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Article at a Glance:
- Meth and Viagra are often mixed to enhance sexual pleasure.
- Meth can cause erectile dysfunction and many other side effects.
- The risks of mixing meth and Viagra include an increased rate of sexually transmitted diseases like HIV.
Meth is a dangerous drug on its own, but when it’s combined with other substances, the potential risks increase. Research shows that polysubstance use involving meth can lead to unsafe behaviors among people who are at high risk for sexually transmitted diseases.
Table of Contents
The Use of Crystal Meth and Viagra
Polysubstance use involving meth is common among some partygoers. When these people are at nightclubs or raves, they may combine a variety of different drugs, including meth. In particular, men may combine meth with prescription medications that help with sexual performance, such as Viagra or Cialis. Meth can cause erectile dysfunction since it constricts blood vessels, so some men use these medications in an attempt to prevent it.
The Why
Studies have shown that people mix meth with drugs like sildenafil (Viagra), MDMA (ecstasy) or nitrite (poppers) for several reasons, including:
- Enhanced sexual experiences
- Avoiding unpleasant emotions
- Avoiding physical discomfort
- Social pressure
The Risks
Meth is a highly addictive drug that can cause life-threatening side effects. Meth-related overdoses nearly tripled from 2015 to 2019, making it a growing concern in the United States.
Viagra is considered non-addictive, but it should only be taken by prescription due to dangerous drug interactions with substances like nitrates, nitrites (like poppers) and riociguat.
Combining meth and Viagra carries additional risks, including:
- A higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases like HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis
- Unprotected sex
- Lower sexual inhibitions
- More instances of casual, anonymous and paid sex
FAQs
- Is Viagra safe?
Viagra is generally safe, but it should not be combined with certain other substances due to the risk of dangerously low blood pressure. These substances include nitrites (like poppers), nitrates (like nitroglycerin) or riociguat.
- Can you overdose on Viagra?
Although rare, Viagra overdoses have been reported and can be fatal in some cases. It is important to take Viagra only as prescribed and tell your doctor about other medications you are taking.
- What are poppers for sex? Are poppers safe?
Poppers are liquid nitrites, a chemical that some people believe can enhance sex. However, they can be dangerous and can lead to breathing problems, extremely low blood pressure and even death. The FDA has warned against using poppers.
- Does meth cause erectile dysfunction?
Yes. Doctors think meth may cause erectile dysfunction because it constricts blood vessels. Since blood flow is needed for an erection, meth can interfere with this process.
Meth and Commonly Abused Drugs
- Meth and Crack
- Meth and Heroin
- Meth and Cocaine
- Meth and Alcohol
- Speedball (Meth, Cocaine and Heroin)
- Meth and Adderall
Mixing meth and prescription drugs like Viagra can lead to a number of long-term concerns. Even without mixing it with Viagra, meth can easily damage your overall health and negatively impact your day-to-day life. If you or someone you love is struggling with meth and other substances, The Recovery Village is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about meth addiction treatment programs that can work well for your situation.
- Sources
- Tar, Moses T.; Martinez, Luis R.; Nosanchuk, Joshua D.; Davies, Kelvin P. “The effect of methamphetamine on an animal model of erectile function.” Andrology, April 3, 2014. Accessed November 30, 2021.
- Tracqui, A.; Miras, A.; Tabib, A. “Fatal overdosage with sildenafil citrate (Viagra): first report and review of the literature.” Human and Experimental Toxicology, November 2002. Accessed November 30, 2021.
- Drugs.com. “Sildenafil.” March 22, 2021. Accessed November 30, 2021.
- Food and Drug Administration. “FDA Advises Consumers Not to Purchase or Use Nitrite “Poppers.” June 24, 2021. Accessed November 30, 2021.
- National Institutes of Health. “Methamphetamine-involved overdose deaths nearly tripled between 2015 to 2019, NIH study finds.” September 22, 2021. Accessed November 30, 2021.
- Fisher, Dennis G.; Reynolds, Grace L.; Napper, Lucy E. “Use of Crystal Meth, Viagra and Sexual Behaviour.” Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases, February 2010. Accessed November 30, 2021.
- New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute. “Methamphetamine and HIV: Basic Facts for Service Providers.” March 2006. Accessed November 30, 2021.
- Semple, Shirley J.; Strathdee, Steffanie A.; Zians, Jim; Patterson, Thomas L. “Sexual Risk Behavior Associated with Co-administration of Methamphetamine and Other Drugs in a Sample of HIV-positive Men Who Have Sex with Men.” The American Journal on Addictions, February 2009. Accessed November 30, 2021.
