for me.

Also saves money. My prescription plan will only provide 4 per month with a $25 copay. Getting the bigger doses and splitting them is cost effective. More $ to spend on dates.

The last I checked the Viagra 100mg were about the same price as the Viagra 50mg. Saves a lot to split them, especially if insurance doesn't cover them.

...coming is why I went to 50 mg and taking it minutes before the start of the session. Have not had any problem since.

It doesn't hurt to cover again.  I'm glad that this site and this board lets us share experiences with the ED drugs.

My experience which I have discussed frequently and openly is that all the big three are a little different.  You should experiment to see which is best for you.  I like the feel of Cialis but occasionally have had some reduced performance for inexplicable reasons.  I still use it for longer sessions.  But Levitra for me is "more reliable and more predictable".  I always use that phrase.  85% versus 70% with Cialis.  But none is perfect. I have used Viagra.  It has characteristics similar to Levitra but seems a little less effective.  And Viagra can be a pain in terms of timing and food.  Yes, Cialis seems best at two hours but has long duration - easily 24 hours.  Levitra comes on in about an hour and can last twelve hours.  These are all just personal experiences and adjustments.  None of it is universal.  You have to do a little experimentation on yourself.  And by the way, after some titration, I have settled on 20 mg of cialis and 10 mg of Levitra.  But once again, that it just personal.  And it can vary.  I always go into this long description because I think it is best to share real experiences rather than spread big man, locker room talk.  Good luck.

prescribes 100 MG of Viagra & instructs to buy a pill cutter.  The coating is because V tastes bad.  Swishes fine with a sip of water.  I figured out my dose...  I tried taking 1/2 of my dose an hour before & the second half upon arrival...  eventually went with just the arrival dose.  

I've switched to Cialis daily (High dose C gave me a 3 day back ache!) for BPH.  Decided on 1/2 of daily which is enough for my needs.  Working fine for me.  

I had a sample of high dose Cialis...  I tried cutting them to the daily dose approx... which I tried for just the sex aspect & found it takes effect pretty fast...  30 minutes is fine.  

A pill cutter can save you big bucks.  

Oh, yes, I had to get prior authorization (since other prefered BPH meds didn't work) but even so I'm in the early copay stage & the hit was shocking, next copay will be less & after that I'll be over the copay threshoold.    

-- Modified on 2/8/2015 9:00:15 PM

Just wondering does your doctor tell you to cut the pills because the half lives are so prolonged and the pills are so strong that they work extremely quickly? Also I am wondering why prescribe the 100 MG dosage instead of the 50 mg twice?

Because the 50mg and 100mg are close to the same price.  By getting the 100mg and splitting it you save a lot of $.

-- Modified on 2/9/2015 8:32:41 PM

I truly appreciate the advice.

a spinner  
 

from a insert in Golf Digest, a couple of months back. I went with the 5 mg daily which gave me a months supply. I just had my doctor prescribe it and good to go at the pharmacy after presenting the insert ad.

I bought the 100 Mg Viagra and quarter it// At 50 MG I had a lot of trouble getting off.. at 25 MG  I'm good.. So, obviously it's very individual.. YMMV is very operative..  

Oddly when I have been with a woman a number of times.. I no longer need anything which is refreshing..